If you are a fan of comics, you will know that there are no longer just physical comics that you can buy in bookstores and stores, but there is another evolution: webcomics. These gave the opportunity to many amateurs to show their art and attract followers.
But what is a webcomic? Are there famous examples? In this article we want to focus on this term so that you understand it perfectly. Who knows, maybe it was the push you needed to make yourself known as a comic artist.
What is a webcomic
The definition of a webcomic is quite simple: a comic created to be read exclusively over the Internet. Now, many of them, those that are successful, are sometimes published in paper, although the Internet version is maintained.
The main characteristic of these comics lies in the format used, since it is not on paper but rather using a platform or a website.
Its origin takes us back to the mid-90s. Among the first that came out and were successful are: Nut and Merry, Sluggy Freelances, or Penny Arcade.
In the case of Spain, the webcomic is not a widely used format. But that doesn't mean they don't exist. Among the best known we can highlight The Clever, Young Lovecraft or Hey, Dude!
Webcomic vs eComic
In this case we are going to talk to you about two terms that many confuse and believe are the same. And in a way we could tell you yes. But at the same time they have a difference between them (hence we talk about two kinds of comics).
As you have seen, a webcomic is a comic strip, a comic that you can read on the Internet. Whether on a PC, on a mobile phone, on a tablet... Normally this implies that there will be an official page where you can read it.
Now, the eComic, if we go to its definition, we find that it is a file that contains a comic. So, simple.
And you will say, is not the same? Well no, actually it's not. We give you an example.
Imagine that you are going to create a webcomic for a series. To do this, you have a website where you upload your character's adventures.
Now, imagine that this story catches the attention of a publisher and they decide to publish it digitally. That is, they will sell it in the main stores and bookstores. and those who buy it will download a file in which the comic will be and will be able to read it wherever they want, with or without Internet activated.
Do you understand the difference now?
How to make a webcomic
Do you want to create your own webcomic? Actually, if you know how to draw and you like comics, it's not crazy. Because this way you can make your art known and be noticed. But, for that, it is important that you follow a few steps.
Invests
Regrettably yes you will have to find a platform to publish your comic or buy a domain and hosting to create a website that matches your comic (and that you can upload the different chapters and that reads well).
Of course, we are not talking about an unreasonable price.
Seek inspiration from others
There are many other artists who have been encouraged to make webcomics. You just have to find them. In the next section we will give you some examples, but one of the most famous is One Punch Man, a webcomic that has been online since 2009 (and has been adapted into an anime).
Create your comic
It is what may take the most time, but It is important that you create it to know exactly what you are going to offer to users.
This involves knowing the story, the characters, where you want them to go, the complete plot...
Digitize the comic
To be able to upload it to the website or the platform you have chosen. In this case you can use the image editing tools to improve the strokes and give it a more professional finish suitable for the online format.
Establish a marketing plan
That is, how are you going to announce it, how often are you going to update it, what are you going to do to advertise it, how are you going to make yourself known... All this data will be important to be able to have followers and get to know you.
Social networks, collaborations with blogs, webcomic platforms... all of this can help you position yourself as an artist.
Examples of webcomics
Source: Bored Panda
How do we know that sometimes you may have no idea about webcomics that are famous and to give you an example of how you should work with them, we wanted to bring you some examples that you should know. Keep in mind that many of them are foreigners. In Spain there is not much tendency for this format.
Boyfriend of the Dead
Created by Ushio, it is a comic in which he tells us about the story of a couple. She is human but he is a zombie. And of course, they will have to deal with the possible problems that this implies.
heart and brain
Surely you have seen the series at some point, many of them translated. But it's the work of Nick Seluk.
Using humor, this artist has found in history between a heart and a brain the key to stand out and above all become famous with your strips.
Live forever
Created by Raúl Treviño, a Mexican also recognized in Spain, you have the story of Sarah, a girl who, after suffering a tragedy, her goal in life is to find the formula to live forever.
Do you make money with webcomics?
Taking into account that a webcomic needs a website or a platform on which it can be read, it is clear that the first thing, before winning, will be to invest in a domain or to enter a platform where the story can be uploaded and people can read you (that is, you also need advertising).
Now beyond that, the money earned in the webcomic normally comes from the positioning and traffic you have. That is, if you have created a webcomic and every day a million people visit you to read it, it is clear that if you place advertising on the page it will give you an economic benefit.
You can also ask for donations to continue with the story and be able to dedicate more time to it.
In short, yes, making money is earned. But those with the most followers will be the ones who can get a more profitable extra.
Have you ever read a Webcomic? Can you give us suggestions to discover new ones? We read you in comments.