2-Panel Comics

A quick focus activity, using the most basic comics format…

SET UP:

Set up a page with 2 same-size panels (either side by side, or stacked vertically).

For the sake of clarity, you may want to number your panels (1 & 2).

EXAMPLES BELOW: Autobio | Historical | Before & After

2-PANEL: “AUTOBIO”

PANEL 1: “THEN”
= Show a memory from an earlier part of your life.
PANEL 2: “NOW”
= Show a more recent scene. (How has an idea changed / evolved / stayed the same…?)

This can be a useful format for quick reflective diary comics…

2-PANEL: “HISTORICAL”

Show 2 key scenes from a historical topic or process. Label each panel with a date and/or location.

Works well for:

biographies
narrative history
major events & changes
primary source quotes, &c.

2-PANEL: “BEFORE & AFTER”

Label the entire page with a title (and/or a date & place).

PANEL 1 = Show a scene from BEFORE the title event/date.
PANEL 2 = Show a scene from AFTER the title event/date.

Works well for: cause & effect, reactions, political cartoons, &c.

EXTENSION: Would your comic work better with a middle panel, showing the actual title event/date? Try a 3-PANEL PAGE >> or a 3-PANEL COMIC STRIP >>