The expression describes a type of visual narrative where the sheer volume of elements, characters, or plot threads overwhelms the reader. This overabundance can manifest in densely packed panels, intricate storylines that diverge rapidly, or a large ensemble cast with minimal development, rendering the work challenging to comprehend or enjoy fully. For example, some ensemble superhero narratives can reach a point where the constant introduction of new characters and parallel plotlines detracts from the central narrative’s coherence.
This approach, when effectively employed, can mirror the feeling of being overwhelmed by information or circumstances, adding to the narrative’s impact. However, its misapplication often leads to reader fatigue and a decreased appreciation of the art form. Historically, certain comic genres, such as sprawling space operas and team-based superhero stories, have been prone to this narrative structure due to their inherent ambition to encompass large universes and numerous characters.
