four-panel

四格漫画 - Strict 2×2 grid, single-page story

Panel Structure

• Panels per page: 4 (exactly, no variation)
• Structure: Strict 2×2 equal grid
• Gutters: Consistent white space (8-10px), uniform on all sides

Grid Configuration

• 2 columns × 2 rows, all panels identical size
• Panel sizes: Exactly equal (each panel = 25% of content area)
• Reading flow: Z-pattern — Panel 1 (top-left) → Panel 2 (top-right) → Panel 3 (bottom-left) → Panel 4 (bottom-right)

Narrative Structure

Each panel serves a specific narrative role (起承转合 / kishōtenketsu):

Panel	Position	Role	Purpose
1	Top-left	起 Setup	Establish situation, introduce characters/problem
2	Top-right	承 Development	Build on setup, add complication or attempt
3	Bottom-left	转 Turn	Twist, key insight, or reversal — the pivotal moment
4	Bottom-right	合 Conclusion	Resolution, punchline, or takeaway

Aspect Ratio

• Recommended page aspect: 4:3 (landscape)
• Landscape gives each panel a comfortable wide rectangle
• Portrait (3:4) makes panels tall and narrow — avoid for this layout

Best For

Business allegory, quick-insight education, social media comics, fables, parables, single-concept explanation

Best Style Pairings

minimalist, ligne-claire, chalk