Lettering Comic Speak
Using Quotes in Captions
It is crucial to use Quotation Marks in a caption box to indicate when someone is speaking from off-panel. Proper or improper use of quotes in your comic can reveal whether you are using pro or amateur lettering. Initially, I used to assume that each caption box had an opening and closing quote and I would just move on to the next caption. However, this is not the case. There are rules to follow, and although it can seem complex, it is really quite simple.
1. Always Open Quote.
2. Not always a Closing Quote.
Here are some guidelines to follow when using dialog in caption boxes. Use opening quotes for all dialog in the caption box, but only use closing quotes if the speaker is done talking or another speaker begins. This applies even if the dialog goes across several caption boxes, as shown in the example above. If the speaker is pictured in the panel, it is better to use word balloons.
Although there are no strict rules on how to create a comic, it is worth noting that there is a common language and set of conventions that readers have become accustomed to. Breaking these rules can lead to creative and unique outcomes, but it is important to be aware of the conventions you are breaking in order to make informed decisions.
Next time I will focus on Word Ballons.
Keep creating,
Thanks for sharing!
Great article James, thank you for sharing your knowledge!