Humor & Comedic Writing: 14 Tips to Help You (+1!) 

Here's a few more: 16. The structure of every joke is a combination of surprise and timing. Surprise being that it comes out of nowhere and catches people off-guard, timing being the few seconds of opportunity to springboard onto a joke, and not lingering on the same joke. 17. Most comedians "reverse engineer" their jokes, starting with the punchline and working backwards. 18. Your comic relief character could benefit from a "straight-man", be that the protagonist themselves or someone else. 19. It could be a good idea for your comedic parts to be short, a couple of seconds even, if the overall tone is serious. Take the Avengers movie for example, there were funny bits, but they didn't last for more than a minute.

*"Meredith, there is nothing that matters more to me than hashed-brown potatoes."* ~Mark Crilley 2017

This time, I'm disappointed with your drawing, Mark. Really, how could you forget the BLUSHIES?

I will say even if you don't think your funny other people do. I do. Also I love your art style

The 12th tip is so true, even in real life My siblings found a silly way of saying "Eleven" "What" "Exactly" and "I don't understand" and every time someone says any one of those things, they stop the entire conversation to repeat it over and over and laugh. Every day for the past 11 years. News flash to them, it stopped being funny 11 years ago

OH MY GOD! This couldn't have come at a better time! Thank you so much!

The shading is spot on!

firstly was just watching it for the drawing but found the notes useful thank you Mark

I loved hearing your take on all of this, Sir! And I'm glad to know that you have the same type of appreciation toward comedy as I do 😁💙

16 "Sarcasm" Sarcasm; The use of irony 2 mock or convey contempt. Irony; The expression of one's meanings by using language that signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Mock; tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner. Contempt; the feeling that a person or thing is worthless or beneath consideration. Eg If someone describes a vile person who is coming 2 visit. The other person could reply with "Can't wait." 17 In films ect They will often cut abruptly 2 1 scean 2 another for humour. Eg Characters could be taking about another character they could say somethink like "Am sure he's fine he's good at mazes." Then we cut to the other character who is completely lost. Eg 2 Two characters r waiting in a queue One character says "How long can it possible take?" We then cut back 2 that character but with the passage of time. Also u can cut 2 the same character multiple times throughout there time waiting in the queue each time we can see the character becoming more & more drained losing there enthusiasm. 18 Breaking the 4th wall it's funny when a character looks straight at the audience, or refers 2 them or somethink in the outside world. Eg referencing other films or well know facts/truths ect, hence why film's will often have Easter eggs/Cameos as a little wink at there audience. Ps Mark is ReMARKable! BUT where r the blushies? /// ///

Any chance for tips how draw spinning objects (wheels, discs, boomerangs etc.)?

I think your funny mark

I adore your videos mark, can you do one on pacing and more script stuff? I'm super excited to grab Brody's ghost when I have a little bit of extra cash.

For 'surprise' unexpected humour, your viewers should look up "The Goon Show" a 1950's radio show broadcast in the UK (with some episodes available on RU-vid).

Hi, Mark. I wanted to tell you how much I love your videos. And I am amazed seeing how long it has been since I started watching you (around Miki Falls I guess). As an aspiring comic book author, I really appreciate videos like this where you give us a little part of your experience. :) I have some thoughts regarding these tips that I want to share. #9 I totally agree. I noticed that the more over-the-top I want to go with the scene, the more opposing characters I pair to deliver the joke. At comic book classes, the guy that conducted the classes said that whenever I write I pair characters who hate each other. IMO that gives the scene dynamic that comes from the relationship they have. But it's not always the case. Everybody's different and so should be the characters. Even when they like each other I differ the characters, give something to be, for example, brought up as a little tease or friendly joke (but not to repeat it over see tip #12). So called "old marriage" behaviour (at the same time I hate when other character tells that). It makes them more interesting and makes a friendly relationship more dynamic (if you are bored by seeing characters that are "just plain friends" or "just a couple" that do nothing at all, think how much these characters are bored with each other). And it gives a space for the characters to develop themselves and their relationship (double win). #10 This is the reason I give a great sense of humour and the best jokes to someone who deserves it (to fight with wordplays, comebacks and bad puns). A funny character done right will be your reader's favourite. #12 However, this can be nicely reverted. Like the character interrupts the beaten-up joke with "I know- I know, I'ma fat/ugly/stupid/whatever the joke concerns" or gives the mocking character a book with 101 jokes saying "You really need to broaden your repertory". You know, the joke that jokes about an overused joke. 13# This rule can also apply when writing jokes for characters that know each other before the story starts (friendly, hermetic humour, nicknames, bringing up things from the past). The joke might be especially funny for you - the author who knows everything about the character's past, likeness etc. And not the reader. This also applies for little "snippets" and references. Thos might go both ways. If the background of the joke would be delivered somewhere later, then the reader might notice that it references to something back. This could give the reread value, spark some theories (especially for nit-picky readers). But if the joke derives from some kind of information that to the end stays in your head, the reader would just be confused and ask "Why? Why would you waste a fine space for this speech bubble?". It depends on how many information you want to give in your story. 14# This rule applies not only to comic books, unfortunately. Ad creators, copywriters want to appeal to certain group by "putting out a funny viral" thinking that it would work. Humour changes when you grow up. All animators are adults, yet animations are considered "for children" (I disagree with that >:( ). That's why many animations that are advertised as "for kids because they are animated" contain humour that kids don't understand. And that's why many animations (toys, and many other dedicated stuff) that are crafted as "cool, hip, kids love it" are not appealing either. (this goes with the tip #11) And the bonus tip I love this tip. And I didn't notice (until now) how often I use it when writing. I usually mix it with #9 and give the stoic, serious character chance to say something funny with his/her stoic calm manner manner. (This would also go with the sarcastic characters.) I know I write very long comments, I know that probably nobody would read this after the second line. Best wishes and keep up with great work!

