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.
About this activity
Plan, draw, and assemble a short comic strip with characters, panels, speech bubbles, and simple art to practice storytelling, sequencing, and creative expression.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Write a one-sentence story idea for your comic on a scrap paper.
- 2
Step 2
Draw a small thumbnail sketch of your main character on scrap paper.
- 3
Step 3
Write the number of panels you want (pick 3 to 6) next to your story sentence.
- 4
Step 4
Cut your paper into that many equal rectangles to make individual panels.
- 5
Step 5
On each panel write a short one-sentence caption that explains what will happen there.
- 6
Step 6
Lightly sketch the scene and characters in pencil on each panel following your captions.
- 7
Step 7
Draw speech bubbles on each panel and write short dialogue inside them in pencil.
- 8
Step 8
Trace all pencil drawings speech bubbles and panel borders with a black pen or marker.
- 9
Step 9
Wait until the ink is completely dry.
- 10
Step 10
Gently erase the pencil lines from each panel.
- 11
Step 11
Color each panel using your coloring materials.
- 12
Step 12
Arrange the finished panels in story order on a long sheet of paper.
- 13
Step 13
Glue each panel onto the long sheet to assemble your comic strip.
- 14
Step 14
Write a fun title for your comic and sign your name on the strip.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished comic strip on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I help my child plan, draw, and assemble a short comic strip?
Start by brainstorming a simple story: one beginning, one problem, one ending. Help your child design characters and split the story into 3–6 panels on a template. Lightly sketch thumbnail layouts, then draw final lines, add speech bubbles and captions, and color. Cut and glue panels onto a backing if assembling pages. Encourage editing: rearrange panels for clear sequencing and read the strip aloud to check pacing.
What materials do I need to create a short comic strip with my child?
You'll need plain paper or a comic-strip template, pencils and erasers, a ruler for panel lines, fineliners or markers for inking, colored pencils or markers for coloring, and scissors and glue if you want to cut and assemble panels. Optional extras: stickers, speech-bubble stickers, comic fonts printed for captions, a lightbox or tracing paper, and printable templates for beginners.
What ages is creating short comic strips suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 4–12+, with adaptations. Ages 4–6 enjoy story ideas and single-panel comics using templates and parental help for cutting and writing. Ages 7–9 can plan 3–6 panels, draw characters, and write basic dialogue with light supervision. Ages 10+ can create longer strips, experiment with sequential storytelling, pacing, and refined artwork. Adjust complexity, materials, and adult guidance based on each child's fine motor and reading level.
What are the benefits of making short comics for kids?
Making comics boosts storytelling, sequencing, and early literacy by combining words and images. It strengthens fine motor skills through drawing and writing, encourages planning and logical thinking when arranging panels, and builds vocabulary and emotional expression as children script characters. Collaborative comic projects promote communication and social skills. It also fosters creativity and confidence as kids see complete stories they created, and can be adapted for learning topics acros
Watch & Learn
Need 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).