A comic book term that refers to any page that shows only one panel. Commonly used to refer to the title splash page, which contains the comic's title as well the credits for that issue. They used to be almost always the first page of the book, but now are commonly after a page or two of set up. Splashes are also used to highlight a very dramatic or special panel. (Death, mystery, etc.) Splash pages tend to be used sparingly in the middle of a book, as you lose too many panels, but many books now end on a splash page. (Used to "hook" the reader to buy the next issue, etc.)

Tips for splash pages:

• Now's your time to shine! Oh sure, your publisher dropped the entire budget to get Alex Ross or Glenn Fabry to do the cover, but you're not going to let those chumps outdo you right? You're not going to get to many pin-ups in the book, so get everyone in on this one (yes, that does include the inker).


• Know your layout. As a reader, there's nothing more annoying than having a splash page on the right-hand side. It's not surprising, and it certainly doesn t jump out. Hell, I see the thing before I even get to it. So, make sure your splash pages are on the left-hand side, so I can't see it until I turn the page.


• Watch you titles. This really only refers to the opening splash, but titling is important. It's a part of the picture after all. Pick carefully and make it stand out, but don't let it distract from the panel itself. (And make sure you get everyone's name right...)