Q&A for How to Make a Comic

If you're planning on scanning it, no. Crayons can leave some chunky parts in the place you colored, which would look strange in a scanned comic.

Of course; plenty of artists work almost exclusively on their computers.

Many writers and artists are very nervous about facing the rejection and criticism of their work; it's the equivalent of a singer performing in front of a large audience. If you don't feel it's ready, set it aside for a month or two and don't look at it; when you pull it back out and review, you'll have a bit of distance from it and mistakes stand out much better. If you feel that it represents your best efforts, step outside of your comfort zone and submit it. Know that regardless of how good your work is, there are always going to be people who don't like it; however, your critics will be the most vocal about your weak points, guiding you toward areas you can improve. In short, though, you undoubtedly created your comic because it's a passion, and the only person whose opinion about it that matters is yours.

Your comic has to succeed first. Start with one comic, then branch out from there.

You can try using Strathmore Bristol. It scans really well.

Some printers have the ability to print, scan and copy. Find one! It might be in your school (if you are a student), or perhaps at home.

If you think you're not good at drawing, you can always start with stick figures or characters that are basically shapes (for example, Ms. Triangle, Dr. Square, etc.).

Not really. It depends on your artistic vision and how you want to capture your audience's eye.

Yes, most scanners are able to produce images in color.

Of course! It's your comic, if that's the style you prefer, that's perfectly fine.

You can make a comic at any age really, but if you're a kid and you want to publish your comic professionally, you will probably need help from an adult.

Learn HTML, CSS, and Javascript and host it with 000webhost.com, or use Wix, Yola or Wordpress if you want an easier option.

Don't get your hopes up too much that the publisher will accept your comic on your first try. Rejection is just part of publishing. You can always publish the comic on your art page with tags, categories, etc. and make it free to read first in order to gain more readers.

You don't need them. You can use Google Drive, Pages, Paint.net, Microsoft Word or GIMP.

You can measure the paper with a ruler and divide it in equal segments. Then draw the lines to make the frames.

It depends on what you want the tone of the scene to be. Some artists use pages called "splash pages," which are single panels that take up an entire page in order to give the scene more impact. For normal scenes, you'll want to use multiple panels.

No, they should be spread out on many different papers.

Yes, you can use A4 paper to scan your comic. Most scanners support A4 size, which is 21 x 29.7 cm (8.3 x 11.7 inches). For the best results, use clean white paper, scan at a high resolution (300 dpi or higher), ensure the paper is flat, and merge parts if your scanner is smaller than A4.

Yes, your text can still look good without Photoshop. Write neatly using block letters or simple handwriting, use a ruler to keep text straight, and try fine-tip pens or markers for clean letters. Make speech bubbles big enough for clear spacing, pencil in the text first, then go over it with ink, and use stencils or stickers if handwriting is difficult. Good lettering makes a hand-drawn comic look professional.

You can still make a good graphic novel with simple drawings. Use stick figures or basic shapes and focus on expressions and actions. Pick an easy scene from *The Hunger Games* like the reaping, training, or an arena moment. Plan your pages: Page 1 sets up the scene, Page 2 shows action, and Page 3 ends with a key moment. Keep backgrounds simple, use speech bubbles, and add sound effects like *boom* or *gasp*. Sketch lightly with a pencil first, then outline with a pen. If drawing is too hard, focus on dialogue and movement.

No, you don’t have to use a computer to make a comic. Many artists draw on paper and then scan or photograph their work. You can draw by hand using pencils, ink, and markers, use a sketchbook or comic paper to plan layouts, add text with handwriting or stickers, and make copies with a printer or photocopier. To share it online, you can scan it or take pictures with a phone.

The length of a comic depends on its type and format. Webcomics or webtoons usually have 20 to 60 panels per episode, single-issue comics are around 20 to 32 pages, graphic novels range from 100 to 300 pages, and manga chapters are about 15 to 25 pages, with a full volume having 150 to 200 pages. Shorter comics work well online, while longer ones are better for print.

To think of a comic idea, find inspiration from things you enjoy, such as fantasy, action, or mystery. Create a basic concept in one or two sentences, develop characters with goals, flaws, and motivations, and plan the world where the story takes place. Outline the plot with a beginning, middle, and end, sketch ideas for characters and settings, and experiment without worrying about perfection. Let your creativity flow and build your comic step by step!

Yes, you can have a partner to help with your comic. Many creators work in teams to make the process easier and more enjoyable. A partner can assist with writing, drawing, editing, or promotion. Clear communication and a shared vision are key to successful collaboration.

To upload two webtoons on a platform like Webtoon, create an account or log in to Webtoon Canvas. Click "Publish" to create a new series for each webtoon, upload episodes by adding images, arrange panels, set titles and descriptions, then choose to publish immediately or schedule a release. You can manage both webtoons under your account and update them separately.

It's good to write part of your script before drawing, but you don’t have to finish everything first. Writing the full script first helps with pacing, consistency, and planning dialogue. Writing as you go, about 10 pages ahead, allows flexibility to adjust the story while drawing. Since you have the backbone of your story, try scripting a few chapters ahead while keeping room for changes. Find what works best for you!

Yes, you can make a comic on drawing paper using watercolors, but you need to use the right materials. Use thick watercolor paper (200-300 gsm) to prevent warping. Lightly sketch your panels with a pencil before painting. Use waterproof ink for outlining, like Micron or India ink. Let each layer dry before adding details to avoid smudging. Use less water to prevent the paper from buckling. Once dry, bind the pages with staples, glue, or sewing. It takes time, but the result can be unique and beautiful.

You only need to scan if your comic is on paper and you want a digital copy. If you just want to copy or print, you can use a photocopier to make copies or print directly from a computer if the comic is digital. Scan only if you need to edit or save it digitally before printing.

Use a flatbed scanner for clear images and open scanning software like Adobe Scan or VueScan. Set the resolution to 300 to 600 DPI for good quality, and choose grayscale or color based on your comic style. Save the file as PNG or TIFF for better quality, and edit if needed using Photoshop, GIMP, or Clip Studio Paint.

The best free alternatives to Photoshop include GIMP for Photoshop-like tools, Krita for digital painting and comics, Photopea for online use without downloading, MediBang Paint for manga, and Paint.NET for basic editing.