How To Create A One Shot Manga (From Start To Finish!)

A one shot manga is a comic book published as a single, standalone issue, with a self-contained story that is not a part of any ongoing series or miniseries. One shot manga are usually written for contests, or for serialization in manga magazines, and are sometimes later developed into full length manga series. One shots are normally 60 pages or less. However, in some one shot manga competitions such as Medibang's shounen manga contest, the limit is 50 pages. In today's video, I am going through all the details on how you can create your very own one shot manga from start to finish, with details to help you every step of the way. I hope you enjoy this video, and it helps with your manga creations! 😁
Manga (also called tankoubon in Japan) come in a variety of sizes, the most common sizes being 5.04″ x 7.17″ or 5.83″ x 8.2″. However, when Japanese manga is republished in the US, it is given more of a standard printing size of 5 inches x 7.5 inches.
Manga pages are commonly drawn on B4 Deleter comic paper, which have measurements written on them. The measurements are there to help the artist know where to draw, and where the pages might get cut off in printing. If you don't want to buy B4 comic paper, here is a free size template for drawing professional manga paper size on A4 paper: www.mediafire.com/folder/tkv3s...
(If you want to make this work for A3 paper, multiply each measurement by 1.414)
FREE PROGRAMS:
Krita krita.org/en/
Medibang Paint medibangpaint.com/en/
My Paint mypaint.org/
FireAlpaca firealpaca.com/
LICENSED PROGRAMS:
Paint Tool SAI www.systemax.jp/en/sai/
Clip Studio Paint EX www.clipstudio.net/
Corel Painter www.painterartist.com/en/prod...
Open Canvas www.portalgraphics.net/en/oc/
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Copics:
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ONE SHOT MANGA CONTESTS:
Silent Manga Audition SMA - www.manga-audition.com/
Medibang Jumps Universal Contest (Also known as Jump Tezuka)- medibang.com/contest/jumpuniv...
International Manga School Contest - www.clipstudio.net/promotion/...
Kitakyushu Manga Competition - kitakyushu-mangataisho.com/en/
CONTENTS:
0:00 Intro
1:11 What Is A One Shot Manga?
2:08 Technical Details
5:03 Step 1- Choose Medium & Supplies
5:20 Digital Supplies
6:18 Digital Programs
6:37 Traditional Supplies
9:04 Step 2- Brainstorm
12:49 Step 3- Write Your Plot In A Single Sentence
13:16 Step 4- Write A Basic Plan
13:40 Step 5 - Design Your Characters
15:33 Step 6- Choose The Main Problem
16:05 Step 7- Choose The Main Message
18:20 Step 8- Choose The Narrator & POV
19:11 Step 9- Write The Beginning
20:18 Step 10- Write A Basic Script
21:53 Step 11- Break Script Into Pages
22:26 Step 12- Sketch The Storyboards
23:26 Step 13- Prepare Panels
24:53 Step 14- Ink The Pages
26:09 Step 15- Finalize The Pages
27:08 Step 16- Design The Cover
28:18 Step 17- Prepare For Publishing
29:52 Step 18- Publish Your One Shot
SUBSCRIBE to learn how to turn your manga into a masterpiece!
/ @midnightxcross
Want to learn more? Visit me on my other social media pages, for updates on my own manga 'Having Faith', and fun tips for you to try on your own projects!
Instagram: / midnightxcross
Twitter: / midnightxcross
Facebook: / midnightxcross
DeviantArt: www.deviantart.com/midnightxc...
Wattpad (Fanfiction): www.wattpad.com/user/midnight...
Email: [e-mail]
#OneShotManga #Manga #MangaIntoMasterpiece
How To Write A One Shot
How To Make a One Shot Manga
How Do I create a one shot manga?
how do I make a one shot manga?
How to make a one shot for beginners

[@KeruConPolvoron]

I love how detailed you are in your videos! I can’t imagine how much research you put on each video! 😩💖👌

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much!! It does take a lot of time and effort, but I love making these videos 💖💖

[@user-jf6ee4zn4u]

Hugs from Brazil, I'm typing through Google Translate.

[@mohammed81970]

I have high hopes for my one-shot right after watching this 💖 thank you so much 🌹 keep it up 👍

[@midnightXcross]

I am so pleased to hear that!! Thank you so much 💖💖 Keep up the great work!!

[@mohammed81970]

Thank you so much 🌹 I'm honored and blessed 🙏 to have such a great teacher 👩‍🏫 an awesome friend 🌹✨

[@teomankaya769]

What happened now?

[@risingsun4324]

Your videos are all so helpful! It makes me so excited to make my own manga!

[@dv1th]

This was incredibly helpful, so detailed and with links to everything !

