When readers read a worthwhile comic book, it feels effortless and provides them with a thrilling and cinematic experience where panels flow directly into one another. But behind that smooth motion is one challenging truth:
Writing a comic book is arguably the most disciplined form of writing there is.
Authors are not just crafting dialogue or action. They are creating a visual experience, dictating different camera angles, pace, and the emotional beat of each single frame. Artists invest their hearts into the process.
This dual challenge of being both a writer and the visual director is the ultimate hook for experienced ones, and the primary hurdle for beginners.
The secret to comic book writing?
If authors approach comic book writing like a novel, then they will fall. This medium demands brevity, a good focus on the scene economy, and a deep understanding of the page turn. The last one is the crucial moment that is designed to maximize tension and keep readers hooked.
A poorly written script leads to a confused artist, a disjointed story and a reader who is not interested at all.
This blog post will service as the essential first step in the world of storytelling from panel to another. It will go beyond dialogue and plot summary in exploring the structural secrets of a professional script.
Steps for writing a worthwhile comic book
The art of comic book writing is not a fluke. It is a disciplined approach where the core of each novel, comic book, manga, movie, and play is the story and its characters. Character development and story evolution are important aspects of comic books.
Creating and developing stories plus characters is a unique process for all artists out there. In general, art and artwork have no strict rules that have to be followed by everyone. The project won’t fail, as art isn’t like cooking and culinary classes.
Writing a comic book still requires some rules and knowledge. It is important to understand the stages and structure of building a comic book with a good story and interesting characters.
Choosing the idea authors believe in
Serial content is created online and in print, too. The author’s creative vision is something that sets them apart. Beginning with an idea they strongly believe in works wonders.
Starting a comic book requires a significant time commitment, and authors must ensure they have enough interest in their characters and storyline. That can help the project reach the finish line right on time.
Indeed, brainstorming is not the same for everyone. Even the top 5 comic book writing companies would agree with it. Yet authors can expect their original idea to evolve a bit as they are just getting started. They should keep a notebook at hand to write down comic ideas, dialogues and sketches whenever they come to mind.
Writing the story first
It is tempting to jump right in and start drawing for the comic book. But authors should try not to get ahead of themselves. They should know from reading and understanding their favorite comics that creating a solid storyline is indeed crucial. The text drives the visual action and fills in important plot details along with characters’ key traits, too.
If the objective is developing a cohesive and well-designed comic book from cover to another, then they must make their script before they start illustrating.
Otherwise, they will risk making a lot of panels that need revisions or discarding if the narrative is not what it is. Beginners will quickly realize that revising text is easier compared to redrawing an entire page.
Here are the key story elements needed for authors to help them write a comic book:
- Setting: A clear sense of place, mood and time.
- Characters: Are the main characters fully developed and believable? Do they have any challenges, motivations, and key personality traits?
- Plot: The story should follow a natural arc or sequence (background information, rising action, conflict, resolution). No gaps should be present as they will confuse readers.
- Narration: Consistency in point of view.
- Theme: Lessons learned by characters.
Researching the craft of comic book writing
Authors may feel like they have consumed a lot of comics to know how to make one. But there is always plenty to learn from experienced illustrators and worthwhile comic book publishing houses and companies alike.
In between their own creative work sessions, authors need to read books, interviews, and blogs of their favorite comic book creators. That can help them discover their tips and techniques. It is also worthwhile to research important illustration tools so they can help themselves in this area.
Layout planning
This is the actual drawing phase. The focus here is on working out the composition of each comic book page and the overall flow. Most comic book artists use thumbnails (rough sketches of each page layout) to see what works and what doesn’t work.
They should ensure the test and illustrations fit each panel. At the same time, momentum should be maintained in the story to keep readers captivated. Dialogues, actions, they all should work and be clear. Authors need to be sure that they have created the right amount of suspense at the end of each page. This keeps the readers going.
Making a set of rules for drawing
A recommendation from experienced comic book artists is to establish a consistent style of illustration workable and efficient for the project’s scope. It can mean assigning certain textures, shading, or coloring effects to certain characters and backgrounds. They can also limit the number of frames for each page.
They are the personal guidelines to create visual harmony and to avoid making complicated drawings in case authors are unable to replicate the real look and feel of comic books.
Drawing illustrations
As authors have done all the pre-planning and troubleshooting, here is the moment they have been waiting for.
The process of drawing looks different depending on whether or not they use pencil and ink, tablets, drawing apps, software, or vice versa. Regardless of which drawing method they choose, they can find countless blogs, tutorials, and forums to answer their questions. Here are the steps they will follow to complete their illustrations:
- Drawing.
- Inking.
- Coloring.
- Lettering.
Selecting the format
Authors know that with print comics, the format they select contributes to a great reading experience. Magazine formats can be a good choice for comics. Plenty of space is present on each page, and high volumes can be created at low costs.
Choosing a bookmaking tool
Once authors know their format, they must decide which publishing tool fits their skill level. This is the stage where the comic book project starts picking up the pace. The finished product can now be seen and is available within reach.
Publishing and ordering the comic book
It is now time for authors to release their creative vision into the world. They can order copies of the comic to share with family and friends. A comic book launch event can be hosted, and the comic can also be sold online.
Over to you
Indeed, the world of comic book writing and comics is very interesting. In fact, comics are easily readable thanks to their format and visuals. But the field requires a lot of discipline and a lot of work. Precision is perfected by practice, and that can lead to a successful comic book being created and launched.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the most significant difference between writing a comic script and a screenplay?
A: Economy and panel direction. A comic script must be far more economical with dialogue and description. You are writing direct instructions for the artist, including specific panel borders, camera angles, and page-turn reveals, which is more specific than a typical screenplay. It also improves the comic book writing cost.
Q: How do I manage the pacing using panels?
A: Pacing is controlled by the number of panels per page and the panel size. More panels and small panels speed up action or dialogue; fewer, larger panels are used to emphasize emotional beats, slow down time, or highlight a dramatic reveal. Amazon comic book publishing also has essential rules that can help authors in this regard.
Q: Should authors write all the dialogue first or focus on the visuals?
A: Authors must always focus on the visuals first. Since comics are a visual medium, the action and imagery must drive the plot. The dialogue should only supplement the art, not dominate it. If the art can convey the emotion, the dialogue isn’t necessary.
Q: What is the most important element when an author is collaborating with an artist for comic book writing?
A: Clarity and Trust. The author’s script must be crystal clear, using proper terminology. Yet, they must also trust the artist’s visual expertise and allow them room to interpret your direction. This is what collaboration is all about.