Hi KRWilliams,
I completely agree, naturally there is a gap between comics and other visual mediums and a novel, however, and this might be a controversial point, I disagree that a character's physical attributes must be described, when writing a novel, regardless of perspective.
This is real only a minor detail and doesn't effect the plot, with the exception of gender and race, which can also be inferred from name and setting,
example: someone called Artyom who lives in Russia is most likely a male and Russian.
But other than that, appearances aren't really necessities nor does it add to the atmosphere in the same way, say something like set design does.
If physical appearance was a key aspect or theme of the novel, for example if a certain set of physical attributes, changed the course of the story around a specific character, then this can be illustrated, naturally through the interactions and dialogues of the supporting cast. Also regardless of whether it's first or third person.
I also don't necessarily think that a flashback needs to be explicitly pointed out, nor does it need to be repeated out in full, just start off a little bit before said flashback ended whilst repeating core details. The audience can infer from this that the scene is a from where it left off, previously. Though I will agree it might feel disjointed with the first read.
Lastly, I will admit that INTERMINUTE's specific way of revealing information wouldn't translate well in a written medium, aka shifting from one scene to another and detaching itself completely from the MC, but it can still be done if it's remains tied to the perspective of the main character, and him actively adapting to those conditions.
For example, if I were to adapt this chase scene to a written medium, I would have it so Dustin (the red haired character) would have a walkie-talkie, or perhaps overhear it from a radio on the street as interference, listen to the time police plan out they're raid, eg: "Free to prog, okay to falcon."
look up at the sky, seeing the flare explosion and make commentary on how the world is losing it's color and freezing: "shit! it's becoming grey, no, no... I better make it out before everything gets frozen." etc. something along those lines.
Although I understand that this is probably not nearly as effective, as it was with a visual medium.
and of course, I understand your response is aimed at the content, I appreciate you taking the time to discuss the limitations of this perspective.
-Pablo