Dialogue and Lettering
Lettering is part of the drawing. A clear balloon tells the reader who is speaking, how, and how loudly. A messy one pulls them out of the story.
Success criteria
- I can use speech balloons, thought balloons, and captions for different jobs.
- I can place tails so the speaker is clear.
- I can use lettering weight and shape to show volume and tone.
- I can check my page for readability and accessibility.
Balloon types
| Type | What it does | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Speech balloon | Shows spoken dialogue. | Keep the tail pointing clearly at the speaker's mouth. |
| Thought balloon | Shows private thought, often with a cloud outline and small bubbles. | Do not use it for narration; that is a caption. |
| Caption box | Narration, time, place, or a voice from outside the scene. | Too many captions can turn the comic into a short story with pictures. |
| Whisper balloon | Shows quiet speech, often with a dashed outline. | Make it visually distinct from a normal balloon. |
| Burst balloon | Shows shouting, impact, or a harsh sound. | Use sparingly; constant shouting flattens intensity. |
| Off-panel balloon | Shows a speaker who is not visible. | The tail should point to the edge of the panel. |
| Sound effect (SFX) | Draws sound into the image. | Match the shape to the sound: sharp for cracks, round for booms. |
Model lettering
Three years later.
You came back.
Normal speech: even lettering, clear tail.
YOU KNEW.
Burst balloon and bold lettering: volume and accusation.
Don't turn around.
Italic or small lettering: quiet warning.
Some doors only open once.
Caption: narration, not dialogue.
Placement rules
- Place balloons in reading order: left to right, top to bottom.
- Keep balloons away from faces and important details.
- Put the tail near the speaker's mouth, not in the middle of the panel.
- Leave space around the text. Do not let letters touch the balloon edge.
- Use a consistent lettering style. Change it only for a reason.
- Check that dialogue does not cover the art's focal point.
Readability check
- I can read every word at arm's length.
- My lettering is consistent in size and spacing.
- Capital and lower-case letters are clearly formed.
- There is enough contrast between text and background.
- No balloon blocks a face, hand, or key object.
- I have not used all caps for an entire page unless it is a deliberate style.
Practise
Write the same line three ways: whispered, spoken, shouted. Use lettering and balloon shape to show the difference. Then swap with a partner and see if they can read the tone without your explanation.
| Version | Your lettering | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Whispered | ||
| Spoken | ||
| Shouted |
Lettering is reading design. If a reader has to work to decode the words, they stop following the story.