Comic Content Analysis Framework

Deep analysis framework for transforming source content into effective visual storytelling.

Purpose

Before creating a comic, thoroughly analyze the source material to:

  • Identify the target audience and their needs

  • Determine what value the comic will deliver

  • Extract narrative potential for visual storytelling

  • Plan character arcs and key moments

Analysis Dimensions

1. Core Content (Understanding "What")

Central Message

  • What is the single most important idea readers should take away?

  • Can you express it in one sentence?

Key Concepts

  • What are the essential concepts readers must understand?

  • How should these concepts be visualized?

  • Which concepts need simplified explanations?

Content Structure

  • How is the source material organized?

  • What is the natural narrative arc?

  • Where are the climax and turning points?

Evidence & Examples

  • What concrete examples, data, or stories support the main ideas?

  • Which examples translate well to visual panels?

  • What can be shown rather than told?

2. Context & Background (Understanding "Why")

Source Origin

  • Who created this content? What is their perspective?

  • What was the original purpose?

  • Is there bias to be aware of?

Historical/Cultural Context

  • When and where does the story take place?

  • What background knowledge do readers need?

  • What period-specific visual elements are required?

Underlying Assumptions

  • What does the source assume readers already know?

  • What implicit beliefs or values are present?

  • Should the comic challenge or reinforce these?

3. Audience Analysis

Primary Audience

  • Who will read this comic?

  • What is their existing knowledge level?

  • What are their interests and motivations?

Secondary Audiences

  • Who else might benefit from this comic?

  • How might their needs differ?

Reader Questions

  • What questions will readers have?

  • What misconceptions might they bring?

  • What "aha moments" can we create?

4. Value Proposition

Knowledge Value

  • What will readers learn?

  • What new perspectives will they gain?

  • How will this change their understanding?

Emotional Value

  • What emotions should readers feel?

  • What connections will they make with characters?

  • What will make this memorable?

Practical Value

  • Can readers apply what they learn?

  • What actions might this inspire?

  • What conversations might it spark?

5. Narrative Potential

Story Arc Candidates

  • What natural narratives exist in the content?

  • Where is the conflict or tension?

  • What transformations occur?

Character Potential

  • Who are the key figures?

  • What are their motivations and obstacles?

  • How do they change throughout?

Visual Opportunities

  • What scenes have strong visual potential?

  • Where can abstract concepts become concrete images?

  • What metaphors can be visualized?

Dramatic Moments

  • What are the breakthrough/revelation moments?

  • Where are the emotional peaks?

  • What creates tension and release?

6. Adaptation Considerations

What to Keep

  • Essential facts and ideas

  • Key quotes or moments

  • Core emotional beats

What to Simplify

  • Complex explanations

  • Dense technical details

  • Lengthy descriptions

What to Expand

  • Brief mentions that deserve more attention

  • Implied emotions or relationships

  • Visual details not in source

What to Omit

  • Tangential information

  • Redundant examples

  • Content that doesn't serve the narrative

Output Format

Analysis results should be saved to analysis.md with:

  1. YAML Front Matter: Metadata (title, topic, time_span, languages, aspect_ratio, page_count)

  2. Target Audience: Primary, secondary, tertiary audiences with their needs

  3. Value Proposition: What readers will gain (knowledge, emotional, practical)

  4. Core Themes: Table with theme, narrative potential, visual opportunity

  5. Key Figures & Story Arcs: Character profiles with arcs, visual identity, key moments

  6. Content Signals: Style and layout recommendations based on content type

  7. Recommended Approaches: Narrative approaches ranked by suitability

Analysis Checklist

Before proceeding to storyboard:

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