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How To Create A Webcomic
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Date Published: April 20th, 2025
How To Create A Webcomic
In today's video, we're looking at how to create a webcomic! We're discussing general tips to help you plan and write your webcomic, analysing the pros and cons of posting on a webcomic site vs your own website, as well as looking at examples of storyboarding and panel layout for a vertical scrolling comic.
What Is A Webcomic?
Webcomics are comics released on the internet. Webcomics can be released in a series or in shorter comic strip formats. Another term for webcomic is webmanga, which is more typically released in a manga format.
Choose Your Format
Before you begin, first choose the format for your webcomic.
If you’re uploading on a webcomic site, this will typically be the preferred format.
However, many webcomics are also uploaded in book format, where the pages can be turned from left to right or right to left. This can be more easily done if uploading on your own website.
Some webcomics, especially if created in yonkoma (4 panel) format, are uploaded as a stand alone page.
Where Do You Upload Your Webcomic?
You can choose to upload your webcomic on a webcomic site, or host it on your own website! There are pros and cons of both of these options, and we will discuss both.
Pros of Uploading On Webcomic Site
| CONS of Uploading On Webcomic Site
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Pros of Uploading On Own Website
| Cons of Uploading On Own Website
|
Develop Your Plot
To begin, start creating your plot. As you plan your webcomic, ensure that the story is something that would keep you interested, as webcomics are a big time commitment, and a good story can keep you motivated.
Find A Hook
A hook is a writing strategy used to keep readers invested for longer. A good way to create a hook is to start with a basic plot and then create an intriguing twist.
For example, a story about two childhood friends who like each other but are too afraid to say it. Little does the other character know that their friend is a time traveller, and has been going back in time, trying to find the right thing to say.
A hook adds an unexpected element to the story!
Create Your Main Characters
Create main characters who look good together. You want to aim to create characters who people would want to draw or talk about. There are a few ways you can do this.
- Give the main characters personalities that interact in unique ways.
Give them designs that look good together.
Force them to work together on the main story goal (especially if they might not get along at first.)
Know Your Genre
Webcomics have more expectations regarding genre. This doesn’t mean you can’t be unique! It just means that you should know what is expected in your genre, and find ways to appeal to that audience. Focus 60% of your attention on making the webcomic appeal to the readers of that genre, and 40% on finding ways to stand apart from that. Balance is key.
Plan Multiple Chapters
Before you release your webcomic, you want to ensure that you know the direction you want to take with your story. Plan ahead with multiple chapters before you begin releasing your webcomic. The amount you plan depends on how long or complicated your webcomic is, but I think at least five storyboards or notes for five chapters is good.
Know The Ending
While you don’t need to have the ending fully planned, having a basic idea of where you want the story to end can help you to know what you’re working towards. Because even though the beginning of the webcomic is important, having a satisfying ending is just as crucial!
How To Storyboard
Most webcomics are published in vertical scrolling format. For this part, we will look at how to storyboard and prepare pages in this style.
To begin, start by setting your canvas size. To keep your webcomic artwork high quality, I suggest setting your canvas size higher, and then resizing it later.
For this example, we will use a canvas size with a width of 2400px, and a height of 10000px, with a resolution of 600 DPI. You may extend the height of the canvas if you need more space. You may also need to divide your chapter into multiple files, depending on what your computer and drawing program can handle.
Types Of Panels
A vertical scrolling webcomic typically features different styles of 'panels,' and knowing these layouts can help you to storyboard more effectively.
Introduction Panels
Set the scene by showing a background panel, and then the character at a closer angle in the next panel. You may also include dialogue over the top of the artwork.
Transforming Panels
A fun way to use the vertical scrolling format is to have images ‘change’ as the reader scrolls. In this example, I started with a character walking in a forest, then showed the tree roots, then had the roots fade into the character’s hair.
This example can be used in a wide variety of ways, including showing tall buildings, full body character designs, and using gradients to transition between scenes.
Separated Panels
One way to introduce a character or a scene is to separate it into multiple small panels before showing the final reveal.
This technique can also be used with text instead of panels.
Stand-Out Panels
A good way to draw attention to your character is bring them out of the panel. This can be used in a wide variety of panel layouts and styles!
Know The Reading Direction
Draw an imaginary line through each panel and dialogue. If it is easy to know where your eyes should look next, then the panel layout is good! But if it feels confusing, you may need to change the panel layout, before finalising the artwork.
Finalise Your Artwork
Try to find a technique that helps you speed up the process, while still creating artwork you feel happy with. You may colour your webcomic, or finalise it with black and white shading.
