Comics, an art form that seamlessly blends visuals with storytelling, have long captivated audiences worldwide. From stories of superheroes to fantasy tales to comedies based on real life, comics can cover just about any topic in a visually engaging way.

If you're drawn to the world of comics yourself but don't know where to start, our prompts are the perfect place to start. No matter what type of comic you're looking to create, you're sure to find a prompt that sparks your creativity. 

Superhero Comic Prompts

A black and white ink drawing of a female superhero in a billowing cape squatting on top of a city rooftop. There is a water tower visible behind her, and there is a smaller illustration above her of a silhouetted city skyline. 
In the Skillshare class “The Art of Visual Storytelling: How Comics Work | Learn with Smithsonian,” teacher Phil Jimenez explains why comics resonate with so many. 

Superhero comics are a genre of comic books, web comics and graphic novels that revolve around characters who have obtained or been born with extraordinary abilities or skills, which they typically use to fight against evil forces and protect society (or, in some cases, to exact revenge). The narratives of superhero comics typically focus on the struggles, triumphs and moral dilemmas faced by these characters as they navigate their double lives—one as an ordinary civilian, and one as a superhero.

Get inspiration for your own comic from one of these three prompts: 

  • Explore the origin story of a hero who, like Superman, gets their superpowers from an alien source beyond our own earth.
  • Delve into the moral dilemma of a vigilante hero—think anti-heroes like DC’s Batman or Marvel’s Blade—who's torn between justice and vengeance.
  • Tell the story of a once-legendary superhero who, after losing their powers, must learn to defeat villains and protect their city using only their wits and resourcefulness. 

Science Fiction Comic Prompts

Science fiction comics explore speculative and futuristic concepts, and are often set in worlds where advanced technology, space exploration and alternative realities play central roles. These comics tend to delve into the themes of scientific innovation, extraterrestrial life, time travel, dystopian societies, humanity's future and the ethical implications of technological advancements.

Create an original science fiction comic of your own based on one of these prompts:

  • Set a short story in a futuristic American society where technology has advanced so far that humans have begun altering their own biology.
  • Explore the possible ramifications of time travel through the eyes of a main character who inadvertently alters the course of history.
  • Create a narrative centered around humanity's first contact with an alien civilization, and the challenges that arise as a result of that contact.

Fantasy Comic Prompts

A close-up of a portion of Dutch tapestry from the late 15th century titled ‘The Unicorn Purifies Water,’ which depicts a white unicorn kneeling in front of a white fountain white surrounded by other animals and green foliage. 
In the Skillshare class “Creative Illustration: An Introduction to Fantasy Art,” teacher Ira Marcks shows students how historical artworks like this tapestry of a unicorn can hold insights into the origins of fantasy art. 

Fantasy comics are designed to transport readers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, epic quests and fantastical adventures. These comics often draw inspiration from folklore, mythology and medieval legends, and by doing so create richly detailed settings populated by heroes, villains and fictional creatures of all shapes and sizes. They frequently explore themes of heroism, destiny, morality and the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and offer readers an escape into realms where anything is possible.

Dream up a magical fantasy comic using these story ideas to get started: 

  • Have your characters embark on an epic quest across a fantasy world to retrieve a powerful artifact and restore balance to the universe they live in.
  • Introduce a conflict between different magical species who are all vying for control over a mystical land.
  • Reimagine classic fairy tales with modern twists, or try setting them in different locations than they originally were.

Horror & Mystery Comic Prompts

Horror and mystery comics specialize in eliciting feelings of fear, suspense and intrigue in their readers. Horror comics focus on terrifying and macabre themes, such as supernatural occurrences, monsters and psychological terror, while mystery comics typically revolve around solving puzzles, uncovering secrets and exploring the darker aspects of human nature. In both genres, comic book artists utilize suspenseful storytelling, atmospheric artwork and shocking plot twists to captivate readers and keep them on the edge of their seats.

Use these prompts to start building a gripping horror or mystery comic book story of your own:

  • Plunge into the depths of horror as survivors must navigate a world that's become overrun by zombies, all while grappling with their own humanity.
  • Craft a psychological thriller where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, leaving characters and readers questioning what is real and what isn't.
  • Set your story in a gothic mansion haunted by supernatural entities, all of whom are hiding secrets waiting to be uncovered by intrepid investigators.

Slice of Life Comic Prompts

Two four-panel comic strips laying next to each other on a turquoise blue background. One depicts a woman losing pins while sewing, and the other depicts a woman collecting enamel pins. 
In the Skillshare class “Writing for Slice of Life Comics: How to make the day-to-day funny,” teacher Kassandra McMullen shows students how everyday situations can be turned into entertaining comic strips. 

Slice-of-life comics focus on depicting everyday experiences, mundane situations and ordinary moments from the lives of their characters. These comics often explore themes such as friendship, family dynamics, romance, work and cultural observations, and present stories that reflect the nuances and complexities of human life. While slice-of-life comics aren’t all manga (i.e., comics from Japan), the genre is particularly popular in the world of manga. 

Begin to improvise comics with the help of any of these slice-of-life-themed prompts: 

  • Capture the essence of high school life and explore the challenges, triumphs and hilarity of teenage existence.
  • Dive into the intricacies of familial relationships, and strive to portray the everyday moments that shape your characters' lives.
  • Draw inspiration from your own real-life experiences to create authentic slice-of-life storylines that resonate with readers.

Learn Comic Design with Skillshare

If these prompts have sparked your imagination, why not take the next step and delve deeper into the world of comic design? Skillshare's classes offer invaluable resources for aspiring comic creators, and our teachers are ready to show you how to perfect your storytelling techniques, build your character illustration skills, create a graphic novel, develop your creative writing chops, turn a journal entry into a comic or even publish and sell your comic series.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a budding beginner, there's a Skillshare class that can help you bring your comic book ideas to life.

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Written By
Carrie Buchholz

Carrie Buchholz

Carrie Buchholz is a freelance writer who lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and dog.

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