<p>This conference paper examines how physical book formats affect the creation and reading of branching narratives in print comics. Focusing on works by Chris Ware, Jason Shiga and OuBaPo, it considers how tabs, split pages, loose components, wheels and other engineered paper structures change the relationship between creator, reader and object. Drawing on comics theory, ergodic literature and practice-based reflection, the presentation argues that format is not just a container for narrative but an active part of how narrative is produced and navigated. Simple systems can make branching comics more accessible to create and read, while more complex mechanisms demand greater planning and reader effort. The talk positions paper format as a key storytelling agent within branching comics and related artist-book practices.</p>