For my first featured online resource on making webcomics, I’d like to introduce to you my favorite podcast, Webcomics Weekly. Webcomics Weekly is the -ehem- weekly podcast of Brad Guigar of Evil Inc., Dave Kellett of Sheldon, Kris Straub of Starslip Crisis, and Scott Kurtz of PvP. If you’re really into webcomics and haven’t heard of these guys then I suggest doing some extra homework and get to know them- now. They are considered to be some of the most (if not the most) successful webcomic creators around and to prove that, they’ve even written a book called How to Make Webcomics, which you can order now at Amazon or at each creator’s respective sites (they make more money that way, plus, you can order a special artist’s edition).

Their podcasts are light, funny, and most importantly, very informative. You can even send them an email and they will answer your question in their podcast. I personally find their podcasts very entertaining and I’ve learned a lot just by listening to these podcasts, but some may not be as comfortable with the inside jokes, the delivery of certain ideas, and/or Brad’s laugh, which has been the subject of ridicule across a few episodes. If you really want to learn about making webcomics and the business of webcomics, though, there’s no better way than to listen to the pros.

Do bear in mind though that you don’t have to take everything they say to heart. Part of learning how to make webcomics is making mistakes yourself. Doing everything that the professionals say does not guarantee success, but at least, will give you a head start.

I recently wrote to the guys at Webcomics Weekly asking whether they, when they first started, had a solid idea of what their comics were going to be about and what direction they would take or if they developed the story and characters as they made the strips. I was delighted that they chose to answer my question on their podcast this week, so if any of you are interested, here is the link to said podcast: Episode 17 - Ratholes.