How to be a comic book writer, by Marvel's Chip Zdarsky

[@wolfieabuwandi1417]

I’m right now creating my comic, my own storyline, etc. and whenever I’m overwhelmed I stop thinking about how hard it is and how long it will take, and I start thinking about how fun and exciting it will be. This has raised my spirits.

[@bmca2536]

And the competition between artists is thrilling

[@isaiasvalladares4210]

Do you have a patreon?

[@franchino88]

Awesome 😎

[@isaiasvalladares4210]

I can help

[@jonlymon]

This is good advice

[@ignskeletons]

I'm a beginner comic writer and doodler (just a hobby) and I found the best thing to get started is to keep the scope of your first few projects very small. I'm talking single page comics. Draw 4 squares on a page and tell a story in just those 4 squares, you'll be amazed how hard even that can be. After that branch out into like a 4 page story which starts to get more complex. If you keep it simple at first you'll stay more motivated to actually finish it which is the most important thing starting out, especially if you're just practicing.

[@TheXMenGuy396]

thanks for the advice

[@notryan9233]

im horrible at drawing which is my problem when writing comics

[@sungiant2000]

Spider-Man: Life Story is one of the best comics I've read in a while.

[@tonylars4128]

This was great, thanks, I been tryin to find out about "writing blog jobs" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Jeyeyton Riyria Process - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my buddy got great success with it.

[@Simbabweman]

This is the comic I know him for. It was a great book with a great premise. For anyone who doesn't know it, Spider-Man: Life Story takes the idea that when Spider-Man was created in the 60's, that was when he started being Spider-Man. The comic goes through every decade following and Peter ages as he would have if he had been a teenager in the 60's up to his older years in the 2010's. It's a great read.

[@jmjm922]

The only wrong thing about Life Story is that it’s not long enough.

[@dumpling3198]

I just the annual #1 as an entry, and it killed me

[@worknprogress3848]

Best Daredevil Writer since Frank... and possibly the best run ever.

[@alpertroncp2198]

Work N Progress He's level-pegging with Bendis for me at the moment. If Zdarksy sticks the landing when he leaves DD then I feel like he'll be ahead.

[@Gemnist98]

Against Mark Waid though?

[@Jjcbgoat]

Bendis, brubaker, and waid are all better

[@miguelorozco4445]

nah@@Jjcbgoat

[@bcatarino83]

I've been away from comics for a while, but from everything I've read recently, I'm going to risk saying he's currently the best writer at Marvel. His storytelling is beautifully paced, emotionally resonant, and full of meaningful surprises that often challenge comic book cliches. So far read his Daredevil run, Invaders run, and Spider-Man Life Story, possibly the best comic I've read in decades

[@lazuruswolf6668]

you should check out some of Donny Cate's stuff. His Venom, Doctor Strange and Thor run have been praised by fans.

[@portoutboy]

Chip is one of the funniest people ever. His newsletter genuinely makes me laugh. What did you do to him to make him so sensible?! Also, amazing writer. The world (of comics) is lucky to have him

[@franchino88]

I had a word with him 😉

[@rc75905]

Chip you autographed a comic of mine years ago and I appreciate that. You are a great writer.

[@danielprieto3563]

"Things become too comic booky" Me: "why that's why I'm here"

[@sofaking5388]

Anyone whos still out there tryna work for Marvel or Dc or Image whether it be writing or art I write scripts all damn day long in every medium if yall serious about comic book art and writing I can character design and write scripts and stuff. We can be comic friends because i think its good to have ppl in ur circle who is like minded as you are

[@manethdayaratne]

Nice

[@fvazquez856]

That's me right now. I'm currently trying to write and draw my own story right now but I have dreams of working with Marvel and DC at some point

[@Emilyrbays]

I’ve been working on an original comic. I’d love an outside input if you’re interested!

[@manethdayaratne]

@@Emilyrbays name?

[@brokeyoungin9864]

How old are you?

[@Alector360]

Im creating my fist comic and hopefully marvel can approve it cause i got more stories and more characters with stories in my archive to bring to them and bring motivation and thrill for other artist and writers

[@thespectacledeider8462]

Thank you for sharing this valuable insight. I truly appreciate the time you took to provide such important information.

[@bridgetteanimations9996]

I’m on my own with my comic, I’m the artist and the writer so it’s very difficult to have ideas and I’m barely self publishing. It’s very overwhelming since I want to get notice by marvel or DC

[@challengemusictv]

writing is exhilarating and amazing I cant stop tripping balls at how crazy writing is

[@zionleach3001]

I'm interested in strictly writing comics as a career. I've always loved Supernatural dark fantasy in a modern world. Kinda like Hansel and Gretel witch hunters but in the 21st century. I'm heavily inspired by Mike Mignola, Larry Correia, and Beau smith.

[@buffbeenstuffed]

His invaders run has been very strong

[@electrojones]

It's surprising how closed off DC and Marvel are to new writers. Most of their creators are so terrible that their contributions have to be retconned after a few months just to save the IP they've worked on. So many friends of friends have been hired, fake Japanese writer/editors, unprofessional clods whose presence checked boxes for HR (blocking other, more capable minority creators in the process), and whatever other problematic people that just happen to have an in, or game the system. "Toil in anonymity and if you're good enough, we'll find you." At least they're not screwing people with How To Draw books and phony Try Out books these days. I guess that's a step up. Read more independent comics. The big companies need to be humbled for a while.

[@enrajbroin]

Most (well-selling) indie writers are the same people writing for marvel and dc lol.

