Chuck Dixon's 10 rules for writing a successful Comic Book.
I recently found some old comic book scripts I worked on for Dabel Bros., this list of rules was attached to my first script as advice from an editor to follow.
1. OPEN STRONG.
Get your story off and running.
2. ONLY ESSENTIAL DIALOGUE.
Just the talking you need to put the point across.
3. AT LEAST THREE PIECES OF ACTION PER STORY.
They can be mixed major or minor action but there has to be something visual and in motion in your story.
4. REMEMBER THAT SOMEONE HAS TO DRAW WHAT YOU WRITE.
Take pity on the penciller. Don't make him draw something difficult over and over again.
5. FIND SOMETHING TO LIKE ABOUT EACH CHARACTER.
Even Dr. Doom has his good points.
6. FIND SOMETHING TO HATE ABOUT EACH CHARACTER.
Even Batman can be aggravating or Robin self-centered.
7. AVOID REDUNDANCY, DON'T DESCRIBE WHAT THE READER CAN SEE.
If your character's on a motorcycle crossing a bridge there's no reason to state this in writing.
8. EVERY COMIC BOOK IS SOMEONE'S FIRST COMIC BOOK.
Keep your storytelling simple, basic, and easy to follow.
9. THE LAST PANEL OF EACH PAGE SHOULD MAKE THE READER TURN TO THE NEXT PAGE.
Something exciting or mysterious in that final panel. "It's YOU!"
10. DON'T BE A SMARTA$$.
Folks don't pay good money for you to show off your college degrees. They want a good, fast paced story. Tell that story and get out of the way!
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