Have you ever had a great idea just pop into your head, as if whispered into your ear by magic? Well, the ancient Greeks and Romans did too. In fact, they thought that the best inspiration for science, art, and poetry came from magical gods and goddesses called Muses.
 |
| Calliope, shown here, was thought to be the best of all the muses by the ancient Greeks. But where does inspiration really come from? |
While being blessed with a great idea might feel like divine inspiration, there's nothing supernatural about it. When you spend time studying other artists, you begin to get a sense of what kind of webcomics you find funny, or what sort of graphic novels you like to read. Soon enough, you'll start thinking up your own little jokes and stories, based on inspiration from others and your own experience.
Many of these ideas won't go anywhere, but if you keep at it, you might find one or two that you can develop into your digital narrative. Check out some of these comics and graphic novels to start your inspiration journey, and see if you can turn up the volume on the Muses singing in your ear.
Be advised: Every attempt has been made to provide you with real-world, family-friendly samples. If you stray from the provided comics shown below, you may encounter samples that contain language and graphics intended for a more mature audience.
| Title | Premise | Notes |
|
Pepper is a young witch still learning the ropes of casting spells and making potions. Her sidekick Carrot is her mischievous friend, and together they explore a magical world of dragons, giant fish, and unicorns. |
Pepper & Carrot is a masterful example of the power of visual storytelling. David Revoy's use of color, character, composition, and narration are a great place to start for anyone trying to figure out what makes a good digital narrative work. |
|
|
A misbehaving fox plunges a village into darkness, and a young man with a magic dog companion must put things right. |
This 556 page comic tells a complete story, and does so with style and beauty. The playful feel and fun characters make the comic relatable and interesting, while the artwork creates an immersive world. |
|
|
Former NASA engineer Randall Munroe takes a fresh look at science, math, education, and pop culture, using witty observation and satire to make readers think while they laugh. |
Although his stick figure art and plain backgrounds may seem simple, Munroe's sharp commentary make this one of the most popular webcomics on the internet. |
|
|
Follow along with the adventures of Reginald and Beartato, an odd-couple pairing of a selfish bird and a lovable bear/potato. |
Artist Anthony Clark has improved the style and look of his comic over the years, greatly refining his characters, backgrounds, and compositions. Compare the first comics to the last few to see how much practice and revision can pay off artistically. |
Do You Know?
What if I'm still having trouble coming up with an idea?
Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from your own experience. Next time you find yourself laughing with friends, see if it's the kind of joke that could be made into a comic. Or carry a small notebook and jot down interesting events or observations that might tell a short story.
