How to Create Your Own Comic Book

Learn how to plan, draw, and assemble your own comic book from start to finish. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Plan your story. Before you draw, grab a scrap piece of paper and sketch out your plot. Who is your main character? What is the big problem they need to solve? Write down what happens on each page so you don't forget your idea.
2. Create your booklet. Take 4 to 6 sheets of paper, stack them together, and fold them in half like a book. Ask a grown-up to help you staple the fold so your pages stay together.
3. Draw your panels. Use your ruler to draw boxes on each page. These are your panels. You can make them different sizes—big ones for action scenes and small ones for quick dialogue.
4. Sketch and ink. Lightly draw your characters and background in pencil first. Once you are happy with how they look, go over your lines with a black marker. This makes your drawings pop off the page.
5. Add speech bubbles and color. Draw circles or clouds for your characters to speak in. Write your dialogue inside, then use your colored pencils to bring your comic to life.