I'm drawing an experimental romance comic because most romance don't cater to what I like specifically - best way is to draw it out myself. I'm saying now but I think my tastes are pretty niche??(not really sure)
I read a lot of stories, romance genre included and these are my opinion (I'm not a romance person and not too into the genre either so you can skip my answers and go forward to what my I hear from my readers.)
MY ANSWERS
What kind of image is more likely to catch your attention to click it?
Is it the art style? The look of the characters? BL?
ANSWER: Clean Icon with a picture of the main character/s -- The design or feel of the character is pretty important to me/ regardless of art style.
Does “romantic” pose (hugging, kissing, almost kissing, making out, etc)
is more enticing for romance fans to check out the series?
ANSWER:No. I make exceptions but most of the time, I click those last after scanning through everything on the selection page. I can't stand too much fluff and cheesiness.
If so, does this mean readers want to see a lot of 'making out' going on from the get go?
ANSWER:Absolutely NO. I prefer slow burn romance that don't make me cringe - Fluff is cute and all but I'd like actual development and relationship progress. Making out from the get go is a sure fire way to drive me away but I'm just speaking based on my preferences. If you really want to put make out scenes off the start, make it believable (Like maybe they're already a couple off the start) Still, I won't feel anything about those scenes as I don't really know the characters enough to root for them or be happy with their lovey-dovey moments
What makes you (or anyone you know of) want to loyally follow a romance series?
ANSWER: Not too much fluff or too much drama //especially those misunderstanding trope, I kennot //
A HEALTHY COUPLE-- I'd like to see a harmonious relationship that portrays two people getting comfortable with each other and getting to know each other as naturally as possible. Also, I like it better if the romance isn't the only focus of the entire plot.
What makes you stop caring about the romance genre you originally interested in and unsubscribed?
When it gets too cheesy.
What I gathered from my readers
What kind of image is more likely to catch your attention to click it?
Is it the art style? The look of the characters? BL sticker?
**Does “romantic” pose (hugging, kissing, almost kissing, making out, etc) **
is more enticing for romance fans to check out the series?
Don't have much info on this as my readers don't really comment about the icons. Still, I noticed readers I encountered LIKE very direct romance so it's most likely a plus if you can portray a little teasing in the icon
If so, does this mean readers want to see a lot of 'making out' going on from the get go?
Divided. Some like the slow paced development but some want the romance to start already. Basing this off of how my romance comic generally has no romantic development in 26 chapters (and possibly more), I'm guessing a well-balanced development is the better choice.
What makes you (or anyone you know of) want to loyally follow a romance series?
An interesting set of characters. Characters need to leave an impression and the readers must feel for them enough to want them to get together and even see how their dynamic will change once they do get together.
What makes you stop caring about the romance genre you originally interested in and unsubscribed?
so far, no one has commented about dropping mine due to the unbearably slow-paced romance. What I do get are "I don't like this MC." or "I don't care enough about this mc" --- so yep, it's still the characters that hooks them in and makes them stay.