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How to Write a Full Script for a Comic Strip

© Dave A. Law

A common question in comic strip creation is how to write a comic script. If the only person that is going to read the script is yourself and/or an artist that you are working with, then what matters is that those involved can understand what you want to see within the illustrated interpretation of your words. Comic strips are accepted for publication strictly through review of the finished strips, and no one ever wants to see the scripts. However, with comic books the importance of how you format your script grows in relationship to the publisher you are submitting to and/or writing for.

There are two basic comic scripting formats: full script and plot (Marvel) script. A full script is similar to the type of scripts that you find with screenplays. Any book on writing screenplays is a good starting point for learning how to write a script. A full script is one that gives the artist, editor and anyone might also read the script, the entire story – descriptions of scenes, dialog, sound effects, etc. - everything they need to do their jobs without further input from the writer.

Format of Full Script Comic

Each page should start on a fresh piece of paper with a notation of how many panels are on the page. 

Character dialogue is done all in caps and indented to make it easier for editors and letterers to identify who is speaking. Dialogue starts with the character's name and then an optional modifier to let the letterer know how to letter it.

• "Op" means the characer is speaking off-panel.
• "Thought" means the words should be lettered withina  thought balloon.
• "Whisper" indicates that the words should be lettered to show a whisper.
• "SFX" is used to indicate any sound effects that should be "heard" within the panel.
• "Cap" indicateds that words should be written within a caption.

Descriptions of the actions of the characters and settings are described for each panel. These descriptions can be as simple as a few lines or can be several paragraphs. You should write enough information so that you are comfortable that the artist will illustrate what you want to be shown within this panel.

For more information and to view a properly formated script check out Dark Horse Comics guidelines. Unless you are writing/submitting to one of the major companies (DC, Dark Horse, Image), you do not have to follow this format exactly. What is important is that whatever form you use is uniform and easy to understand.

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