Give a guinea pig the power of flight and it still has to decide what to do about the ice cream falling off its cone. One small problem is all a comic needs. The six panels keep the story moving when your artist has too many ideas to pick from.
What is National Comic Book Day?
National Comic Book Day is September 25. It celebrates stories told through panels, pictures, and words—and invites readers to try becoming creators themselves.
A milestone in comic-book history
The Library of Congress identifies Superman’s appearance in Action Comics No. 1 in 1938 as the beginning of the era commonly called the Golden Age of Comics. Superheroes became a major part of the medium, but comics can also tell funny, everyday, adventurous, or personal stories. One small problem is enough to start your own. Library of Congress guide to the Golden Age of Comics.
A simple way to enjoy the day
Give a character something to want and one obstacle in the way. Tell what happens in six panels before adding dialogue. Read the finished comic aloud and see where a picture already does the talking.
Holiday dates for planning
| Observance | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Comic Book Day | Friday, September 25, 2026 | Saturday, September 25, 2027 | Monday, September 25, 2028 | Tuesday, September 25, 2029 | Wednesday, September 25, 2030 |
National Comic Book Day date reference
Meet the hero
Draw the lead character twice, first relaxed and then startled. Pick one object the hero wants to keep safe and one thing that makes the job awkward. An invisible umbrella is a great power right up until you put it down.
Tell it in six pictures
Use the first pair of panels for the hero and the problem. In the middle pair, try something that goes a little wrong. Save the last two for the fix and the reaction. Stick figures work beautifully if the reader can tell what changed.
Add the noises last
Cut out a bubble and move it around before gluing it. Point the tail at the speaker and leave their face visible. A quiet final panel can be funnier than a huge sound effect. Hand the comic to someone new and see where they laugh.
Get the free printable set
My First Mini Comic includes three printable US Letter pages. Invent a comic hero, tell a six-panel story and add speech bubbles and sound effects.