Grassroots Comics Method
Why Comics for Connection and Change?
Comics are a creative and empowering way to express personal stories, opinions, and lived experiences.
Visual storytelling captures attention. Drawing has a uniquely human quality – everyone wants to read comics!
Comics allow you to dramatize your message. A story is always more powerful than a simple statement. It also works on a subtle level: the reader is free to interpret the message in their own way.
Creating comics is something anyone can learn quickly. No artistic skills are required—just a message you want to share.
Grassroots Comics are created by everyday people, including activists and marginalized voices—not professional artists. This makes the comics authentic and relatable. People who lack access to media or public platforms can make their voices heard through comics.
People are interested in stories and opinions from within their own communities. Grassroots Comics use the creator’s own language, expressions, visual style, topics, and humor—elements that resonate with the local audience. This familiarity gives the stories greater credibility.
Comics can address sensitive topics and still be accepted. Humor, in particular, can make it easier to speak openly about difficult issues.
Comics are a low-tech, accessible, and affordable medium: all you need is paper, pens, and a story to tell.
The four-panel format used in the Grassroots Comics method is flexible: it’s ready to be published online or photocopied for distribution.
Comics combine images and words, amplifying the impact of the message. A single picture is always worth more than a thousand words!
What Happens in a Grassroots Comics Workshop
Welcome & Introduction
Participants are introduced to the concept of Grassroots Comics as a powerful tool for communication and social change. Inspiring examples of Grassroots Comics are shared, encouraging everyone to tell a story that is meaningful to them. Those with little or no drawing experience are invited to practice drawing by copying facial expressions and stick figures from the workshop materials.
Story Development
Participants brainstorm topics either in small groups or individually, drawing from their own experiences, things they care about, or things they want to change. These ideas are then developed into mini-size four-panel visual scripts. Facilitators provide feedback on each script, focusing on the clarity and comprehensibility of the comic for an outside reader—rather than on artistic skill or perfection
Drawing the Comics
Participants sketch the final version of their story on an A3-sized, pre-designed template using a pencil. The facilitator reviews the draft again to ensure the story is clear and easy to read, offering additional feedback if necessary. Once the draft is approved, participants finalize their comics using black felt-tip pens and markers. Each comic is given a non-spoiler title and may be signed by the creator.
Sharing with the Group and Beyond
The workshop ends with a group viewing and discussion of the comics, celebrating each creator’s work. Participants or organisations involved may choose to publish the comics online or distribute printed copies to be displayed in physical spaces, helping their stories reach broader audiences.
Comics Create Debate!
In 1993, Leif Packalén started thinking about comics in a different way. A few years later he founded World Comics Finland association.