Are you a fan of reading about the adventures of the X-Men? Maybe you prefer Superman or Scott Pilgrim. If you’re familiar with any of these stories, chances are you’ve been reading comic books, which are one of the most popular types of books around!

However, for many people, reading comic books isn’t enough. Have you ever dreamed of making your own? If so, you’re not alone. People all over the world come up with new stories every day. But the process of writing a comic book can seem overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

Every great comic book starts with a great idea. Think of an interesting main character or an exciting adventure. From there, you can create a whole cast of characters and imagine the world they inhabit. Then, develop the plot of your story. What is the main conflict? What events will lead to the climax? Once your idea is fully formed, it’s time to start writing.

Before you design the visual elements of your comic book, it’s important to write the story or script. Even starting with an outline can help guide your work. Once you know the major events that will happen in the story, you can choose the layout for your comic book.

If you’re an artist, the most thrilling step is drawing your comic! When you imagine your idea, does it resemble a superhero comic? Or maybe it’s more like a graphic novel or an Anime comic? Determining the style of your comic book is crucial. After visualizing the story in your mind, you can finally bring it to life on paper.

Most comic book creators begin by sketching the comic in pencil, and then add ink and color later. This helps them avoid mistakes in the final product. Another option is to use design software to create the graphics for your story. While creating the book, don’t forget to leave space for lettering! You’ll need plenty of room to add dialogue and sound effects.

Once your comic book is complete, the final step is to publish your work. Many authors sell their comics online or offer free downloads of certain portions. This can help you build a following. If your dream is to write for publishers like Marvel or DC Comics one day, this is a great way to get started. Most major comic publishers seek stories that are already popular with online audiences. The larger your audience, the better.

Are you the next great comic book author? Will you become as famous as Stan Lee one day? Who knows? If you work hard on your creations, anything is possible!

Give It a Try

Find an adult who can assist you in continuing to learn with the activities below!

Get Creative with Comics!

Here are a few fun and creative activities you can try to explore the world of comics:

Create Your Own Comic Book

Put your newfound knowledge to the test by developing an idea for a comic book and bringing it to life! Start by creating interesting characters, an exciting setting, and a captivating plot. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions in this Wonder to complete your very own comic book. Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family. And if you decide to post it online, be sure to tag @wonderopolis on Twitter or Instagram!

Explore DC Kids Online

If you love reading comic books, you should definitely check out DC Kids online. Take some time to read a few comics and choose at least one to summarize for a friend or family member. You can also watch videos and play games from DC Comics, so there’s plenty of fun to be had!

Get Crafty with Cardboard Tube Characters

If you’re feeling particularly creative, why not try making your own favorite book or movie character out of a cardboard tube? This Batman craft is a great place to start. Just make sure to ask an adult for help and double-check the supply list before you begin.

Wonder Sources

• https://www.creativebloq.com/comics/guide-create-publish-comic-book-71515975 (accessed 24 April 2020)
• https://blog.lulu.com/2019/04/26/how-to-create-a-comic-book/ (accessed 24 April 2020)
• https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Comic-Book (accessed 24 April 2020)