How To Write Short Comics

[@GabriellaBalagna]

I always had a hard time writing stories until I realized something obvious: figure out the ending of your story and everything else falls into place. Basically, if you know how the story ends, all you have to do is write about the struggles your character faces in order to get to that point.

[@chaelimesser6006]

Thanks thats a good tip. Im writing my first comic for my ap english class

[@zuhar2526]

Great advice thanks!

[@kk-hm7ob]

Thank you so freaking much!🙏

[@HelderGriff]

Thank you a lot!!!!

[@HelderGriff]

You saved a lot of people's time with this comment

[@ricardo.mazeto]

26:48, You said you had to cut off so much because otherwise the video would be 1 hour long. I just want to say that I wouldn't mind to watch a 1 hour long video and I bet I'm not alone on that.

[@VizardnVongola]

Yes we're fine with long videos🙌🙌 I draw while watching and listening.

[@christinabrown38]

Same! I'd be happy with longer videos too!

[@IannisMaragakis]

Same here. I have no intention torturing Mr Parker into long videos, but I do enjoy his work.

[@dansprogis4521]

100p

[@KitKatWiffleBallBat]

You kidding? Everything Jake says is so useful! I'd be down too.

[@dirkvoltaar]

Video Annotation 2:23: Copying and adapting 5:01: The Story Pyramid * Conflict and Resolution * Character and Setting * Plot * Design 8:16: Story Structure - 7 Beats: 1. Normal World 2. Inciting Incident 3. Break Into Act 2 4. *Midpoint* 5. Break Into Act 3 6. Climax 7. Resolution 11:44: The Soul of the Story (Four Aspects of Good Stories): 1. Show change in character’s nature 2. Show character changing society 3. Reveal something significant about character 4. Show something significant about the world -- 14:07: Eight Steps to Hashing Out a Story *Step 1:* Idea Capture - what is your hook? *Step 2:* Establishing scope - length, format, time to produce, a deadline *Step 3:* Finding the conflict: What does my character want? What is stopping my character getting what they want? If my character has an opponent, what do _they_ want? Five Main Things a Character Wants (18:08) * To *Win* (something) * To *Retrieve* something (ie. _Indiana Jones_) * To *Deliver* something (ie. Lord of the Rings) * To *Escape* Something * To *Stop Something* From Happening (ie. Star Wars) *Step 4.* 19:23 The First Draft *Step 5.* 20:05 Work On The Rough Parts *Step 6.* 20:56 Nail Down the Beats - See 8:16 *Step 7.* 21:58 Write the Script *Step 8.*

[@GigiMurakami]

Erik Salholm THANK YOU GOOD SIR

[@vitorcampos3427]

To escape - Jurassic Park

[@bongobliss5795]

Is there any app or something to draw on? I find most apps really small in terms of space

[@bongobliss5795]

Nevermind I checked the link in description

[@brianching8847]

You are a god

[@Musashi246]

Another tip for beginners: While you plan out your first comic story just take your favorite comic and copy the pages using the same method you would for your own. By the time you finished 20 pages, you will have found many workflow improvements that will help you make your own comic a reality.

[@animatrix1490]

One really weird but solid piece of advice I got from a book was this: if you want to make your story shorter, just make fewer characters. You'll always have to do the basic story stuff (where are we, what's going on, what happens in the story), so the only variable you can actually control is the number of characters. If you have only 2 characters, the story will be shorter than if you have 8 who all need to be introduced, established, resolved, etc. A singular boxing match between a main character and a rival or a bully is short. A series of boxing matches between the main character and a series of villains is much longer. Weird piece of advice, but it felt true to me, especially since my tendency is to create 80000 characters for everything.

[@sloansabbath7117]

When you said 80,000 characters… I FELT THAT

[@azubliss]

I have an idea planned out and have rewritten the script (with finish the first one by a miracle but it gave a good foundation of the story) like 4 times. I have 7 characters. So maybe if I were to reduce it to three, or focus on two I guess it would be better. But it does seem challenging because what details do you skip or not? I'm guessing it's a trial or error thing. (By the way I haven't seen the video yet but came across the comment)

[@SerAbiotico]

I have the opposite issue hahah Most of my stories are about 2 characters doing things, and that's it. I find it a bit plane but i can't manage more, where do you put the speech bubbles for so much characters if they're together? 😵

[@leakyspaceboots7542]

Missile mouse is my childhood hero bro, it was by far the coolest thing in my small town's library lol

[@katieblakney2001]

leakyspaceboots mine too MM will always be my childhood hero as well I can’t believe it’s been 11 years since I read the book I was 7 years old back then and now I’m 18

[@OddTillTheEnd]

Me too! I can't believe I stumbled across this video. Getting some weird nostalgia now.

