Art or Writing—Which One Carries the Comic?

Let’s start with a question that might get us in trouble: Is a comic better off with killer art and weak writing, or solid writing and so-so art?

We all know comics are a visual medium. But they’re also storytelling vehicles, and storytelling needs structure, voice, and heart. So… which carries more weight?

In the world of comics, art and writing are constantly battling for dominance, but the best books know how to let both shine. Still, there are moments when one clearly carries the load while the other drops the ball.

Let’s talk about it.

When Art Carries the Book

Sometimes the visuals are so powerful, they do the heavy lifting, even when the writing can’t quite keep up.

Example 1: Spawn (Early Issues)

Todd McFarlane’s Spawn debuted in the '90s with art that was undeniably groundbreaking; dynamic poses, intricate details, and a dark aesthetic that captivated readers. However, the writing received mixed reviews. Critics pointed out that while the visuals were compelling, the storytelling lacked depth. For instance, ComicBook.com noted that Spawn's pages "resemble McFarlane’s prior work and the popular modes of the early 90s," but some elements "have aged the least well" due to their focus on style over substance.

Example 2: Jim Lee’s X-Men Run

Jim Lee's tenure on X-Men in the early '90s is often celebrated for its iconic artwork. His dynamic character designs and action-packed panels redefined the visual standard for superhero comics. While the art was universally praised, the writing during this period faced criticism for being convoluted and heavily reliant on existing continuity, making it less accessible to new readers. IGN described the art as "game-changing," but called the story "heavy on continuity, sometimes confusing."

Example 3: Batman: Noel by Lee Bermejo

Lee Bermejo's Batman: Noël is a visual masterpiece, reimagining A Christmas Carol through a Gotham lens. The artwork is richly detailed and atmospheric, drawing readers into its moody world. While the narrative is serviceable, it's the art that truly stands out, with Comic Book Resources praising the art as "stunningly cinematic" and noting it "elevates the story beyond a simple retelling."

When Writing Saves the Day

On the flip side, great writing can make up for less-than-stellar art, and can even make readers forget it entirely.

Example 1: The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman & Tony Moore/Charlie Adlard

Though the art by Tony Moore and later Charlie Adlard in The Walking Dead has often been called “rough,” “minimalist,” or “unpolished” compared to other comics, Robert Kirkman’s writing won over fans with compelling characters and gripping storytelling. IGN notes that “while the art is often simple and functional, it’s Kirkman’s storytelling and tension-building that keep readers hooked.” This contrast shows how powerful writing can maintain momentum despite artistic limitations.

Example 2: Sandman by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman's The Sandman is renowned for its literary depth and imaginative storytelling. Early issues featured a rotating roster of artists, leading to some inconsistency in visuals. However, Gaiman's writing consistently received praise for its mythological richness and narrative complexity, often overshadowing the variable art quality. The New Yorker praised Gaiman’s narrative as "deeply imaginative and poetic," noting some early art inconsistencies.

Example 3: Preacher by Garth Ennis & Steve Dillon

Preacher is famous for its sharp, darkly humorous writing and bold storytelling by Garth Ennis. But many fans and critics have called Steve Dillon’s art “simple,” “flat,” or “clunky.” For instance, Comic Book Resources described the art as “serviceable but not stunning,” sometimes even “clunky,” while praising Ennis’s writing as “exceptional, with sharp dialogue and fearless themes.” Despite the art’s shortcomings, Preacher has become a cult classic, proving that a strong story can outweigh less impressive visuals.

The Real Answer: It’s Not a Competition

Honestly? The best comics are collaborations, not competitions. Think about Saga. Fiona Staples’ dreamy, expressive art paired with Vaughan’s emotional storytelling created something unforgettable. Or Watchmen, where Dave Gibbons’ tight panel work danced perfectly with Alan Moore’s obsessive scripting. Even Hellboy, where Mignola’s minimalist shadows and his own sparse writing style formed a perfect match.

When art and writing work together, the result is pure magic.

Our Take

As writers and artists, we’ve seen how the right artist can make a “meh” script sing, or turn a good script into a legend. But the reverse is also true. Even the most beautiful panels can’t fix a flat plot or wooden characters.

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Come See Us at Comicpalooza

We’ll be putting this whole “art vs. writing” thing to the test live at Comicpalooza this year! Come visit Dimension Comics at Booth 2401—we’ll have brand new art, fresh books, and some exciting news about our upcoming releases. Whether you're team Art, team Writing, or just love comics as much as we do, we want to talk with you.