[@rabanitooo]

thank you so much for this video! great work! ♡

[@priscilla5515]

I'm just creating a one shot Manga for fun. I want to create multiple one shots to give my ideas space to be and to get practice. So my first will be about some sci fi android girl that wants to find feelings. It will be more calm and atmospheric than really deep or something

[@teomankaya769]

Isn’t that just like how Vivy is? (The anime original from WIT studio?)

[@ArunaUtd]

That's such a sick cover, immediately makes me want to know more. I like how detailed you are on things that don't often get discussed.

[@MohammedAlghamdi-yj9le]

Oh God I can't thank you enough for the hard work you put on this videos, you're a life saver. ❤️

[@meganehaven]

this was a very insightful video!! especially the planning sections (: ive wanted to make oneshot comics for a long time, its a goal of mine, but i never end up finishing my comic wips (i either stop while planning OR after thumbnailing). but i intend on taking your advice to heart and doing my best to commit!! thank you so much, and ill be sure to check out your other videos!! 🖤✨

[@augustsage7265]

I'm currently working on my very first one-shot manga and I really appreciate all of your videos! You really know how to lay out the details while also keeping it light and fun! Right now I'm working on a fantasy-mystery series and trying to set it up in a way where it would be able to easily transition into a larger work if it becomes successful. I know it may be biting off more than I can chew, but I want to give myself options. Anyway's I love your videos as they are helping me to feel more and more confident in taking this project on.

[@midnightXcross]

I'm so pleased to hear that! Thank you for your kind comment 💖💖 I think leaving yourself open to creating a larger work is a great idea. I know that with times I've created one shots, I've always found that to be very helpful. You never know when the idea might be the inspiration for a much larger story. All the best to your manga!!

[@lukewarm3824]

I can’t believe this your amazing

[@Pupcat]

TYSM this is so thorough and full of really supportive info!

[@midnightXcross]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@riki_da_vinci]

Thanks a lot!!! I am new in manga writing and finding these videos are a sure treasure.

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@3Diva]

This is a very detailed "how-to" - nicely done! You list a ton of traditional supplies, but honestly, everything can be done 100% digitally these days with the right art program. In the long run, it's just cheaper to work digitally, IMO. But I realize there are some who prefer to do work traditionally and there's nothing wrong with that either. Thanks for the great video! :)

[@saf1819]

I've been looking for a high quality video just like this for weeks! Great job and keep going!

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much for watching!! 💖💖

[@itsshaz1333]

Loved this video Midnight

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@mayronart8754]

Wow best youtuber

[@elishaluhere8801]

Great video I ,wanna make a one shot cus there was a shone jump contest international I did sum it anything but I wanna be prepared if they have another I love your vids

[@emilioprado5513]

Actually beside doing a light novel I’ll do a one shot manga since I know how it’s gonna end thank you for this video again

[@ritchiart]

I'm currently working on the lastest SMA19 silent manga challenge and this has been of great value! Thank you! I come refer back to this video whenever I work on the challenge :DD

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much! I'm happy that this video is helpful 😊

[@mikewgilliam]

I think you do a super job and you are so very positive ty.

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@Sho-qp5fk]

Thank you so much!

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much for watching!!

[@Sho-qp5fk]

@@midnightXcross Your welcome

[@yamanman3398]

Hey Midnight! Loved the video! I've been drawing comics since I was 5 (I'm 21 now). My target is to get into Japan's top manga magazines. I've never looked below my target. I have a story that, if published, will be a smash hit. Pretty confident about it. Unfortunately, I have no talent for art, and very limited artistic ability. Been working super hard on it. But progress is slow. I'm willing to relocate to Japan (my home county has no manga culture whatsoever). I'm learning the language, and I'm ever willing to learn other things. I'm 100% willing to be someone's assistant! My question is, how should I go about this? Should I attend competitions? Should I publish online? (I have multiple different stories which are not my magnum opus). Should I go to manga college? As of now I'm drawing on A4 sheets and sending it over to a few good friends (6 of them). Reviews have been super positive! Also what digital equipment can I use? I've seen those screens on which you can draw directly with a pen. Reply with any details. Thanks!

[@loveislove4323]

Great vidoe

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you!!

[@chericohill5159]

would be cool to see your take on a Minicomic/Manga

[@eroane]

Aaaahh!! THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! I’m currently brainstorming a One Shot manga for myself..This video has helped me already! Love it!! I want to see more of your videos!! My one shot manga is entitled: “Pumpkin Wishes”. It is a shoujo manga about a boy and girl whom make their wishes in a legendary pumpkin patch; as legend has it that on Halloween night, if a person makes a wish that night; it might just come true...Now I have much work to do! Keep up the Awesome videos!! :)

[@midnightXcross]

Aw thank you so much!!! I'm so happy that my video helped you 😊 Your one shot manga sounds fantastic. Do you plan on submitting it to any contests, or uploading it online? I'd love to see it!