[@amadeospirig9588]

SAME!

[@fizork4782]

Heck, the book that I am writing is inspired by missile mouse!

[@FiveTen007]

leakyspaceboots bro same! My most borrowed book were the two missile mouse graphic novels in my school’s library. Those were the first comics I’ve ever read. My favorite character was Robot 44. I’ve been waiting for a spin-off with Robot 44 since I was left off with the cliff hanger of him opening his eyes in a tube.

[@antonydrossos5719]

To be honest, I'm fighting through a creative block that stems from a severe bout of depression I've been dealing with for some time, now. Your videos are slowly helping me to rebuild the courage to put pencil to paper again.

[@dreadlordentertainment5533]

I think that's the key to getting over life's hurdles, starting something new. However, baby steps are best, otherwise, you may overwhelm yourself and find life attempting to discourage you once more.

[@EasyCartoonDrawingTutorials]

That's awesome, thank you for sharing. I know a lot of us are in a similar boat. Keep going!

[@Regna]

I feel you

[@Brohemouth16]

The best fictions are often based in truth, allow your internal battles to be your inspiration. Subjecting a fictional character to your own struggles can help you get a fresh perspective on the situation, and even find new ways to overcome them.

[@Supermason3000]

DEFINITELY currently dealing with this myself and so much just clogging my mind. Working towards clearing my mind and just being at peace more.

[@terrafirma1996]

I have been using your videos in my middle school language arts class to teach the kids about writing comics and the story writing process. They are such incredible videos and so easy to follow

[@jakeparker44]

That is awesome!

[@terrafirma1996]

@@jakeparker44 I'll be coming back when we get into short story writing. You break down the process in such a great way that kids can understand

[@willbephore3086]

This is high praise, right on

[@tranglomango]

This video is like an oasis on a scorching wasteland Gratitude is not enough for the info and hard worked you shared with us Successful or not...I merely want to create something I can hold in my hands and share it with others, that's where the magic lies for me and you just boost one's motivation thousands fold Thanks man

[@MarsyTea]

Before watching the whole thing I've been thinking about getting into short comics specifically and this might be exactly what i am looking for

[@MichaelHoweArts]

Cake Mix nice!!! What story ideas do you have?

[@distantmaniacallaughter8690]

This is honestly the best advice video I’ve ever seen. I’ve been taking notes this whole time. Started by taking notes for my short comic, ended by taking notes for my novel. God Bess you sir, my procrastination hates you

[@mattceccotti]

This is like years of writing school condensed in 28 minutes, THANK YOU!

[@tuvarawoods9758]

I agree. Start small with one story. As you create each comic you slowly build the world. Trying to do it all at once is hard. That's something I will never do again. Great content. 🙂

[@brandanfisher5315]

Probably the most insightful help I’ve gotten in 5 years. I’m trying to create my first animation

[@distantmaniacallaughter8690]

DONT DO IT ON PROCREATE DONT BE LIKE ME

[@distantmaniacallaughter8690]

IM NOT KIDDING BRANDON *DO NOT* ITS…it’s very bad

[@sebbychou]

"I make a pyramid. I like to call it The Pyramid".

[@phoenixyip8935]

Sebastien Cormier it’s a pyramid scheme

[@emmettnyce2051]

Hey man just wanted to say reading missile mouse as a kid is what inspired me to start drawing comics in the first place

[@FLY5909]

Jake Parker new video? Me: gets ready to be called out and educated! Breathes deep and clicks Thanks again Jake for saving me from that trap!

