Are Chapter Covers Necessary Anymore?

[ButterflyEmpress]

Just to clarify, I don't mean the series cover required by Tapas. I'm referring to traditional covers that introduce a chapter or volume
Examples:

I'm on the fence on whether I should keep doing them. They don't add anything to the plot and no one comments on them so I don't think people would cry if they disappeared. I only have 7 chapters so far and I predict my series will exceed 20.
Also because most popular comics are mobile scrollers they tend not to have covers either, just the logo.

Do you think chapter covers are a waste or are they still important to web comics?
Bonus somewhat unrelated question: Is there a place for traditional formatted comics on the web anymore? Or are mobile scrollers the only way to go?

[kitkatxk]

Sometimes I feel like mobile scrollers are it. that's our future. but when i look at regularly old school formatted comics that do page system on here. There seems to be an overwhelming amount of support for the good oldies. XD

I think that there is a niche amount of people who look for that format specifically. I don't think tapas helps them find it at all. but I think there is a fanbase for it.

That being said if you go mobile get rid of your covers. Extra work for zero purpose. But if you go old school keep it that niche does appreciate it.

[IndigoShirtProd]

I'm sure plenty of people find value in chapter covers. When I first started my comic, I was against them, but since then I've realized they're a great way to give you're readers a peek into what chapter's going to be about, they work well as a buffer (like breathing room between two chapters), and they can be a lot of fun to make. And while not all of my chapter covers have comments, at least one does, so there's a chance for interaction.

For webcomic creators, the value for chapters covers can be considered variable, but for me, someone who plans on printing in the future, I might as well add them to the experience as I post online. Granted, my comic is in page format.

[ButterflyEmpress]

I probably won't go mobile with my current series since it'd require me starting over, but most likely with a future project. The only place I know that favors traditional style is Hive Works, but there's a rigorous process to be hosted on there.
As I reader I don't like having to constantly keep scrolling through a long file, I'd rather just click to the next page. A lot of comics I've read with the mobile format have huge chunks of empty space and that gets annoying.

[kaetana]

I wouldn't specifically say they're necessary, since you certainly don't have to have them if you don't want to. But I think they're still nice to include. I do a fun thing with my chapter covers where each is themed around a specific tarot card, which also ties in somehow to themes of the chapter. I make a bit of a guessing game out of letting people try to figure out which card the cover is based around, it's fun.

My comic, and most of the comics I read for that matter, aren't long scroll and generally have traditional pages stacked on top of each other and with text large enough to be read on mobile. It's definitely possible to appeal to both reading styles.

[CursedBeasts]

I kinda draw my comic in the american \ western comic book format with a dream to maybe print a copy for myself and maybe, idk, a friend when it's done if it ever is, so I still make chapter covers because hey, they're fun to draw and I kinda have a chance to sometimes do something unusual with them or go all out with art.

Bestia's Wrath has like, a ton of covers: the main cover, the volume covers, and the chapter covers lmao.

[rajillustration]

I never really understood them back when they were more vogue? Like it just seems like more work for the artist, and only makes sense if this will eventually be a chapter going to print. But if you like it, keep on at it.

[Rhonder]

I definitely don't think they're necessary... But I think a lot of folks (myself included) find them fun to make and look at. Unless you post it as a standalone episode (or maybe even if you did) I wouldn't necessarily expect a lot of people to comment on it specifically, as they're probably more focused on the story happening, but I always do like to pause and soak in chapter covers when I reach them in comics that I read. Whether they're symbolic or just going for a cool scene, they're pretty cool~

[skippyjoeskilling]

I love chapter covers! It gives a little bit of breathing room, and are a good way to emphasize an important part of the comic (since most chapters end on emotional note or a cliffhanger) rather than getting right into what happens next. And it's a fun way for the artist to flex and draw the characters a little more intricately than you normally get to in the comic. Like my comic is black and white, and the chapter covers are where I do color. So I think my chapter covers add to the overall comic.

Anyway, I see how they can be a little clunky if the comic uses a mobile reading format (though I don't really like that format anyway) but I think they still serve an important function.

[a.g.meade]

@ButterflyEmpress - I like chapter covers. They do help break up the story and give the reader some breathing room between narrative arcs. They're also fun to look at, as some other people have mentioned on this thread, especially if it's clear that the artist had a good time making them!

As for your other question, https://globalcomix.com/ or https://comicfury.com/ are both places you could post traditionally formatted comics.

[N1ghtm4r3]

i love to show some of what will happen later without spoilers, plus i love drawing them

[Kaydreamer]

I hadn't even thought about chapter covers but, since I want to print my comic, I am actually going to need them. Never gave much thought to adding them into the actual upload schedule here or on WEBTOON, but I may do - maybe just as a bonus post on a day I don't usually upload.

As for your second question - mobile scrollers are overwhelmingly popular, but there are still people who prefer the old page format. I use both - pages here on Tapas, mobile on WEBTOON. I just make sure I use layers in such a way that editing is super easy once the page is finished.

[allenT]

Chapter cover (splash pages) are part of the comic experience for my readers.
Mostly it works as a pitstop-- a break like many have said. (oh right mine is manga format)

Sometimes I want to just give a certain vibe to readers: calm/excitment/hype/sadness... and sometimes i can show something extra out of the story (a bit of worldbuilding). It also can be a part of storytelling.

[clockworkzari]

Well, no, they are not necessary. You could actually make a fully printed, traditional comic without them, even though it would be unusual. But I think that even today, people really enjoy looking at art of the characters they've grown to love! So I say that if you like drawing them, it can be a bonus for your audience.

[BreakingChalk]

There's always nostalgia of some kind to how things were.

I keep them for that and because I think it adds personality to the series, and allows for some art to share in social media too.

I actually use three covers for each chapter!

One at the very beginning, one after the intro of the chapter that sets the tone, and another at the very end that mirrors the first one.

Go for what works better for your comic.

[MK_Wizard]

Of course they are important! They are eye catching, a chance to show off your art skills if not exercise them and they grab the attention of potential readers.

[Kelheor]

I tried to do them, but ended up only finishing 3 out of 8
Anyway, I will agree with others here, they are not necessary, but it's always great to see them, because they are basically additional artworks. So of course I would love to see more art from the artist I like

[gabriellabalagna]

Chapter covers are not necessary, but if used right they can add a lot to the story. They can be used to set the mood or foreshadow or give a nice transition.

I prefer making traditional format comics. But Webtoons and Tapas only seem to like scrolling. I actually just listed out all the pros and cons on my blog:

Comic Formats: Are Traditional or Scrolling Comics Better?

[Lady_T_Musings]

I personally love them! They can be a great way to foreshadow what's to come in the chapter ahead or just a fun way to flex your creative muscles on something that's related to the comic, but not necessarily a scripted part. Just a nice opportunity to have fun with a piece of art related to your comic. I considered not doing them, but to be honest, I enjoy doing them and find them therapeutic when I actually get to draw them out, so I do them even if they don't get that much engagement on Tapas, though posting them on insta or another art/photo site is where they shine (and a pretty great way to advertise your comic too).