Marvel is having a moment. From the minute details in the world-building to the complexity of the characters and the scale of the stories, there are few things more exciting than a really brilliant comic book.

If you have an idea or concept for your own comic, but aren’t sure how to break into a seemingly closed industry, this masterclass with Marvel’s Kieron Gillen is for you. The writer of a huge range of comics - including the critically acclaimed The Wicked + The Divine, and Marvel Comics’ Young Avengers - Kieron will give you the advice he wishes he had heard at the start of his career.

Combining anecdotes, practical takeaways and a breaking down of individual stories and pages (plus Q&A), Kieron will take you through how to construct your jump-off point into a strong story, how the industry works - and doesn’t work, how to maintain your unique voice and style in a process that might involve more opinions than you’re used to - and more.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the leading comic book writers in the world. If you’re in the early stages of crafting your own comic, you’re trying to get yours to land in a difficult industry, or if you simply have a story to tell, this is an unmissable chance to have your questions answered, and - more importantly - be on your way to realising your comic writing dream.

Course content

What a comic script is, what it isn’t and how to make yours yours without making an artist want to kill you.
The whole Process - from the idea to the finished book to show the world.
How do you work with artists, editors, inkers, colourists and everyone else. What works? What’s ethical? What’s both?
Narrative structure, at every level - the panel, the page, the issue, the series.
How to identify the things in comics that are actively magical and how to make your own…
Q&A

This course is for…

Aspiring comic book writers who want to learn the fundamentals before approaching their first project
Early career writers who are looking for advice and insight into the industry landscape
Anyone interested in exploring the artistic process of writing comic books

Tutor profile

Kieron Gillen is a British comic book writer. He is known for co-creating the acclaimed comics The Wicked + The Divine, DIE and Once & Future. He has also worked on numerous projects for Marvel Comics, including Uncanny X-Men, Darth Vader, Young Avengers, Iron Man, Star Wars and Eternals.

Course Details

Date: Tuesday 6 June 2023
Time: 6pm-8.30pm (BST)

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

6pm BST | 7pm CST | 10am PT | 1pm ET

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

How to write a comic book: A masterclass with Marvel's Kieron Gillen