What makes a good first chapter for a webcomic?

[aqua03]

Hey guys, I've started working the first chapter of DRGN and I'm wondering: What makes a good first chapter of a webcomic? Especially a fantasy one like DRGN? I'm having a bit of trouble establishing the main stuff with out it feeling bogged down and keeping a relatively low-key and chill tone of the first chapter before kicking the action into high gear. If anyone can give me ideas plus examples of good first chapters in fantasy comics that get the job done, I'd love to see them.

Thanks again!

[ben]

I actually really like it when stories start out right in the middle of the conflict and establishes the characters through their immediate interactions with the situation and characters around them.

Or if not in the middle of the main conflict then just a conflict in general that may be connected to the larger storyline.

I guess just think character introduction is waaay more interesting and easily fleshed out when you throw in some friction. Stories that don’t cut to the chase are hard for me to get into since I wanna know what I’m getting into the moment I read a comic.

[indigodrawing]

I wanted to introduce all my main characters quickly but it will take them a while in the actual story to meet up so my current script for the first few episodes is set a few months after the start of the story so I can show them all together bickering and establishing their personalities, then the story rewinds to the proper beginning.

As this isn't exactly a plot-heavy story and more character driven I think this is reasonable, but it might not be such a good approach if there's a stronger plot to your story.

[arisu_kosuta]

I did something similar, but for a plot-heavy fantasy story - I started my first chapter with some action that happened a few years earlier, that doesn't involve the main characters but is strongly linked to the plot and the characters meeting up. I think it's important to throw some action straight away so as to intrigue the reader and make them want to unfold the mystery.

I also think it's important to introduce the character in real-life situation rather than describe their personalities through their thoughts. I do a bit of both: The one character that we constantly follows is introduced through her thoughts, two of her friends through interaction and while facing everyday situations, and the 4th one is introduced by the rumours running about him. I find it pretty balanced that way but can be wrong

And some introductory action happens once they finally all get together!

I think another important point is to leave some sort of a cliffhanger or important questions unanswered at the end of the first chapter, so the reader would want to read the next one

[soyasholm]

I think fantasy things can always be explained throughout the story. I personally think the quickest way to lose a reader is to start out with super lengthy boring dialogue explaining every little thing about your universe. Show not tell is sometimes better.
In the start I think a good hook to keep the reader interested past the first chapter would be a good starting point, whether you want to end the chapter on a cliffhanger or start in the middle of action. Also good luck with your comic!

[DiegoPalacios]

A good first chapter makes you care and get interested in the main character/s.

Is not neccesary to meet the whole main cast, some members may be introduced later.

How much of the character`s backstory needs to be known varies, but their personality must be established.

A good first chapter also makes readers want to see more. This could be because of a cliffhanger or a plot twist at the end of the first chapter. Or just that the first adventure was extremely enjoyable.

Avoid info-dumps. How the whole universe/powers/world story works is not neccesary. This could be further explored later.

Hope this helps

[TheThoughtfulBoxful]

I'm having a bit of trouble establishing the main stuff with out it feeling bogged down and keeping a relatively low-key and chill tone of the first chapter before kicking the action into high gear.

In that case, maybe your first chapter could be mainly expositional (introduce the characters, worldbuilding, etc.), and end with a cliffhanger, hinting that the next chapter is where the action happens. (i.e. chapter ends with someone saying "HELP" or something along those lines to give the reader a sense of urgency.)

Or better yet, start with a smaller, unrelated action scene to show off the characters' personalities/worldbuild in a way that's both interesting and gives readers an idea of what to expect from your comic.

Example(s):
http://solstoria.net/comic/54/

http://peritale.com/comic/prologue-cover

http://www.harpygee.com/comic/page-1

http://www.sleeplessdomain.com/comic/chapter-1-cover

[Rosso]

i don't have any good fantasy examples right now
(i actually realized i don't read fantasy as much as i thought i am... (._.;; )

but here is what i believe makes a good first chapter

• Establish the setting: time and place.
• Establish conflict and make it as easily understood as possible. Readers can be overwhelmed and either skip info overload or just drop the series from the get-go.
• Speaking of info overload, remember this golden rule: show, don't tell! try to keep it to a minimum and avoid word-dump to the best of your ability.
• Introduce the protagonist, potential villain, and any other major/recurring characters.
• Raise a question at the end of the chapter to give people a reason to want to read more. Note that it's best to have an answer right at the next update-- or at least, very soon. Don't leave them hanging!
• I highly advice against a chill, lowkey first chapter! Especially for action fantasy stuff. Chapter 1 is our first impression, don't let this chance go to waste D: Show us the cool stuff, and why we should continue reading!

Aaand that's it for now. good luck!

[aqua03]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice! I'll definitely keep working on my first chapter. (The trouble comes with balancing the Sentai-esque action elements with the more character-heavy, almost slice of life-esque style I want to go with.)

Also, would having a small info dump about the history of the world be okay if it works with the character? The main character of Chapter 1 of DRGN is a major fan of heroes and legends and she'd be comparing the legends of old to the new legend of her and her friends that's starting right now.

[Chroma]

Info dumps aren't inherently bad, although some people may argue so. Every literary device has value and in some cases info dumps are incredibly necessary (usually in the scifi or fantasy genres). I think if your character is super into legends and such, it makes perfect sense for them to gush about it to friends, even if they've already told them before. After all, that's what I do about films to my friends or someone into cars or such might do.

[DiegoPalacios]

While i agree that sometimes is neccesary to reveal lots of important info in early parts of certain stories, it can be done with a better delivery and in a more interesting way.

Some things can be shown, and while others need to be explained, it can be done in an interesting and organic way too.