How to Write a Comic Strip (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)
So, you want to write a comic strip? Maybe you’ve got a hilarious idea bouncing around your brain. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of making people laugh with just a few panels. Or maybe… you’re just bored in class and need a new hobby. Whatever brought you here, WELCOME! You’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the full process of writing your very own comic strip—from coming up with ideas to punching up your final punchline. Get your pencils (or tablets) ready. It’s go time.
My name is Aura Gold, I am the founder of Make Me A Comic. I have been writing comic strips for over 10 years, I have written about 4000 comics.
What Is a Comic Strip, Anyway?
A comic strip is a short, funny story told in a few illustrated panels. You’ve seen them in newspapers (remember those?), on Instagram, and all over the internet. Unlike a full comic book, comic strips are fast, punchy, and often focus on just one joke or situation.
Think: Garfield, Peanuts, Calvin & Hobbes, or even modern webcomics like Sarah’s Scribbles or Strange Planet.
Step 1: Know Your Format
Before you start writing, figure out how long your comic strip will be. Most strips fall into these common formats:
3-Panel Strip
The classic setup.
- Panel 1: Setup
- Panel 2: Build-up
- Panel 3: Punchline
4-Panel Strip
Gives you a bit more room to mess around.
- Panel 1: Setup
- Panel 2: Situation
- Panel 3: Twist
- Panel 4: Punchline or Reaction
1-Panel Gag
One image, one joke. Super quick and super viral when done well.
💡Pro Tip: Start with 3 panels. It’s the most flexible and forgiving for beginners.
Step 2: Choose Your Characters
Funny comic strips are usually driven by characters people can instantly connect with. So—who’s starring in yours?
Create Your Comic Cast
Think about:
– Are they kids? Teens? Aliens in middle school?
– Are they snarky? Shy? Totally clueless?
– Is one a goodie 2 shoes whilst the other is the chaos gremlin?
You only need 1–3 characters to start. More than that gets messy fast.
Step 3: Know the Joke Before You Draw
Comics are visual, yes. But writing comes first. Especially with strips.
Start With the Punchline
Weird advice, right? But trust me—starting with the punchline makes the rest way easier. It’s like working backward from the destination.
Then Ask: How Do We Get There?
Build the situation that leads to your punchline. Keep it short. Think like a stand-up comic:
- Setup: “My dog thinks he’s human…”
- Punchline: “…so he refuses to fetch anything unless I say ‘please.’”
Boom. Comic strip material.
How to Come Up With Comic Strip Ideas (That Aren’t Boring)
This is where a lot of people get stuck. You’ve got the format, you’re ready to go, but your brain’s like: “LOL nope.” Don’t worry—we’ve got you.
🔄 Steal From Real Life
Your weird school lunch, your annoying little brother, that awkward Zoom call. Everyday life = comic gold. If it made you laugh (or cringe), it can be a comic.
😹 Use “What If?” Questions
- What if cats could text?
- What if teachers had secret TikTok accounts?
- What if aliens came to Earth and just wanted pizza?
Ask weird questions. Answer them in comic form.
💬 Try Dialogue-First Writing
Sometimes a funny convo is all you need:
Character 1: “You can’t eat six donuts for breakfast.”
Character 2: “That’s why I had seven.”
That’s a punchline. Build around it.
🎯 Use These Idea Starters
- A talking object (toaster, calculator, fish tank)
- Two total opposites forced to hang out
- A world where one normal thing is totally different (e.g. everyone walks upside down)
Write down a list of 10 silly ideas. At least 2 will be great. Promise.
Step 4: Write the Script (Yes, Even Short Comics Need Scripts)
This doesn’t have to be fancy. Just sketch out who says what in each panel.
🎬 Example Script (3-Panel)
Title: Pizza Problems
- Panel 1: Character A: “I ordered extra cheese.”
- Panel 2: Character B (holding box): “You got… a box of cheese.”
- Panel 3: Character A: thumbs up “Perfect.”
Now you know what’s happening before you draw anything.
Step 5: Keep It Short and Snappy
Comic strips are like TikToks: short attention spans, big payoff.
✂️ Trim the Fat
Cut anything that isn’t moving the joke forward. No one needs three speech bubbles when one will do.
💬 Use Visuals to Replace Words
Instead of writing “He looks surprised,” just draw it. Let the art do the talking when you can.
Step 6: Time to Draw! (But Keep It Simple)
You don’t need to be an art genius. Your comic strip doesn’t have to be Marvel-level. Some of the most famous strips in the world are made with basic shapes and bold expressions.
🎨 Art Tips for Comic Strips:
- Use bold, clear lines
- Exaggerate facial expressions
- Keep backgrounds minimal (especially at first)
- Make sure speech bubbles are readable!
You can draw on paper, tablet, or even apps like:
- Procreate
- Clip Studio Paint
- Canva
- MediBang Paint
- Comic Draw
- Photoshop
Step 7: Share It With the World
The best way to grow as a comic creator? POST YOUR STUFF. Seriously.
📲 Where to Share:
- Instagram (use Reels or carousels!)
- Webtoon (for longer series)
- Tapas
- TikTok (voiceover your comic strip!)
- Your own blog or website
Make it easy for people to find your work. Use hashtags, tag friends, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
Bonus Tips for Making a Comic Strip That Slaps
💥 Make the Last Panel POP
Your final panel is the punchline. Make it strong. Make it memorable. If possible, add a visual twist for bonus laughs.
🧪 Experiment With Style
Try changing:
- Panel size
- Fonts
- Color vs. black-and-white
See what makes your comic strip feel like you.
⏳ Stick With It
Your first few strips might be awkward. That’s okay. The more you make, the funnier you’ll get.
You’re Ready to Create Your First Comic Strip!
You’ve got the tools. You’ve got the tips. Now it’s time to grab a pencil, pen, or stylus and GET STARTED.
Your first comic strip doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to exist. Hit publish, post it, laugh at your own joke (because you’re hilarious), and keep going.
Want more comic creation tips? I’ve got a full series on:
- How to Create a Comic Character
- How to write a funny comic book
- How to draw a comic book for beginners
- 10 common mistake new comic book creators make and how to avoid them
- How to make your own comic book
- And soon an eBook on writing and drawing your own comics ! 👀
Stay tuned. And keep drawing!
