 In contrast to the high level of skill in the artwork , the dialogue in McCay 's speech balloons is crude , sometimes approaching illegibility , and " disfigur [ ing ] his otherwise flawless work " , according to critic R. C. Harvey . This is further highlighted by the level of effort and skill apparent in the title lettering . McCay seemed to show little regard for the dialogue balloons , their content , and their placement in the visual composition . They tended to contain repetitive monologues expressing the increasing distress of the speakers , and showed that McCay 's gift was in the visual and not the verbal . 
