Introduction
With so many options out there, it can be a challenge to decide what kind of script format is best for your web comic. The good news is that no matter which method you choose, they all work well and will help you write more efficiently.
In this article we'll discuss how each of these methods works and why they're effective to help you produce high quality comics that you can be proud of.
Table of Contents
IntroductionMethod 1: Classic comic script styleHow to Write a Classic comic script style scriptWhy choose this style?Example: MerryweatherMethod 2: Screenplay StyleWhy choose this style?Software to UseMethod 3: Go right into ThumbnailingWhy choose this style?Example: BakumanThumbnails of MangakaConclusionResources
Method 1: Classic comic script style
This is the most common way to write a comic script, and it's also the simplest. All you need is a document for each page of your webcomic, with each panel separated by a line break.
If you're not sure about the format, or if you're new to the industry, this might be the way to go.
How to Write a Classic comic script style script
References:
Why choose this style?
- Easy to make changes quickly
- Good for people familiar with film/TV
- Good if the writer and artist are separate people
Example: Merryweather
Method 2: Screenplay Style
If you're a fan of film and TV, this is the script style for you. In this style, its even easier to make changes quickly since you don’t have to worry about changing panel number when you add in a new scene or string of dialogue.
This style puts more trust in the hands of your artist as they will be determining panel breaks. Many examples of screenplays you can read, on the internet (ex: Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse Script).
Why choose this style?
- Best if you think of your story/comic in terms of it being a movie or animation
- Good for people familiar with film/TV
- Good for artist writer pairs
- Easy to make changes quickly
- Everything is in present tense. Including flashbacks
- Puts more trust in the hands of your artist as they will be determining panel breaks
- An added bonus is that if you need writing style inspiration, there are loads of screenplays available online for you to puruse.
Software to Use
There are a bunch of different high fidelity screenplay writing software out there, each with a high monthly subscription price. However, if you’re first starting out I’d highly recommend just using a standard word processor like Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
A Screenplay Formatter Google docs extension or duplicated then work off of this screenplay template: Screenplay Format TEMPLATE 1.
Method 3: Go right into Thumbnailing
Also known by Japanese mangaka as a name ネーム (NAH-meh).
Why choose this style?
- Recommended only for intermediate and advance comic creators
- Difficult and time consuming to make alterations
- *BUT the quickest methods if you are a comic veteran who has created multiple works in the past
- The best method for bold, experimental art styles
Example: Bakuman
Thumbnails of Mangaka
Hirohiko Araki’s final pages
Conclusion
This article discusses three different methods for scripting and planning out a webcomic's storyline episode to episode: the classic comic script style, screenplay style, and going right into thumb-nailing. Each method has its own advantages and is suitable for different levels of comic creators. The article also provides examples and resources for each method to help writers produce high-quality comics.
I hoped this helped, and happy comic scripting!