What do you think is the most interesting thing on a comic series?

[fabioveras]

You're getting to some point. I liked what you said! You seem really understood about this theme. In fact, there are so many ways to get readers attention. As I said back in other's comments, there's a mixture between visual art and story but of course when you love what you're doing, is the best thing you can do!
I was reading your comic and it remembers me one of the best mangas for me, VAGABOND, I don't know if you've already read it....
but thanks for the reply!

[fabioveras]

Well, it's a different thought. You respect more the story than the art. There're so many opinions omg and you all are right in general. Yes there ir a series on youtube named "chick figures" I think, and have a great success because of it's comedy.
Yes, I think the majority of the comics don't have a balanced elements but they're still good stories!

[purrlpankras]

I think for the first impressions I'd say the art, personally.

But the second most important thing for me is the story, most of all I want to feel involved in the comics world.
It has to be a solid world. if you know what I mean.

[fabioveras]

I understood. For you the art is what calls our attention first. That's true

[AnnaLandin]

I was reading your comic and it remembers me one of the best mangas for me, VAGABOND, I don't know if you've already read it....

Thank you! And yes, I have read Vagabond - not all of it, but the first two big VIZ-collections, so some 400-odd pages at least. I like it a lot, both for its fabulous art and for the story it tells. Grassblades takes some of its inspiration from it, but also draws on Usagi Yojimbo, Lone Wolf and Cub, Blade of the Immortal, Hellboy and a bunch of other stuff.

[fabioveras]

Oh I know almost all of them but unfortunately I have not read them yet :c but who knows someday... I hope you continue with your comic cause is awesome, it brings me to the blade's world

[ashriott]

I love character driven stories, so maybe I'll say character is interesting in a comic series. It's great to see all sorts of characters with different personalities, designs, and backgrounds. That being said, characters are nothing without a good balance of story telling and art. Not saying that it has to be uhhmazing, but it should ideally be presentable enough so the characters can be portrayed more accurately to the creator's vision.

[fabioveras]

Yes, actually characters have a important misson on the story. This is my personall thought

[Doubtcent]

Just like many have said, there has to be a balance to both art and story.

There's a saying here on Tapastic and a lot of other place all over the comic world:
"People arrive for the art, but stay for the story."
(or other paraphrases of that same statement, but I like this version because of the alliteration involved)

Simply, it means the visuals will pull in potential readers, but if you have a lousy story, you will not be able to find a core audience.

However there are some exceptions to the rule, one I believe is Homestuck, a webcomic series that has become a cult hit and has an enormous fanbase. I've watched a bit of it on Youtube (someone reading it aloud) and was fascinated by the story, while the art itself was more passable.

Another, more known exception to me is Attack on Titan. If you have read the manga, the story and drama is good, but the art sometimes is a bit... under the par for most shonen types. But then again, the artist knows what he wants to do and is able to do it, but sometimes, I find that the proportions are a bit off during certain moments. Then you look at the anime. Holy crap it's above most? It looks incredible. I mean look at that opening! Then you look at the manga again... wut.

And I know there are comics out there that get away with good art but little to no story involved. I just don't know any on the tip of my tongue.

[fabioveras]

Thanks, you've said everything! As I said there's a mixture between visual art and story, and these frase is totally correct. people arrive for what they see first but the story is what keeps people reading the comic

[bsienk90]

I follow a pretty wide range of comics, from amateurs to professionals. It has to have a balance between good plot, good characters, and good art. I like to find comics where I see the potential for growth, I like supporting creators around my level.

[Dorian_Grey]

Story is most important to me. An engaging story at that.
I think challenging the reader is interesting.
I don't like stories really with too much exposition, (though I may make an exception now and then) or I may follow a comic solely because of the shiny artwork and in support of the artist's talents, but I may never read it because of its overall story being...well dull.
It has to be engaging, and not long winded speeches.
The reader can usually figure it out themselves. Give them breathing room. You don't need to be flashy either in writing or artwork, but it should inspire curiosity. As a friend of mine said "challenge your characters and it challenges your audience." Give your audience tension, if it makes the squirm and eager to find the resolution to it.
What ever is the worse thing that can happen, make it happen and see how the character can get out of it. And never go with a quick and easy way solution.
And agreeing with what @AnnaLandin said, if a creator loves their work, it'll certainly show.
I love my work thus far and its amazing and beyond flattering when someone else appreciates it and I hope it shows!

[TheLemmaLlama]

Yeah, the art vs story vs characters thing is just a matter of personal taste really Though I can't help but think the thing about balance only occurs to people who are creators themselves, while a reader who's not an author would be drawn to something that's outstanding in their area of preference without thinking twice about how mediocre it is in other aspects

[Vikiro_Hop]

Hmm I'd say a big part of it overall is the art style. I definitely have a distinct look I like from comic series and that is the quickest way I get sucked in. On the other hand I can forgive an art style I don't really care for if the narrative and characters are good.

[fabioveras]

Well, it's true, I like to see the progression in the comics! I saw your's and I have to say that you did, improved a lot

[fabioveras]

Exat! You're thinking just like me. I like to challenge my readers to investigate the story in order to give them all the information that they want.

[fabioveras]

as we see, there are a lot of different thoughts about the most interesting thing on a comic series. That's lovely ahah @crapshoot @Vikiro_Hop

[williamjbowles]

What's most important to me in a story (comic or otherwise) is probably the characters. If the characters aren't likable, relatable, inspiring, interesting, or at least just fun to read about, why would anyone care about what they go through?

I also really like creative world settings. Modern day and standard fantasy are fine, but what really draws me in is a world that is entirely its own; a setting that is creative and original. Things like alternate history, fantasy, and sci-fi worlds that are memorable, inventive, and interesting.

That's why in my comic, I try to present a unique fantasy world, and characters I would want to read about.

[kazukitakamura126]

In my opinion characters are what draw me to a any comic. If the character personalities, backstories and overall presentation is done well enough the story is good in my book. Other things such as the overall narrative and the art also important but, they are secondary compared to good characters. However, one should learn to balance these three elements to make a truly engaging story.

[fabioveras]

@kazukitakamura126 @williamjbowles Well yes, actually, characters are one of the most important things in a story, it's suport!