[@RansburgMakesArt]

FLY5909 lol same here buddy

[@antoniah2001]

I just found this video yesterday to help with my art block. I haven’t had an education in actual story writing besides for elementary when my teacher broke down story writing, so this helps out immensely. The quote towards the end is amazing and reminds me of a quote of Jack Kirby that I love so much I have it on my arm “kid, comics will break your heart” and when you said roughly that getting frustrated in your story process is a sign of heading in the right direction, it’s given me new hope! Thank you so much.

[@erockbrox8484]

My method for writing a story is, come up with something interesting, but it also has to make sense. Like cool expositions and fights are neat, but there has to be a reason for everything to happen. As long as you can tell a logical story, that is important to me.

[@calvin5872]

it's pretty incredible that you're out here on KZbin making these videos Jake! So many people offer advice here, and most of them claim to be some kind of expert or established person. But you're the only guy here whose book I actually read! Missile Mouse was the shit when I was a kid!

[@nuclear_robot]

This is great advice for stories longer than 24 pages as well as other types of narrative in general but there is actually a more concise technique to make eight page and 24 page comics, which is probably recommended for aspiring comic artists.

[@jakeparker44]

Cool. What’s the technique that’s more concise?

[@JackTheFenris]

You have completely changed my life and given me a purpose worth living! You are my sensi now subscribed!

[@cecollins68]

I think that you have single handedly turned things around for me, I've been struggling to draw a Manga for decades now too much style and character design but the story nevr goes anywhere. I keep getting caught up in this idea that I have to create this massive epic story when I should be focusing on making short story's, suddenly every thing started coming together multiple short story's that actually have conclusions!! within the same universe that all culminate and lead to an epic conclusion and confrontation. Suddenly I see what I have to do ive written my entire story and I've been getting to work THANK YOU!!

[@tvytytanooki]

This is a master class of game delivered in under 30 minutes. Amazing!

[@Poweranimal84]

You’re killing it this year so far. Keep up the good work man.

[@forest1560]

Thank you soooo much! I'm really happy I decided to watch this today. Now I got to get to work.

[@abrr2000]

I am literally taking notes off this to use while making my stories. genuinely, thank you.

[@activevertex4475]

Oh my god, I read Missile Mouse back in middle school, I can’t believe I’m now watching the guy who made it!

[@BenMellingerArt]

this will be super helpful! I'm not quite ready for the commitment of a 50+ page comic, so I think something like this will help me refine my skills, and prepare for when when I take on a larger comic!

[@christinabrown38]

This is video is gold for me! I've been searching for someone to break down writing in a way that I can understand it. Being more visually oriented like yourself, I struggle with all the complicated bits of story building. Not only are you explain how is works, you're also giving step-by-step instructions on how to move forward. I'm going to come back and make notes from this. I hope to use it to improve my picture book writing. Thanks so much for making exactly what I need!

[@dreadlordentertainment5533]

If you're not already doing so, I would also suggest reading popular novels, no better way to not only experience the vivid worlds of others' imagination, but also you'll incorporate how those stories are written into your own understanding of story structure. If nothing else, there are plenty of novels written so well they're like comic books for the brain, and they come with smells, sounds, and visuals that match your own mind's artistic inclinations!

[@constellationmajora2789]

I'm so glad I came across this video- I've been struggling recently with my own storywriting and how to 'get the ball rolling', for lack of a better term. This video just helped me flesh out the ideas I have in my thinking sack, so thank you so much! Keep doing what you're doing :)

[@BlooDxMetalxHead]

Dude I remember reading missile mouse constantly as a kid crazy how it inspired me and now I find this video , really came full circle

[@writing_comics]

I LOVE this video! Writing short comics is a great place to start if you're new to writing. I learned this the hard way! I love your work and the channel. It helped inspire me to start putting together Writing Comics content over on my own channel. I appreciate it!

[@AuristheBand]

Amazing video. The pyramid tip, wow. The copy (to learn) from other pages, wow. Totally awesome stuff in here. Thanks a lot.

[@dougarnold7955]

This is such a great video. Thanks. I'm thinking about getting back to trying writing/creating stories. 15:55 ...I think it's a great suggestion your making to plan a limited set of pages. Years ago I tried limiting a 'chapter' to just four pages or three. It forced me to be concise with the writing. To say what needed to be said and not go overboard. 👍

[@caroodraws]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? So much of what you said here makes sense to me. It makes me really excited and wanting to work on my own stuff!

