How to be a comic book writer, by Marvel's Chip Zdarsky

Chip Zdarsky is a comic book writer and illustrator. The Toronto-based creator with a quirky sense of humour has worked on books such as the award-winning Sex Criminals, Kaptara, Jughead, Howard the Duck, Daredevil and most recently wrapped up a run writing the Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man series.

Zdarsky spoke with CBC Books about what it takes to be a successful comic book writer and offered seven tips for aspiring comics creators.

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[wolfieabuwandi]

I’m right now creating my comic, my own storyline, etc. and whenever I’m overwhelmed I stop thinking about how hard it is and how long it will take, and I start thinking about how fun and exciting it will be. This has raised my spirits.

[ignskeletons]

I'm a beginner comic writer and doodler (just a hobby) and I found the best thing to get started is to keep the scope of your first few projects very small. I'm talking single page comics. Draw 4 squares on a page and tell a story in just those 4 squares, you'll be amazed how hard even that can be. After that branch out into like a 4 page story which starts to get more complex. If you keep it simple at first you'll stay more motivated to actually finish it which is the most important thing starting out, especially if you're just practicing.

[sungiant]

Spider-Man: Life Story is one of the best comics I've read in a while.

[worknprogress]

Best Daredevil Writer since Frank... and possibly the best run ever.

[bcatarino]

I've been away from comics for a while, but from everything I've read recently, I'm going to risk saying he's currently the best writer at Marvel. His storytelling is beautifully paced, emotionally resonant, and full of meaningful surprises that often challenge comic book cliches. So far read his Daredevil run, Invaders run, and Spider-Man Life Story, possibly the best comic I've read in decades

[rc]

Chip you autographed a comic of mine years ago and I appreciate that.
You are a great writer.

[portoutboy]

Chip is one of the funniest people ever. His newsletter genuinely makes me laugh. What did you do to him to make him so sensible?!
Also, amazing writer. The world (of comics) is lucky to have him

[danielprieto]

"Things become too comic booky"
Me: "why that's why I'm here"

[Alector]

Im creating my fist comic and hopefully marvel can approve it cause i got more stories and more characters with stories in my archive to bring to them and bring motivation and thrill for other artist and writers

[sofaking]

Anyone whos still out there tryna work for Marvel or Dc or Image whether it be writing or art I write scripts all damn day long in every medium if yall serious about comic book art and writing I can character design and write scripts and stuff. We can be comic friends because i think its good to have ppl in ur circle who is like minded as you are

[thespectacledeider]

Thank you for sharing this valuable insight. I truly appreciate the time you took to provide such important information.

[bridgetteanimations]

I’m on my own with my comic, I’m the artist and the writer so it’s very difficult to have ideas and I’m barely self publishing. It’s very overwhelming since I want to get notice by marvel or DC

[challengemusictv]

writing is exhilarating and amazing I cant stop tripping balls at how crazy writing is

[zionleach]

I'm interested in strictly writing comics as a career. I've always loved Supernatural dark fantasy in a modern world. Kinda like Hansel and Gretel witch hunters but in the 21st century. I'm heavily inspired by Mike Mignola, Larry Correia, and Beau smith.

[KarolineLovesArcane]

This is helpful thank you for the suggestions, I am job and career searching. I’m interested in illustration and comic book writing and art.

[doofusk......]

Can you be the writer and artist of your own comic book universe?

[electrojones]

It's surprising how closed off DC and Marvel are to new writers. Most of their creators are so terrible that their contributions have to be retconned after a few months just to save the IP they've worked on. So many friends of friends have been hired, fake Japanese writer/editors, unprofessional clods whose presence checked boxes for HR (blocking other, more capable minority creators in the process), and whatever other problematic people that just happen to have an in, or game the system. "Toil in anonymity and if you're good enough, we'll find you." At least they're not screwing people with How To Draw books and phony Try Out books these days. I guess that's a step up.

Read more independent comics. The big companies need to be humbled for a while.

[belgiumcomics]

I loved Spider-Man: Life storie - Annual #1.

[theoffbeatturtle]

I want to be a comic book writer but i have to hire a freaking artist and they charge from $30-$60 on the hour 😣

[dorout]

If you are not both the illustrator and writer, I'll have to stop you right there. The landscape of comic book creation has evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional collaborative efforts between writers and artists to more straightforward employment relationships. This shift has notable implications for aspiring writers, especially in terms of financial investment. Currently, hiring an illustrator for a 25-page comic can cost at least $3, 000 for average talent, and upwards of $5, 000 for more skilled artists. This financial barrier prompts a strategic consideration: be patient and wait it out. AI technology, becoming increasingly sophisticated, offers a more budget-friendly option compared to the steep costs of hiring illustrators. Eventually, AI will provide a viable solution for writers facing financial constraints during their comic book projects. With the emergence of technologies such as Adobe Firefly and Comics Maker (AI), it is only a matter of time before these tools become mainstream.