Mark, do you use a photo reference when you do shading in these videos, or do you do it from memory/imagination? Or a combination of both?

Have you ever considered streaming drawing sessions on RU-vid Live or Twitch? A lot of animators and artists do so nowadays and I think it would be cool if you streamed as well.

"The longer you go on and on, the less funny it tends to become." That reminds me of a joke. So there's this guy crawling through the desert... "But there's exceptions" alright.

Also. We watch planes trains and automobiles every holiday season. Nice shout out to a great film and actor 👍🏼

Props to you, Mark, for mentioning the uber-funny Zucker Brothers! I grew up on the Airplane movies. Leslie Nielsen was the GREATEST straight faced comedian ever.

I always enjoy your videos and I've learned a lot from them. Could you please make a tutorial on how to draw a japanese style dragon? I'd really appreciate that. Greetings

Mark Crilley i have bought tour book about drawing manga!!! I love it just like your RU-vid films

God, I friggin love Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Perfect balance of seriousness within a comedy movie.

Next time can we have tips about writing a Adventure story?

Your tips have helped me out alot like ive really improved

Perfect drawing for this topic. :P

I admire your work 😿💕 could you make a video on how to draw realistic wings ? 🙊✨

The making fun of someone while they're down reminds me of the manga series "Kyoukai no Rinne" where some of the humour derives from the protagonist being poor. It's actually done well. It doesn't make fun of him *being* poor rather than the situations that come up *because* he's poor (his frugalness leading to purchases of cheap products that only ends up costing him more money type situations.) It's a series done by Rumiko Takahashi, the same person who did Ranma 1/2 and InuYasha, and who I think is one of the best mangaka out there. She has my kind of humour, does clear and understandable artwork and comic layouts, strong character motivation and none of her plots or characters ever feel unintentionally unlikable (which I can't say for a lot of other series.) I want to get back into making comics and while I've been growing away from anime and manga (because of how bad it's gotten with stuff like fanservice), Takahashi's work serves as an inspiration and guide.

Already on the first two rules and it's more helpful than everything else on Google.

Excellent talk........!

I really needed this thanks!

I made a comic about a soviet rebel called Sielov at my school. At one point, there was a rival group that was called "Hole". There was a building they had, and he sent a group of rebels called "Team D" (of A,B,C,D, and E) and Sielov said when he was making his plan "We need D to go into Hole." Then a character named Dimitri said "That's messed up man" The kids in my grade died

I wish someone could have told me these things years ago. When I was young I was obsessed with slapstick humor, particularly that of Tex Avery, and I wasted a lot of years in a futile effort to be "Tex Avery funny," And yes, I came across as desperate.

Comedy is a really hard thing to learn and to pull off correctly everytime, in my opinion one of the things that helps comedy a lot (if done correctly) can be the randomness of the joke and weird timing just because of the element of suprise as Mark said, but don't over do it or it will make it predictable no matter how unpredictable it is, also smart word play and few good puns can make something as good or bad as the burrito I just ate this morning Haven't finished the video yet, I don't know if he said anyone of these on the video.

Some political and I guess "truth" kinda comedy really makes me cringe sometimes. Not that the jokes are bad its just that when you can very clearly tell when the people are kinda fake laughing at something because they agree with what the joke is tryin to say. It makes my skin crawl because I cant stand dishonest laughter, just because the person agrees with the comedian.

Hey Mark, could you do a video on how to draw light yagami or Ryuk from the manga and anime death note? Would love to see those

I think a good example of the serious versus humour is M.A.S.H. It was mostly humour, but there were a lot of very serious and very important scenes that make you think. And they ususally have a punchline at the end...

Um I was wondering if sometime you can do a video on drawing an anime eye that is for you to draw instead of tutorials of anime eyes to draw because I have trouble doing any type of eye, realistic, cartoon or anime so I've been trying to find anime eyes and cartoony eyes and realistic eyes that would fit into my drawings. That I could actually draw to where it looks good in my drawing.

I think Deadpool is infamous for #13

Great video mark! I have been wondering to ask you, will you ever make a video where you sow us you studies of other manga artists, like we see you post sometimes on Instagram :) ?

I love your drawings😀

What do you mean Mark your on the spot funny. I think these videos always contain humor.