[@eroane]

@@midnightXcross Ah-ha…I’m not sure yet… just gonna post on Instagram for now!!!^_^ Thanks so much for enjoying my manga one shot story!!^_^ I got the idea from my childhood love for all things Autumn and Pumpkins!!!❤️🧡💛🎃💕✒️👩🏼‍🎨

[@fearsomefire6278]

I highly appreciated this video, I'm 16 and I really wanted to create a manga this helps a lot thank you truly 🌸🌺🌺

[@midnightXcross]

Glad I could help!

[@retro_xx2469]

Ayyyy 16 here too! I wanna make a manga but it's difficult😭

[@_inky_]

Same here 😩 16 and wanting to make a manga but I'm so bad at it

[@chillycereal]

I’m so disappointed I didn’t find your channel sooner.

[@mohammadyahya3852]

Wow. Such a nice video, i am making my own manga so can you please help me by making your next two videos of how to make a war arc and character development arc.

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much!! 😊 I do plan on making those video topics in the future!!

[@gazinazeefa1784]

When are you going to publish your manga `Having faith`? I can`t wait! The concept really excites me....looking forward to it! When will it be?

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much! I am really excited to release it as well!! 😊 I am currently finalizing the first volume (which will have about 250 pages!). I want to put as much effort into it as possible, to make it the highest quality I can. My manga will hopefully be released in the next few months. But I will be posting all the details about it on my KZbin channel, as it gets closer!! 💖

[@gazinazeefa1784]

@@midnightXcross That`s very relieving and exciting! I`m so glad I`ll be able to read it soon.. I am currently planning my manga and practicing my art.. I hope I`ll be able to publish one day too! Keep working hard!

[@PurpleDeviil]

This was very helpful, I have an idea for a story about two brothers, where a mischievous trick by the older cause the younger brother to lose his life. I cant draw sadly due to some medical issues, but when I'm done writing I will be looking to hire someone.

[@midnightXcross]

This is a fantastic idea! I hope the creation process goes really well 😊

[@PurpleDeviil]

@@midnightXcross Thank you.

[@yugiohfan6941]

I want to make a oneshot for a manga competition but I seriously can't think of an idea that isn't too long

[@puregaming4543]

I've been interested in making a one shot myself but I have pretty basic materials right now. I figure practice wouldn't hurt though. I only have a 9"x11" wide-ruled notebook, so if I wanted to get some pages and panels as accurate as possible, should I just take a ruler and square off the edges to meet the standard measurements?

[@davidsammut2995]

hi I have a question so I have already planned for a full manga story like where the story begins how the char evolve what the story is about, power and so on, but for the one shot do I need to use the main 3 characters from my story use the powers and stuff from my story and stick to what the story is about but from like a middle part and skip how they got where they are in like 15 pages or more or can I start from the beginning tell what happens and end on what they are about to do ,I am very confused on how to do a one shot because I am getting confused on how to tell the story in a few pages .if you could reply and tell me I would appreciate very much thankyou. I know its very late you posed in 2020 but I want to became a manga artist and as I said I am very confused about what to do for my one shot like if I am on the right track or not.

[@kyutheyt]

Mas hanga pa ako sa mga payo mo Binibini kaysa sa ibang napanood ko na I love how you explains every details

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much!! 😊😊

[@kyutheyt]

@@midnightXcross walang ano man Binibini ( my pleasure my lady ) , Na sa likod mo lang kami ( were always behind ya )

[@oliver-04]

im going to write a One Shot called Won Peas

[@marianacarina2580]

How to create a one shot light novel? I want to make my novel a one-shot because it is going to be easier to find a publisher instead of one with volumes. Of course a literary agent said that to me since LN are not that known yet. Should I just write it like a regular romance?

[@cityscape2818]

Is there a certain way that the drawing tablets gauged by sensitivity

[@ruffiko2809]

Hey Midnight! Could you make a one shot for a manga for an idea that may be a long series? I have this idea and developed on it and would love it to be a real thing but I don't really know if you HAVE to make a one shot for a longer series

[@midnightXcross]

You can make it however you would like! There are many standalone one shots, that are only single stories, but there are also many that are eventually adapted into longer series. This decision is totally up to you 😊

[@magic_asap]

What would your plot be?

[@whitekanyewestthebully1346]

I think kthe creator of nqruto did that they started with a one shot then it got serialized I think that's only if you win and it's gonna be a hard long road so good look

[@manijohn2580]

I'm a girl, btw I love watching your videos, but I have a question for you and the audience. What do you think about this name? TAWUTL, To America We Used To Love? I'm thinking about some more names for my one-shot!!!