[@KarolineTheEmpath]

This is helpful thank you for the suggestions, I am job and career searching. I’m interested in illustration and comic book writing and art.

[@doofus401k......]

Can you be the writer and artist of your own comic book universe?

[@Chris_Chansen]

As a comic book fan, I’ve seen quite a bit of comics done by creators being the writer and artist at the same time! So yes!

[@sabrinaterry269]

Yes you can

[@Mob-Inc]

What do you think Akira toryama did

[@user-km4st7un7r]

Thanks, this is so helpful 👍

[@Kookyskorner]

Do you need a degree if so what major

[@tonysmith9005]

@@cavyrnn my name is Tony Smith and my new name is superhero

[@Mob-Inc]

​​@@cavyrnnyou don't need a degree at all. Lol it's about experience, reputation and talent. Obviously if you have a connect then that's easy. They are looking for people with potential and people that have good work. They aren't gonna look at you if you don't have things published prior

[@theoffbeatturtle770]

I want to be a comic book writer but i have to hire a freaking artist and they charge from $30-$60 on the hour 😣

[@thebluerock6048]

That’s not bad. If all you have to do is write the script. Are you trying to submit to a company?

[@prashantkumarbiswal2164]

Then buy a macbook , learn how to draw and do it yourself , yeah it's easy to say than done but if you are truly passionate why not ! Yes MacBooks are expensive but if you do hardwork it's can be a investment 😉

[@Chris_Chansen]

Oof. Well I charge 70 per page. 30-60 bucks seems a bit realistic but yeah

[@cherblairbear]

Wait, so I'm confused? How do I apply to Marvel and write comics for them? or at least get a fcking CHANCE

[@dorout1]

If you are not both the illustrator and writer, I'll have to stop you right there. The landscape of comic book creation has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional collaborative efforts between writers and artists to more straightforward employment relationships. This shift has notable implications for aspiring writers, especially in terms of financial investment. Currently, hiring an illustrator for a 25-page comic can cost at least $3,000 for average talent, and upwards of $5,000 for more skilled artists. This financial barrier prompts a strategic consideration: be patient and wait it out. AI technology, becoming increasingly sophisticated, offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the steep costs of hiring illustrators. Eventually, AI will provide a viable solution for writers facing financial constraints during their comic book projects. With the emergence of technologies such as Adobe Firefly and Comics Maker (AI), it is only a matter of time before these tools become mainstream.

[@mustafaosman9274]

@@dorout1 what’s your email, I illustrate

[@mustafaosman9274]

What’s your email, I illustrate

[@Mob-Inc]

Uuuh no. You need to think of making a comic or a book as an investment. Also it helps to be employed. Save your money and find a good artist with decent rates. And invest when you can. save when you cannot

[@mulletforyou]

It is crazy that Chip has won multiple Eisners but we haven't honored him with a Governor General award here at home.

[@gremlincomicsr.mackey4276]

Phantom Raven comic book coming soon

[@onemancomics]

were do i go go to wright and some one else draws i made a manga afro guy platinum onamazon

[@belgiumcomics2537]

I loved Spider-Man: Life storie - Annual #1.

[@ggt47]

(Sigh of relief)Ahh, Chip I love you know. Especially after Daredevil.

[@eduardomouramonteiro5916]

I want this

[@AceHardy]

📙💯

[@brixs-productions]

Who’s read the spider’s shadow?

[@WatchYeego]

If the first thing you wanna do is to write comics, you need money to pay artist, or someone who’s willing to draw for free, or make your own art… That’s not fair at all.

[@unrealsanoX]

Spider man is a comic I have, have you guys read Wings Of Fire yet?

[@thatcomicandmangafanfromdublin]

i want to write gwenpool comics

[@thegeekeasy1]

Can he tell us how to be a good comic writer?

[@urmisaha5658]

When the aliens attack earth why do superheroes only save NY? Why not DELHI!!

[@arpitsrivstva]

I have had that thought too. They are too self centered, arent they? Along with the aliens, who only attack NY >

[@urmisaha5658]

@@arpitsrivstva 🤓🤓

[@Iron-Bridge]

It would be like when Godzilla attacked Haiti in Family Guy. That's why they don't attack Delhi.

[@giotio1237]

What about the fact that Marvel hires sjw comic writers that is unable to deliver a perfect example of comic writing. I much prefer the marvel comics from the 90s than the new ones that is focusing on getting characters "woke"

[@nbconrad28]

90s comics were full of gimmicks and cash grabs.

[@butterbumpkin327]

Yeah 90s comics were... not that good. Especially late 90s.

[@TheMasterQuests]

Late 90s had a lot of rebirths it’s mainly the stuff in the mid 90s that gimmicky

[@miguelorozco4445]

still better than 2010+ marvel comics@@butterbumpkin327

[@JohnSmith-ep4ui]

Would not listen to this guy to much. Mavel sales have been going down three years in a row.

[@popstarprincess123]

John Smith the advice is good If he took his own advice or gave it to marvel well they’d do it better

[@kaytwigg2339]

People don't buy comics anymore, that's a reason sales have been going down, also bad writing and art.

[@d_a_o_u_r]

Comichron and ICv2’s joint estimate from 2018 actually indicated a new high in comic sales, and Forbes' report from January of this year indicated an uptick in Marvel's favor in 2019.

[@davidgn40]

???

[@bcatarino83]

​@@kaytwigg2339 For me it's mainly bad art. I think there's still some good writing (Chip is one of the good ones), but when you have either rushed art or purposefully cartoonish art that doesn't match the tone of the character, it kind of shows Marvel themselves don't care enough about it, so why should I as a buyer?