Make a Comic Book for Kids
Adults and children alike enjoy reading and collecting comic books or reading comic strips. Comics are a good way to get children to begin their adventures in reading. The combination of graphics and text are ideal for keeping the interest of even young children. Creating a comic book for kids is fun to do and a positive way to reinforce a child's reading and comprehensive skills.
Instructions
1. Start by using Strip Creator to get a feel for creating comics and to help you work on a story for your comic (see Resources). Strip Creator is a free online resource that lets you create comic strip panels with drop-down menus that offer a wide range of backgrounds, characters and comic book effects. Because the comic book you want to create is for kids, keep the story line simple and something kids can understand universally. Create characters that kids can relate to, whether the characters are other children or animals facing the same issue that kids face.
2. Sketch the artwork for your comics in pencil first, then go back and color the illustrations. When you've drawn your illustrations, scan them to your computer and name them for the panel they will appear in.
3. Use Microsoft Word or a desktop publishing program, such as Adobe PageMaker, to pull your comic book together. You can also use Movie Magic Screenwriter, which has a built-in comic book template. Another option is Comic Book Creator, which is software that allows you to compile your text and graphics into a comic book (see Resources). You can use Comic Book Creator online or download a trial version of the software. If you choose to use Microsoft Word, you can download free comic book templates that will make formatting your comic book easy (see Resources).
4. Print your comic book on a good quality color printer using glossy photo paper for best results. Set the two-sided printing option through your printer's control panel. Use glossy cover stock for the cover of your comic and staple along the center of the comic to bind it. Save the comic file as a PDF if you want to take it to a professional printer to print large quantities.
