One: Idea

Before you can start a comic, sprite or otherwise, you need an idea. You need characters, and you need the beginnings of a plot. Starting a comic simply because you're bored is a very bad idea. If you start a comic because you're bored, or because you want to be 'cool,' then you won't have the motivation or the ideas to continue.

If you're going to start a comic, make sure you have a story to tell. Or a good, strong cast of characters, each with their own agenda. A comic, especially a sprite comic, is akin to a written story. You wouldn't write a novel because you were bored, would you? So why do that with a comic?

Of course, simply having an idea isn't good enough. You need to have a good idea. Ideally, your comic should be something fresh and original. 'Original' does not mean carbon-copying what is already successful. Don't take jokes or characters from existing comics, especially well-known comics, like Bob and George or 8-Bit Theater. The readers will know where the stolen material came from, and they'll think less of you for not coming up with your own material.

I would also advise against making a comic about a video game, TV show, or movie. Video game sprite comics are very, very common. At the forums I frequent, there are a lot of Megaman sprite comics. Usually they try to follow the plot of the original Megaman series or the Megaman X series, and about half involve ice cream (Thank you, BnG.). If a game is popular, someone has probably already done a sprite comic about it, especially if the sprites are easy to find online. The main reason I don't like comics based on games, however, is that they're basically fanfiction. Characters, setting, plot... it's all been decided for you. You can add to what's been given to you, but you can't take anything away if you want to be at all faithful to the game. You give up a lot of creative freedom if you choose to make a comic based on a game. Some people may view this as a challenge, though, to make a comic under such limitations. In my opinion, it's not for the beginner. I suggest starting with a completely original idea, so that you have complete control over your comic. You can try a game-based comic later on, after you have some experience with sprite comics, but don't do it right away.

Finally, you may think you have a good idea. But it's best to make sure that other people think it's good, too. (Unless you don't want readers, in which case you can do whatever the hell you want. :p) The Bob and George forums have a whole section devoted to the discussion of ideas; you could also bounce it off your friends (try not to annoy them about it, though).

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