Create Fun Comics
Plan, draw, and assemble a short comic strip with characters, panels, speech bubbles, and simple art to practice storytelling, sequencing, and creative expression.
Step-by-step guide to create fun comics
How I Make Mini Comics? (step by step) PART I
Step 1
Write a one-sentence story idea for your comic on a scrap paper.
Step 2
Draw a small thumbnail sketch of your main character on scrap paper.
Step 3
Write the number of panels you want (pick 3 to 6) next to your story sentence.
Step 4
Cut your paper into that many equal rectangles to make individual panels.
Step 5
On each panel write a short one-sentence caption that explains what will happen there.
Step 6
Lightly sketch the scene and characters in pencil on each panel following your captions.
Step 7
Draw speech bubbles on each panel and write short dialogue inside them in pencil.
Step 8
Trace all pencil drawings speech bubbles and panel borders with a black pen or marker.
Step 9
Wait until the ink is completely dry.
Step 10
Gently erase the pencil lines from each panel.
Step 11
Color each panel using your coloring materials.
Step 12
Arrange the finished panels in story order on a long sheet of paper.
Step 13
Glue each panel onto the long sheet to assemble your comic strip.
Step 14
Write a fun title for your comic and sign your name on the strip.
Step 15
Share your finished comic strip on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a black pen or marker for tracing the pencil lines in step 8?
If you don't have a black pen or marker for step 8, use a dark blue ballpoint pen, a fine-tip colored pencil pressed firmly, or another thin felt-tip marker you do have and then allow extra drying time in step 9.
My ink keeps smudging when I try to erase the pencil lines in step 10—how can I prevent that?
To prevent smudging before step 10, wait longer after step 9 for the ink to dry, blot gently with a clean tissue or use a hairdryer on low, and test erasing on a scrap panel first.
How can I adapt the comic activity for younger kids or older kids?
For younger children, choose 3 large panels (step 3), pre-cut the rectangles in step 4 and have an adult write simple captions (step 5), while older kids can use 6 panels, add detailed pencil shading in step 6 and scan their finished strip before sharing on DIY.org (step 15).
What are some fun ways to enhance or personalize our finished comic strip after assembling it?
To personalize and extend the project, add stickers or collage pieces while coloring each panel in step 11, create a decorative title in step 14, or photograph the glued strip after step 13 to make a short animated slideshow to share on DIY.org (step 15).
Watch videos on how to create fun comics
How To Make Comic Book Characters
4 Videos
How To Make Comic Book Characters
How To Get Started Learning How To Draw Comics
How to Make Comics | Drawing Tutorial & Speedpaint
How to Make Your Own Comic | Toontorial | @cartoonnetworkuk
Facts about comic-making and storytelling for kids
✏️ Cartoonists usually start with tiny 3–6 panel thumbnails to plan pacing and jokes before final art.
🧩 Comics are called 'sequential art' because readers fill in the action between panels — a storytelling trick called closure.
🗯️ Speech balloons have been used in art for centuries; modern comic speech bubbles became common in newspapers.
📰 The Yellow Kid (1890s) is often credited with helping launch the modern newspaper comic strip.
📚 Will Eisner helped popularize the term "graphic novel" and raised comics' status as serious storytelling.
How do I help my child plan, draw, and assemble a short comic strip?
What materials do I need to create a short comic strip with my child?
What ages is creating short comic strips suitable for?
What are the benefits of making short comics for kids?
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