Creating a graphic novel can be a fun challenge, as you get to write an original story and bring it to life with illustrations. A good graphic novel will move readers emotionally and visually, combining a great plot with striking images. This genre allows you to show the characters and the setting in your story to readers in graphic detail. With a little brainstorming, drafting, and polishing, you can create a graphic novel worth sharing in no time.
Things You Should Know on How to Create a Graphic Novel
- Brainstorm a plot outline, cast of characters, and setting for your graphic novel, then pick an art style and start storyboarding.
- Create a draft of the novel, introducing the setting, characters, their central conflict, and a resolution—and make sure the character art is consistent.
- Get feedback from other people and read your graphic novel aloud to polish it, revising as needed until you have a final draft you can ink and color.
Part 1: Brainstorming Ideas
Step 1: Create a Plot Outline
A good graphic novel starts with a strong story that has a central plot. Outline the general events of the novel using a plot diagram with five parts:
- Exposition: Set up the graphic novel, including the setting, the main character, and the conflict.
- Inciting Incident: The event that changes the course of the main character’s life.
- Rising Action: Develop the characters and explore their relationships.
- Climax: The high point of the story, where the main character has to make a major choice or decision.
- Falling Action: The main character deals with the results of their decision, usually packed with action and suspense.
- Resolution: The reader learns where the main character ends up and whether they succeed or fail in their goal or desire.
Step 2: Focus on an Interesting Main Character or Cast of Characters
Create a main character that is memorable and unique. Give your main character specific personality traits and a unique perspective on the world. You can also focus on a cast of characters to give the graphic novel more scope.
Step 3: Explore a Setting
Pick a setting that will give the novel depth and make it interesting on a visual level. Go for a setting that is a little surreal or take a setting you know well and make it a little strange or skewed.
Step 4: Pick a Particular Drawing Style
Make your graphic novel distinct by choosing a drawing style that you like and can do well. Select a drawing style that is easy for you to do and not too time-consuming.
Step 5: Storyboard the Novel
Create small squares on blank paper and draw out scenes panel by panel. Include text at the bottom of the squares and think about how you are going to represent the setting and the characters in each scene.
Step 6: Read Examples of Graphic Novels
To get a better sense of the genre, read graphic novels that have been published to great acclaim. This can help you understand different drawing styles and storytelling techniques.
Part 2: Creating a Draft
Step 1: Introduce the Characters and Setting
The first few pages should tell the reader who and what the novel is about. Open with a scene that shows your main character in action in the setting.
Step 2: Include Conflict Between Characters
A good story hinges on conflict and tension between your characters. Give your main character a goal and then put obstacles in their way.
Step 3: Keep the Characters’ Features Consistent
Maintain consistent features for your characters from panel to panel so the novel feels cohesive.
Step 4: Make the Setting Detailed and Eye-Catching
Include interesting details in the setting to pull your reader into the story. This will help to build the world of the story and keep your reader engaged.
Step 5: Include Dialogue that Develops Character and Furthers the Story
The dialogue should tell the reader more about the character speaking and push the story forward on a plot level.
Step 6: End with a Resolution or Realization
Like any good story, your graphic novel should end by resolving or addressing the conflict. Bring the story full circle for the reader so they are satisfied with the ending.
Step 7: Use a Cliffhanger Ending if Your Graphic Novel is Part of a Series
If your graphic novel is part of a series, leave the reader in suspense with a cliffhanger ending.
Part 3: Polishing the Draft – How to Create a Graphic Novel
Step 1: Show the Graphic Novel to Others
Ask friends, family members, and peers to read your draft and provide feedback. Be open to constructive criticism.
Step 2: Read the Graphic Novel Aloud
Listen to how the dialogue sounds when read aloud to make sure it sounds natural. This can also help you check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Step 3: Check the Flow and Plot Development
Ensure the novel flows well from scene to scene and that the plot develops clearly. It should follow your plot outline with a clear central conflict and climax.
Step 4: Revise the Novel
Take feedback and do a deep revision of the novel. Be relentless in cutting out content that does not make sense or further the story.
Step 5: Add Ink and Color to the Novel
You can do this manually with ink and colored pens or use a computer program like Adobe Photoshop to help speed up the process.
By following these steps, you can create a graphic novel that combines a great plot with striking images, engaging your readers emotionally and visually.
