A Suggestion For Comic Book Scripts

One of the problems with writing comic book scripts is that there seems to be no consensus on how to write a comic book script. While Marvel and DC seem to have a template, they don't seem to put it out. Worse, writers have been told that they should use whatever method appeals to them; this has resulted in a range of formats from movie scripts to just throwing prose at the illustrator and letting them figure it out. These make it hard for the illustrator to figure out what the writer wants; miscommunication is always a bad thing.

Obviously, this needs to change. There needs to be some standardization of the script format. This would not only make it easier for the illustrator to figure out what the writer wants, but it would make it easier to communicate what is going on that much easier. This would enable a comic script to be passed from one artist to another with little loss of signal; everyone would be on the same page, be it the illustrator, the letterer, the colorer, or even the inker. Everyone would be able to look at the script and know precisely what is going on.

Thus, I would like to humbly submit the following concept for comic script standardization.

Let's Get Organized

The first thing that needs to happen is that the writer needs to decide on a general grid. While this can be set up using input from the illustrator, a standard grid should be decided on for the entire comic. The best grids to use are three columns by four rows (3x4), three columns by three rows (3x3), two columns by three rows (2x3), or even two rows by two columns (2x2). Numbering should also be agreed upon, be it to the left to right or right to left, with top to bottom assumed.

This allows for the combination of panels, with the style of numbering preserved. In this case, just number as you normally would, counting the combined as one panel not several. Thus, if you combined it so that the second and third panels of each row on a 3x3 grid were combined, the numbering would be [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] not [1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8] or even [1, 2+3, 4, 5+6, 7, 8+9]. It would also be possible to subdivide panels similarly. Suffice it to say, thumbnails of panel layouts would be highly suggested for the sake of clarity.

Multi-page spreads would be handled by just mentioning it and then paneling appropriately, although normal numbering could be ignored (provided there were accompanying thumbnails). Splash pages need to be standardized as well, but at least the numbering would be easy. Any non-standard format should be handled through thumbnails and should involve a conversation with the illustrator.

What Goes in a Panel

Obviously, whatever goes in a panel needs to be described. People, equipment, and even buildings should just be noted that they exist; the designs should have already been discussed. Unless it matters, the artist should make the decision regarding placement. The action should be described, but only good enough to describe what is going on. Any sound effects need to be covered.

The page number should be noted, then list the panels under that page, with a line between panels. For example:

PAGE 1

Panel 1

Psidekick flies past the building.

Pane 2

Wraith waves to him.

Colors for captions need to be discussed. While captions should be noted, and exact details left to the letterer, the coloring issues need to be noted, even for black and white (in which case, use various tones of gray instead). There should be a default color for non-dialogue captions, with an option for different uses (dates/times versus editorial notes versus "meanwhiles", for example). Captions can be used for narration; just remember to set a different color for it. If used for the thoughts or voiceovers of different characters, they should have different colors or designs. However, these details should be left to the letterer; the writer should just note the caption and, if necessary, its use.

Captions should be listed before the action in the panel, even if it has been decided to format them differently, such as putting editorial captions in the lower right of panels. Just write CAPTION: X, such as 

CAPTION: Meanwhile….

CAPTION (Psidekick VO): This was a standard night. 

CAPTION (Narration): Psidekick was about to have a very non-standard night.

[This multitude of uses is probably why people hate using captions. ]

Dialogue should definitely be included. While the Marvel Method used to not include dialogue (it was written after the art was done), Marvel has changed their policy on that. The writer needs to write the dialogue when writing the script; however, you should note what kind of dialogue it is (normal, shouting, thoughts, telepathy, radio, or off-screen source); the letterer will then apply the correct type of dialogue. Unless it's normal dialogue, the type should be noted right after the speaker.

PSIDEKICK: Nice bloomers, Doctor Plusum.

DOCTOR PLUSUM (OS): Jerk. 

WRAITH (radio): What about our date?

Sound effects should be noted before dialogue. If the source is important (such as a laser ray's "PEW PEW PEW") then note the source; it should be noted that this can usually be ignored as the source is either obvious or is part of the design notes already.

FX: BOOM

FX (Boots): VROOM

Putting it all together:

PAGE 1

Panel 1

(Combines panels 1&2)

CAPTION: Meanwhile….

CAPTION (Psidekick VO): This was a standard night. 

CAPTION (Narration): Psidekick was about to have a very non-standard night.

Psidekick flies past the building.

FX (Boots): VROOM

PSIDEKICK: Nice bloomers, Doctor Plusum.

DOCTOR PLUSUM (OS): Jerk. 

WRAITH (radio): What about our date?

Pane 2

Wraith waves to him.]

Making It Easier

Using a standard script should make it easier, especially as a lot of the details (such as character designs) have already been worked out; the script is just putting those pieces together in an order that creates a story. Better yet, it should keep writers who write stories for each panel (more detail is nice, but if it's not going to be seen, don't write it). It should also make it easier for others to understand what is going on.

Overall, standardization should make it easier for everyone.