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Sequential Storytelling

SEQUENTIAL STORYTELLING

How to Draw Consistent Characters in Comics

Advanced · Lesson 2 of 11 in Sequential Storytelling · By Clayton Barton

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ABOUT THIS LESSON

Creating an incredible-looking comic book character is one thing. But being able to draw that same character consistently, from one panel to the next, that’s where the real challenge begins. And if you’re serious about making comics, it’s a skill you’ve got to master.

In this lesson, I’ll take you through the full process of designing a character from scratch. We’ll start with a strong pose built from simple, gestural shapes. Then I’ll show you how to sculpt out the anatomy and design a costume that not only looks cool, but works across multiple angles.

From there, we’ll move into the real test - replicating that character across three different panels, just like you would in an actual comic. Each panel shows the character in a different pose and from a new angle, but the core design, silhouette, and proportions stay locked in.

You’ll see how to anchor your design with consistent visual cues, how to balance variation in posing with clarity in structure, and how to avoid the common mistakes that make characters look like different people from shot to shot.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer path toward keeping your characters recognizable throughout your pages, and the tools to start practicing that skill.

MORE IN THIS CATEGORY

Panel Layouts

Advanced

Sequential Congruence

Advanced

Drawing Characters at Different Distances

Advanced

More lessons are on the way.

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