[@tripplejaz]

This was all very helpful! I have a small comic project slated for next year when I’ll have more time, so getting my brain joggin about it now. It might be interesting to talk about the business side of short, small comics. I want to get into Freelance this year, on top of creating my own work, so I’m curious to know how you would navigate those decisions.

[@KitKatWiffleBallBat]

I think one thing that would help is just throwing your name out there and showing script samples, page samples, and landscapes, character sheets, and copious notes would really help you get some eyes on your skills. I've asked numerous people at comic cons and they always say the same things. Show that you have more than just a drawing skill. Show your editing, improvements, lettering, writing, etc. If you could even land a job with a major name, that doesn't really hurt, as it can network you and help you grow, so you can become independent as you desire. Have I made it? No. But this some stuff I've been told and I hope it helps you out too. What can it hurt? Throw your name and comic ideas/issue #0 pilots at everyone. Then have a small questionnaire at the bottom or something to see what people would enjoy about such a story. Ignore any trolls and take advice with a grain of salt right?

[@MichaelChin1994]

Wow. This is the best video on writing I've ever seen. I've been so frustrated with writing for 10 years and I feel like this is going to put me on the right path. Thank you SO much

[@medsm3113]

thank you! cant wait to start and apply all your advice

[@jarodkrupp9224]

I love all these new videos!

[@francoithom0902]

MISSLE MOUSE WAS MY CHILDHOOD Breh

[@BoBurson]

Great, concise info. Thanks!

[@AndyGlover]

Jeez dude, this video is MEATY. Packed full of info. I took two pages of notes. I feel so much more ready to tell a story than I did before. Thank you.

[@noahrice1611]

you're killing it Jake!! you're putting out amazing consistent content

[@montre-moi]

Damn! I know absolutely nothing about comics and not much about storytelling and stumbled on this video completely by accident, and I found it fascinating! Thanks for your insight!

[@kevwe23]

I found it very helpful and practical. I feel I can get started on creating a story with your advice. I like the part when you said "humans are natural story tellers, so use that." Thank you for the inspiration.

[@popnocturne7909]

At last a really great tutorial on storytelling!

[@alexmora7234]

This video id pure gold! The quality of the info just like your SVS lessons! Incredible!

[@robertdufour2456]

Thank you for this great video! I love the "leveling up" reference. Yes, each story I write and draw is a challenge to expand some aspect of my debris kills.

[@Xenadroid]

Wait your the guy who made missile mouse? I found that comic series in the library as a kid and adored the art style

[@sabojezles]

I'm working through a doodle script, drawing basics panel design with sticks and circles, basically and dialogue balloon, writing the action, wore me out completely, using doodles is faster and help my vision to improve and make better page design and panel to panel time movement decision. Incredible video, man, keep them coming.!! Thank you.

[@tlsanomaly1859]

Thank you for the break down of comics this was very helpful

[@aln3der10100]

I think I'm not the only one who wants the remaining of the hour. #NoCutsAway

[@dreadlordentertainment5533]

I appreciate the time you take to assemble the principles of story telling and illustration into such inspirational videos. Interestingly, while working on my own stories and illustrations I'm never aware of most of these "rules", I just bounce my ideas off of someone else, or myself, and I inevitably find myself inside my characters and most of the time they seem to talk to me, as if they want me to write their stories, so I was never a believer in "follow this rule for good story telling", but in retrospect that doesn't mean I'm not subconsciously utilizing all these steps and others I've learned elsewhere. One other "rule" I think would fit is I thought about a character who was only trying to survive, or keep himself from dying.

[@mistamovegas]

Awesomely helpful! Thanks!

[@ardathbey4150]

Very honest and good advice... thank you for posting... I just wish you were available

[@publicopinion3596]

Thanks for the tips! As a visual artist I like Joseph Campbell 12 step hero's journey. Christopher Volger take on Joseph Campbell Hero's journey is pretty good as well.

[@shinobidave]

This video is absolute 🔥. it's really helped me get a grip on how to start writing my comic. I've just finished the first draft, and sure it's not perfect, but it's done.

