Making Comics

1. Comics Storytelling Relies on Five Core Choices

In these pages, I’ve done my best to cover the storytelling secrets I don’t see any other books talking about, the ideas every comics artist needs to tackle before they even pick up a pen...

Fundamental decisions. Making comics involves fundamental choices that shape the reader's experience. These aren't just about drawing skill but about how you guide the reader through the narrative.

The Five Choices:

• Choice of Moment: What to show in each panel.
• Choice of Frame: How to compose the panel view.
• Choice of Image: What to draw within the frame.
• Choice of Word: What text to include.
• Choice of Flow: How panels are arranged on the page.

Clarity and persuasion. These choices work together to achieve clarity, ensuring the reader understands the story, and persuasion, drawing them emotionally into the narrative world. Mastering them supplements instinct and helps troubleshoot problems.

2. Characters Need Believable Inner Lives and Visual Distinction

If many of our best stories include a major change in the outlook of a main character, the best of the best help us to undergo that change with them.

Beyond surface. Characters need depth, driven by their history, desires, and internal conflicts. Audiences connect more deeply when they can infer a character's feelings and motivations through actions and expressions.

Visual identity. Distinct visual design is essential for recognition and conveying personality. Consider:

• Height, weight, profile
• Expressive traits
• Body language and posture

Non-verbal communication. Facial expressions and body language are powerful tools for showing emotion and relationships. Studying real life and resources like Darwin or Faigin can enhance your ability to communicate non-verbally.

3. Words and Pictures Combine in Seven Distinct Ways

... COMICS CONSIST OF PICTORIAL NARRATIVES OR EXPOSITIONS IN WHICH WORDS (OFTEN LETTERED INTO THE PICTURE AREA WITHIN SPEECH BALLOONS) USUALLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE MEANING OF THE PICTURES AND VICE VERSA.

Synergy is key. Words and pictures in comics are two branches of the same tree, working together to create meaning. Their combination is not always equal or straightforward.

Seven types of combination:

• Word-Specific: Pictures illustrate text.
• Picture-Specific: Words add soundtrack/narration to images.
• Duo-Specific: Words and pictures convey the same meaning.
• Intersecting: Words and pictures partially overlap in meaning.
• Interdependent: Words and pictures need each other to make sense.
• Parallel: Words and pictures follow separate paths.
• Montage: Words are part of the picture.

Text elements. Word balloons, thought balloons, and sound effects are visual components that convey dialogue, internal thoughts, and auditory experiences, each with its own conventions and impact on flow and mood.

4. Building a Believable World is Crucial, Not Just Background

...THE RATIO OF ARTISTS PUTTING TOO LITTLE WORK INTO ENVIRONMENTS VERSUS THOSE PUTTING TOO MUCH IS ABOUT NINETY-NINE TO ONE.

Sense of place matters. Environments are not just static backdrops; they evoke mood, provide context, and can even be characters themselves. Skimping on "backgrounds" is a common mistake.

Establishing the setting. Effective establishing shots, whether wide views or fragmented sequences, immerse the reader in the world. Details, perspective, and even silent panels contribute to this immersion.

Reference and detail. Using reference (drawing from life, photos) helps capture the richness of the real or imagined world. Even simple styles can convey a strong sense of place through carefully chosen details.

5. Tools Evolve, But the Essentials Remain Simple

THE ONLY ESSENTIAL TOOLS ARE A WAY TO MAKE MARKS AND A SURFACE TO MAKE THEM ON.

Beyond the fancy. While technology offers many options, the core requirement for making comics is minimal: something to draw with and something to draw on. Expensive tools aren't necessary to start.

Traditional vs. Digital:

• Traditional: Pencils, pens (nib, technical, felt-tip), brushes (sable, synthetic), ink, paper (bristol board), erasers, rulers, lightboxes.
• Digital: Computers (Mac/PC), graphics software (Photoshop, Illustrator), drawing tablets/monitors (Wacom Cintiq).

Workflow and care. Regardless of tools, developing good work habits, taking breaks to avoid strain, and caring for your equipment are vital for a sustainable creative practice. Digital tools offer flexibility (layers, easy correction) but require backups and different skills.

6. Understanding Global Styles and Genres Informs Your Work

NO COUNTRY HAS ALL THE ANSWERS. CARTOONISTS EVERYWHERE TAKE SHORTCUTS. PUBLISHERS EVERYWHERE TRY TO CLONE WHATEVER WORKED LAST TIME. STORE SHELVES EVERYWHERE ARE FAR TOO SHORT.

Learn from diversity. Comics is a global medium with rich traditions in Japan (Manga), Europe (Bande Dessinée), and North America. Studying these different approaches reveals diverse storytelling techniques and priorities.

International influences:

• Manga: Strong character expression, subjective motion, aspect-to-aspect transitions, genre diversity.
• European: Emphasis on world-building, detailed environments.
• American: Historically focused on figure primacy, dynamic staging (post-Kirby).

The Four Tribes. Artists often cluster around different philosophies: Animists (story/character first), Classicists (craft/form first), Formalists (experimentation first), Iconoclasts (expression/individuality first). Understanding these perspectives helps navigate the comics ecosystem.

7. Making Comics Requires Dedication and Learning

YOU REALLY, REALLY HAVE TO WORK HARD. DRAWING COMICS REQUIRES PRETTY MUCH ALL OF YOUR FREE TIME...

A demanding craft. Making comics is labor-intensive and requires significant time and dedication. It's often described as challenging, even heartbreaking, but also deeply rewarding.

Developing your path. Finding your unique style involves experimenting, learning from others, and focusing on what genuinely excites you. Don't just chase trends or try to imitate others perfectly.

Continuous growth. The industry is constantly changing, especially with the rise of webcomics and digital platforms. Stay adaptable, keep learning, watch for patterns, and work diligently.

Last updated: May 22, 2025