r/ComicWriting • u/Electronic-Tea3702 • 8h ago

How does creating a hook in a comic differ to creating one in other media types?

I'm an artist and writer but I've never actually tried to combine those skills (despite that being the goal when I first starting learning to draw). My experience of writing has been limited to short stories and stage plays.

What, if anything, is there to additionally consider in the opening pages of a comic or graphic novel that wouldn't be relevant in another medium for getting someone to keep reading?

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u/Hot-Manager-2603 7h ago

It’s an old trick, but one unique to comics: Make the last panel of every page a “question” that can only be answered by turning the page. Doesn’t always have to be big—and doesn’t necessarily need to be an actual question, just something that gives the reader a reason to turn the page.

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u/rebelartwarrior 7h ago

This video explains it best. “The Secret to Perfectly Paced Comics” by PainterDraws on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/LHY_dh_6VBU?is=UzM7I5PhYtgbDWK3

He goes into detail and uses the first issue of “Ultra Mega” as an example of setting up hooks with payoffs. It’s a brilliant video.