[@danamainzer9001]

Extremely insightful! I really liked your book reference in regards to embracing the struggle of creativity. Thank you for making this video. Sincerely, HS Media Arts Teacher

[@benlines2987]

Thanks for your video Jake. I need to find some kind of icebreaker for myself in regards to this. How I am feeling at the moment is like a roaring engine that is not in gear. Like I know I have something good to share and well over talented for comics, but just too afraid to start something at the same time wanting to do something. Bad life experiences have taken me away from what I love. Just how to get back that focus. Love your work Jake.

[@STICKYArt]

I love the comic making process! Great advice creating a storyline using an inspiration or another story is cool and then creating your own or alternative ending sounds like fun! I will be trying this next project I start! Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@pecinpah]

This is a really dense, informative and helpful chunk of information. Thank you for making this.

[@jackwithahat8601]

Thank you very much! amazing video, very detailed and talks about every point extensively with interesting information. I've seen manv videos like this and most youtubers are just listing stuff like "do this, then do that, then do that other thing and you're done" and I'm left like "ok but HOW do I do it? how do I make a first draft? what should I be thinking while thinking of a story before the draft?" and your video was by far the most complete and useful I've ever came across. Thank you very much!

[@bloodykun4443]

While I've been drawing all my life, it's only very recently I've decided to actually go through with trying my hand at comics(shameless plug: both 'A waltz between dreams' and 'Race war' under the name ShinkuTora over on DeviantArt). I had been just thinking about the former for many months, doing research and planning things out. Had done many fanfics before in my early teens, but putting a story down in this way is a bit more intimidating, especially trying to figure out what kind of style or colors or whatever work best and how much longer it takes to do a single page. The latter I'd sort of had in my head as well, but it's far less serious for me, much more of a comedic and raw tone with a sort of a theme of being fast and loose and just doing whatever comes to mind within a very basic premise, with the idea that maybe I'll actually revise it if I end up liking it. I suppose the thing is, with how many ideas I've had that I've never ended up doing, it's a bit difficult to figure out what may actually be short, even with planning out arcs or chapters, I don't know if I can give any kind of accurate estimation of how many pages something might turn out to be, but I guess it's just a matter of figuring out what's most important and to trim fat.

[@dreadlordentertainment5533]

Well ... if we're going to be shamelessly plugging ...

[@ChandrewsArt]

Brandon Sanderson (Bestselling fantasy author) has some really great lessons on writing on youtube. While his are geared toward writers, most of his advice applies to general storytelling as well. He recently had a guest lecturer talk about short stories here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ3ImYl_ed6ojs0 Again, this video is more geared toward traditional writers and not comics, but I think a lot of her points can be generalized to comic writing!!! Especially if you're trying to figure out what's a short story vs. a long story.

[@Mr_Matrix]

Thanks a lot for sharing this Jake! 🙏🏻This will really help me to find a better process of creating stories that works for me ❤️

[@Supersocks-cp1om]

Don’t click just saving my spot 3:14

[@nannaskytte2409]

Such an awesome video Jake. Im writhing for my portfolio and have little experience!! This helped me SO MUCH! this stuff is so fluffy and it hard to navigate in writing a story. THANKS!!!! You'r the best! Your work make a big difference! keep up the good spirit and the great work. We love it!

[@RodrigoOtaguro]

Awesome tips as always Jake! Please do more like this telling about make comics! I took print screens of the pyramid, the steps and so, so that I can follow step by step next time I do comics! Thanks a lot! Cheers!

[@robertschaeffer5861]

Caught your dialogue...enjoyed the pyramid pointer...thanks

[@rysuje_noca]

Wow, thank you YT for your recommendation! I'm looking for the way to draw a noir comic and there is your film, thank you! It will be very helpful to me 😍

[@TheMockatiel]

8:15 😦🤯 and in 30 seconds, you just explained story beats in a way I understand… instead of making it so complex and convoluted, the answer becomes vague… but still needs an hour and it’s own video. 🙄 Thank you! ❤

[@0kieD0kiee]

This was so encouraging to listen to because I realized I have a lot more of my story ready than I thought I did, and that without knowing it, I use a very similar mental system for storytelling as you! It was very cool to hear you talking about the different components of a story and be able to assign certain aspects of my story to those components. Thanks so much for making this video 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@willbephore3086]

Hey how's it going with your story? It's 4 years later and I know how life can get, so no shame if it's not completed, but, did you do it??