[@ChibiGrl]

Hello would your template work for the Tezuka manga contest? I’m using the pre made template that says Shueshia or Shonen jump in clip studio paint. Is that okay to use?

[@midnightXcross]

According to the rules of it, it says that size is not specified. So from that, I believe any size would be fine to use. Whether you use my template, or your premade template, they should work! 😊

[@Cyannn690]

How can i join manga contests..can i have some info on those..and thank you so much the video taught alot and motivated me to continue working on my one shot

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you! I'm so happy my video helped 😊 Each manga contest is different. I recommend you check the links to each one in the description, and see which are open and accepting submissions. Some will want you to join it by sending in your manga through email, or some will want you to submit it on the website. 🙂

[@acemanga8482]

great video! do you know of any contests accepting submissions anytime after now? ive been having a lot of trouble finding one, and i would love to submit to a contest. if anyone knows of any contests going on for a whille after now, feel free to let me know, thanks!

[@midnightXcross]

Contests are always on and off. I recommend you continue checking in with them, because you never know when a new one might start! The manga contests usually start at the beginning or middle of the year, so I suggest you keep an eye on them around then. You could also try contests in your local area, because you never know when an opportunity may arise. 😊

[@nephtaliejalbert]

So I'm writing a Shonen one shot with military and supernatural elements. How can I go about it?

[@midnightXcross]

I think the important thing about writing a story with realistic elements (such as military) is to do a lot of research. I think through you knowing a lot about the genre, it will help you when adding the supernatural elements. However, even though it is important for you to know these things, when presenting it to the readers in the one shot, I think the focus should be more on the main story. Even if the genre is military and supernatural, they should be there to help make the story more interesting, and not distract from the main plotline. Above all else, your main story will be the driving point of your manga. 😊

[@kristiyanlalevschann]

@@midnightXcross I am shonen focused and that helped a lot, thank you!

[@chericohill5159]

@@midnightXcross how do you go about research . i think thats one of my main problems. i dont know what to take and try to reitterate differently ya know . even when studying books i read. could possibly make for a good vid maybe . keep enlightening

[@ArunaUtd]

I noticed most big name one shots for WSJ have a first page (usually lore), then a double spread, then a blank page and then the story begins. Is this the way you have to do it? And if the rules are below 50 pages do the double spread and blank count in that number?

[@midnightXcross]

Honestly, it's totally up to you. Some mangaka make that decision as a creative choice, but if you don't want that, then do as you like! You're the creator after all 😊

[@ArunaUtd]

@@midnightXcross Thank you so much for answering!

[@rhearandom338]

does anyone know any sites that can publish page by page manga/comics but not in a contest- kinda like Tapas/webtoon but those r vertical scrolling comics not sure if you'll see this comment Q_Q but your vid helped alooottt! (especially paneling, since I usually draw the vertical scrolling comics)

[@whitekanyewestthebully1346]

I don't know any but depending on your goal a contest might be the best way

[@lazyrabbit6973]

is possible to draw the cmics by hand and digitally ink them?

[@midnightXcross]

Definitely! That's what I did in the early stages

[@kryhard]

Can we end our one shot with Cliff Hanger if were planning to make it a continuation series ??

[@midnightXcross]

Yes, you can do that!

[@reiii6062]

I would like to make a manga in a japanese school setting but im not japanese, is it okay to use an existing school or should I create my own school?

[@midnightXcross]

I think it would be best to create your own school. That way, it's not tied or related to anything in real life 😊

[@vishnugurav1391]

A drawing tablet with display is better than the one with black screen

[@thatsockspanda9073]

No both have their ups and downs and non screen is cheaper

[@ravh4881]

can someone make a one-shot light novel??

[@midnightXcross]

I would consider this more as a short story in general, rather than a light novel. So yes, but it technically wouldn't be a light novel. You can still take inspiration from a light novel though, and use that to influence the short story you write 😊

[@rymiriot850]

I have a question: Is publishing manga have to paid?

[@midnightXcross]

The price of publishing really depends on the particular company. 😊

[@lukewarm3824]

I know it’s annoying to comment twice in a row but can I make traditional manga with copics?

[@midnightXcross]

Yes! When I used to make manga traditionally, I used grey copic markers :)

[@lukewarm3824]

@@midnightXcross thank you new sub

[@danieladamczyk4024]

That just a comics. Manga is a seriie Comic is a single shot. Know the difference.

[@tajajittow]

u look sooo kawaiiii

[@anthonycutting7]

This Video Is A Godsend🙏🏾 Thank You So Much!! Just Recently DM’D You On IG With A Few Questions. Would Greatly Appreciate It If You Could Get Back To At Your Earliest Connivence🙏🏾 Thanks In Advance🙏🏾

[@midnightXcross]

Thank you so much for watching!! 😊 I am glad it helped.