Here is a great example of visual story telling by Dustin Nguyen.-
Without reading the actual Streets of Gotham comic we get a clear idea of what the issue has in store through this cover design. Dustin breaks the image into three sections. Each section is sized differently and placed strategically. The largest panel shows us Batman. The story is primarily his. The look of determination on his face tells us that he knows his goal. Robin, placed in the center, tells us that the story is going to revolve around him. The anger on his face and the strong grip on the prison bars suggest that he is trapped. Contained within the bottom panel we see a menacing figure walking towards us. With a knife in one hand and the other open, fingers prepped for violence, we see the conflict of the story. A more knowledgable understanding of the Batman universe tells us that this is Mr. Zsasz and that the prison bars belong to Gotham's infamous Arkham Asylum.
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Dustin tells us, through this strategic compisition that the story's main conflict will be between Mr. Zsasz and Batman, somehow dealing with Robin's imprisionment. Placing Robin's head where it is can also symbolize Batman's love for him, giving reason for Batman's determination.
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The use of water colors gives this piece a life and energy that couldn't be achieved otherwise. There is a definant sign of control of the medium and a thorough understanding of anatomy, shape and form.
-Dustin
