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How to Make Sequential Comic Pages

The layout and sequence of scenes and events is fundamental to successful storytelling in comic books. To a reader culturally acclimated to the Western train of thought, the logical sequence of events is left to right, top to bottom. This basic logic must be followed; if the order of events in the format is to be altered, the reader must readily understand the flow of events. Sequencing the comic book story flow in the standard left to right, top to bottom way assures that the reader will understand, but the visuals can get predictable. A successful approach is to apply the standard left to right sequence and alter the size of individual scenes in panels or frames according to dramatic importance or action.

Things You'll Need

  • Sketch pad
  • Illustration paper
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Pen and ink
  • Markers
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Instructions

    • 1
      Work out your ideas on paper.

      Sketch your ideas in a storyboard format. Informally mock up the pages using the correct page proportions. With quick thumbnail sketches, create different layouts for the scene panels filling the page. Try various layouts that successfully create a logical flow for telling the story. Be creative without the story flow becoming contrary to the basic left to right, top to bottom logic. Try making larger panels for more dramatic scenes. Try using panels that run the full length or width of the page. All creative layout devices should bring something to the story.

    • 2
      Dramatic perspectives convey action.

      Let it rest. Put the mock-up storyboard pages aside and stop thinking about it. Later, come back fresh and look at your pages as if you are a reader who knows only what you see on the page. The layout should be interesting and make logical sense to the reader.

    • 3

      Adjust your scene content to better tell the story. Adjust your scene layout to better tell the story. Keep in mind the dramatic impact of the visual elements you use. Strange and dramatic perspectives are a useful device but the visual content must be clear to the reader. A dramatic viewpoint only works if the reader gets it.

    • 4

      Keep it consistent. Whatever style of storytelling layout and sequencing you use on one page should follow throughout the book. If you bring an element in on one page, use some elements of that layout device on every page. This will help the reader stay in the flow of your graphic story.

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