I am not positive if this is the proper place to ask that, but really, I could use some advice. I recently stumbled upon a crossroads after I started writing the script for my 18 episodes webcomic project.
That is, I have two possible storylines. Each could work well for two very different comics, but I am unsure of which one is best for mine.
Right, so let me elaborate on that.
Character E, our protagonist, is an optimistic cinnamon roll and a chosen one of sorts. Character S, on the other hand, is this down to earth no-nonsense sort of man. The plot revolves around a couple of antagonists manipulating E to believe that her destiny is to kill S and protect the Maguffin he stole. In actuality, S is the Maguffin, and killing him puts the whole world in jeopardy.
That's where the crossroad begins. Because the thing is, I am not sure whether or not readers should suspect that already or if they should find out about it as E does. I am indecisive about whether or not S should be introduced right away and become a recurring character (even if he's not interacting with the MC) or if I should wait until the last four episodes for him to show up and make a big reveal out of it.
Okay, here are the pros of each approach.
Waiting for the big finale might be a good idea because:
E's discovery would be a bigger deal since her world would crumble and shatter as the readers realize the truth alongside her.
The shock between what S was supposed to look like and what he truly is would be more evident and likely have a better payoff.
The story would be more suspenseful. And so would the antagonists coming out.
That's how I planned the story to be when I first conceptualized it.
Demonizing S for then to show who he truly is could be a nice way to make people invested in the story.
Writing a subplot just for the sake of having him around might not be worth the trouble.
My sister likes this ending better.
Introducing S right away might be a good idea because:
He's probably the most fascinating and likely the better-looking character I have for this story. Introducing him somewhere in the first three episodes could generate more engagement from readers. You see, my comic is not quite the type of stuff that gets popular on webtoons and tapas. And because all my characters are somewhere around the Ace Spectrum, the plot has no romance. Therefore, it would probably be a good idea for me to use every card I have stacked on my sleeve to get the reader's attention.
I also would love to flesh out his personality more. I like S a lot and wanted to draw him more thorough the comic.
I could do more worldbuilding.
The story would have more action.
The readers would be more prone to believe S's version of events if they already knew the character and liked him.
Even though they don't meet for most of the story, He and E would go through hardships together, so the reader could feel bad for both of them once they get all disheveled by the time the series finale happens.
So what do you guys think?