[@ryanjamesart]

Really good advice! I've wanted to try comics for a long while!

[@KitKatWiffleBallBat]

Hey, Jake! I want to express my gratitude for the useful info about how to get a comic or graphic novel done. Out of all the channels I'm subscribed to, these are the videos that give me the most important information and are very direct, with no bs added. This is why I subscribed. I'm serious about my comic, and you are someone who has been in it, been through it, and offers the help with no sugar coating or weird flexing added. Thanks. Once I'm there, I will possibly send you an email, if I could, and compile my info together to maybe see if I have something good enough for the public. Or maybe just to see how your approach creating it? I'm a traditional artist, like you, so I'm not really doing any digital stuff.

[@GonzPaoli]

Thanks for the great video Jake! May I be so bold as to suggest an addition to your Story Pyramid? 6:25 I'd put down an extra level called "Theme and Overall Message" at the bottom :)

[@madhavakinnicutt5371]

lets gooo. loving the consistent vids.

[@theothercomicguy]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@clarksontaylor5202]

Dude I swear I've never seen this video but every step is exactly how I made my comic.

[@eatbadart]

This video is perfect. I’m about to make my first planned out comic and I feel way less lost now. thanks !

[@tai-porto]

I'm gonna have to go back to this video several times in the future

[@rustysartworkemporium]

Praise this channel. could not come at a better time! Thank you ! :D

[@grahamwelch5011]

love that you did another video, if u could I'd love to see more of your full draw-throughs, so like instead of just inking or coloring maybe start by sketching? I love your creative process and I have you one of your drawings books, I'd like to continue to learn from you. love your work can't wait for more :D

[@littlebunnyfoofoo209]

soooo incredibly helpful. I'm in highschool right now and I really want to start making my own comic someday. This helped me feel much more confident about it, so thank you!!

[@ravenstar1397]

I have a world, characters, but can't figure out the conflict. I have some ideas, and this really helped me order them! Thankyou

[@yoservs]

i used to feel i missed out in a big way because i never did a course in comics and animation at an academic institution. was just too expensive back in the day and even now. thanks to youtube tutorials and free 3D and animation software, right from storytelling to the finished product, i can learn all this without paying a penny. the best things in life are indeed free.

[@microMobilidade]

One of the things i loved the most was Hellboy “The Corpse” because it was 25 cents on the 2000’s yeah a quarter could get you an amazing story that was a great present

[@carlosmoralescreative]

Love this videos as well as your work! God Bless

[@ahha540]

Pyramid was cool as heck!

[@darthdetori]

Thanks so much for your videos and for sharing your vast knowledge. This video is so rich in content i couldn't stop taking notes. it really helps! Thanks again!

[@bryantium6010]

I go out of my way to find channels like yours and I'm only just now seeing your videos in my recommended list. Oh well better late than never

[@starrealm2621]

dear sir I appreciate you and your knowledge

[@neshiah4747]

Regarding copying: this was the way in which the old masters of painting learned their craft. All of Dali’s greatest paintings were based upon another painting which he himself revered etc

[@Whitepandemic]

i had to DIG and i found this video... thank you sooo much for this video dude! it helpped soo much

[@Haida_Art_Jordon_S]

This is great content! I think you KZbin followers will all agree that an hour long video is ok an we will watch the whole thing.

[@Melan_B]

I’ve been making so many short comics recently and this really helps

[@huamai8084]

I'm #6! Thanks, Jake!

[@dirkvoltaar]

Well done Jake. I think this is an important video. (Most important, together with your Minimum Viable Story video?) My biggest challenge is to think constructively about the creative process - growing and improving capacity to create progressively more ambitious work - and also about storytelling. That’s what this video does so well. The information is clear and I don’t think it is necessary, per se, to go into further detail. That said, several commenters are interested. Seems like we’re here for it, if you are. For now I’ll be rewatching a few times.

[@callumwilson4750]

Great work keep it up please love the videos

[@jacobschneekloth7167]

Thank you so much for share all this beautiful knowledge

[@craigsteyntheartistcraig3592]

the man I needed, but never knew I did. I released an 8 pager at comic con last year... but just can't go further...