Comic making tips #2- To plot, or not to plot?

Lesson 2! Do you want a plot or not? Some comics have them, others don't. Either option is okay if done right.

Some comics like Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal have almost no plotline. Any user can jump in about anywhere and understand what's going on, but there is no obligation to stay a continuous reader. You'll need to constantly think of new ideas and punchlines, but if you have ADD, this method may be more your style.

Some comics like Tripp (a comic about a guy on a never-ending acid trip) have a plotline, and to understand what's going on, you'll need to start at the beginning. Some of these take way too long to get through (which is why I gave up on Girl Genius, even if the plotline is great), but you'll always have the readers hooked on what's coming next. It takes longer to get viewers, but the viewers are usually much more dedicated to the comics with plotlines. I guess it boils down to quantity or quality.

If you choose to do a plotline, it's okay to take a break every so often by doing a random, unrelated comic.  We call this filler. If you're doing a comic without a plotline, it's okay to do a 2 or 3 part comic with a small plot if the mood strikes you, and if you warn your viewers (usually the comic will be titled with a "Part 1" or whatever part the comic is on... such as Castle Run, Part 6)

On an unrelated note, I started working on a plotline for mine. Anyone who reads should get ready for that beginning next week.

Dr. McPsychoBunny-An Invitation