How to Create Comics

Course Overview

If a picture is worth a thousand words, just imagine the stories you can tell with comics. This course offers a comprehensive guide to creating engaging comics, taught by cartoonist Peter Bagge. From political cartoons to superhero epics, discover how to use this versatile medium to share narratives that resonate across age groups and backgrounds.

In 12 enlightening lessons, you will learn essential skills and methodologies for comic creation, including writing, character development, and the tools of the trade. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will guide you through the world of comics and help you create your own.

Video Lectures

01: Introducing Comics as an Art Form

Get an overview of what comics are and their appeal. Explore influential artists and gain insights into creating your own comics.

Duration: 24 min

02: Comics Formatting and Terminology

Understand the unique vocabulary of comics, including layout, configuration, and formatting techniques with various examples.

Duration: 25 min

03: Tools of the Comics Trade

Discover the essential tools for comic creation, focusing on both traditional and non-digital supplies.

Duration: 25 min

04: Writing for Comics: Beyond the Word Balloon

Learn the dynamics of writing for comics and the importance of planning your story structure effectively.

Duration: 25 min

05: Creating Characters for Comics

Understand how to design effective characters by considering simplicity and audience engagement.

Duration: 25 min

06: Humor in Comics: Finding the Funny

Dive into techniques for incorporating humor into your comics through visual gags and narrative styles.

Duration: 26 min

07: Telling Dramatic Stories through Comics

Explore various genres to tell serious and engaging stories, including superhero tales and horror narratives.

Duration: 27 min

08: Creating Memoirs with Comics

Learn how to effectively narrate personal stories in comic form, following guidelines that help convey deeper themes.

Duration: 27 min

09: Comics as History, Biography, and Journalism

Discover how comics can serve as effective vehicles for conveying real-life information and narrative.

Duration: 27 min

10: Working Relationships in the Comics Field

Understand the dynamics of collaboration and professional relationships within the comics industry.

Duration: 27 min

11: Making Comics in the Digital Age

Get introduced to digital tools for comic creation and understand their role in 21st-century comics.

Duration: 28 min

12: Comics as a Career or Income Stream

Explore various pathways to building a career in comics and how to supplement your income creatively.

Duration: 27 min