03-06-2004

[kotaotan]

Things I have learned about Web Comics

Since begining Kota's World I have learned a lot about art, writing, and behind the scenes stuff. I'd like to share 10 of those things here in no order of importance.

1. As tempting as it is, never use your friends as the cast. I know it seems like a good idea, and I do it, but in the end you'll probably regret it. You just never know who you'll offend. Also, it sort of takes control away from you.

2. Never use "*******'s World" as a title. It makes it sound hokey as all hell. Give it something short that grabs people. Think of how you're favorite show's titles relate to the actual show and go from there.

3. Don't unload backstory and science to quickly and don't get too bogged down in it. People will get confused and bored. You want to keep them reading. The last thing most people want to read is the exact physics of some yahoo's overly complex abilities. Take it from me, I know.

4. Pick a format and stick with it. Experimentation is great, but I've been through so many different layouts it's ridiculous. I guess, if you're doing a book style comic, don't have three of the pages sideways and the fourth normal page style.

5. Don't use the word "hyper" in relation to anything. It's just sort of silly.

6. Characters are a big reason people relate to a comic. Explore them. Find out what makes them tick. You'll be happy you did when they start writing themselves and you can just sit back and make up situations for them to react to.

7. In jokes are good, but don't build a comic out of them. Set up your own recurring gags so the readers can get them with you. Just because something funny to your friends, it doesn't mean it is to anyone else. Once again, personal experience.

8. Find a good host site. Pretty simple really. Cheap host, or Drunk Duck. Best advise in this whole thing, really.

9. Find an editor. I haven't but I kind of wish I had one. Someone else to keep you in line, on time, and funny can only be a good thing. (If anyone in Mississippi is interested in editing Modern Knights once I get back to drawing it please post a respose with an email addy.)

10. NEVER, under ANY circumstances, have your characters spend three months on a pirate ship.