Hey, i love your how to videos, especially the dragon ones. could you make a video on how to draw shenron from DBZ

On the subject of Odd Couples, they don't have to not get along. They could get along very well, but have very different views or personalities. For instance, a smoker and an asthmatic, human and alien, father and son. They don't have to dislike one another.

its raining cats and dogs!! ...I stepped on a poodle...

Jokes being PC had been apart of humor for generations. Things change, times change, people change. What was once funny 50 years ago usually doesn't hold up today I feel like comedians who don't change with the times will always become obsolete

Awesome! Buzz! He's my favorite Toy Story character!

Haha, what a funny story mark.

"Only 14? Meh.." *(+1!)* "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Haha I'll watch this video in full later today, but keep up the good stuff

Some stuff here reminds me of things said in Bakuman (manga by the guys that wrote/drew Death Note and stuff) Serious humor, putting ridiculous situations drawn with extreme seriousness is hilarious. Another example is Prison School, though due to the subject matter not many people will be able to stomach that kind of humor.

Can you do a step by step Wonder Woman????? That would be so epic!

How would I go about developing my own humour style? At the moment it's very irony based...

Good tips and cute drawing ^.^

Hey mark. I have a question about drawing in general, if you do manage to see this. When first starting out, I've been lucky enough to have a professional artist help me but is there a time when you should stop seeking help/taking lessons? I still have a lot to learn but would there ever be a level where you shouldn't have to ask if something looks right, or are the proportions according,

Cool stuff!

do a self portrait and a live stream of it

LOVE YOU MARK!!!

Love writing tips, would love more!

Tropic Thunder is definitely a movie that has way too many in jokes about Hollywood. I remember my packed theater was basically silent and not laughing. I got most of the humor and satire and was laughing like crazy And a movie that goes back to the well way too many times is Austin Powers

The funniest thing I've probably ever seen and one of the best examples of serious humor tbh is Prison School (definitely NOT for any young, since it's for a very mature audience). My family came knocking at my door at 2am telling me to shut up because I was laughing nonstop

Personally, I didn't like the Taxedermist- but he left my friends in stitches.

yes i find comedy hard to do. i try to add a bit of amusement (running gags, silly situations), but getting people to laugh is not easy.

13:00 "Come on dude, it's been eight months..." "SIX! People go back together after six months"

I saw someone getting jumped by 4 ppl so I had to jump in... I knew he couldn't handle the 5 of us.

well, i think i found a topic missed, touched on, but still not a video on, okay, here it is, i don't mean to correct this great master, teacher, artist and comical personality, but but.. transitions, from a scene to the next, after a punch line in a serious comic. a new establishing frame or ..., I will subscribe, buy some bristol board and a couple of pencils and wait for your reply....

14 is the most important. If you can't laugh at it yourself, spontaneously - it's dead in the water

Crilley one of your old comics where in my 7th grade English class book

Came here from jazzas channel!

Buzz Lightyear! YES!!!

You are funny as hell

hey Mark! can you please make a video on how to draw Asian eyes? ☺😇

Dunno if it's mentioned in the video, haven't watched yet, but what do you think of 4th wall humour? :P

Amen!

Gintama usually uses plenty of words from the side of Tsukkomi, which makes it hilariously funny. But yeah, Sorachi is just genious

awwww...I remember toy story...10-11yrs ago

Can you give some tips to create a cover for comic or manga books?

subscribed

I WAS LITERALLY DRAWING JAR JAR BINKS WHEN YOU SAID THE JAR JAR BINKS EFFECT 😭😭😭

What do you think of the names: Lou sassole, Ivanna dye, and Moe Lester?

i need some tips on good ways to use a charcoal pencil can you help me please?

Laughter is the best lubricant.

thanks a lot!

Can you make more topic videos?

Can you tech as how to do the hole drawing

I want to write a gag manga. Will these tips help?

One of my favorite jokes of all time is from Judah Friedlander's show: America is the Greatest Country in the United States. "I think we should build a wall." "Around Donald Trump."

you draw so well it looks like buzz lightyear is actually alive lmao

markcrilley, I really like your videos about comics. I was wondering how do you convey the personality of a character that doesn't say anything, you never see there eyes and most of the time they have a neutral expression. I made a character like this and I don't know how to do this. please show us✌✌

Just out of curiosity, how long does it take to make these videos?

*you call those jokes?*

Draw old man timelapse!

I am getting manga art for my brthday :)

Mark where did you go to school

I think trying to be downright hilarious is fine. Maybe people won't find it funny and it could be embarrassing. But comedy is a very risky job. You never know how someone could react. Taking risks is just apart of being a comedian. Sometimes the risk will pay off sometimes it won't. But by taking these risks you can see what sticks and you get to figure out what your audience finds funny. So you can learn for next time. It's just apart of the job

You know, I haven't read any of Mark's books, but I feel like they would be much funnier if they were read to you by Mark himself making character voices.

Brevity IF the source of wit

I know my family tells joke but nobody laughs. Like Vulcan telling each other jokes.

Wait, "you are a toy" was supposed to be a funny scene? O-o I was always like :I meh

Mark...... you're a GOD

I only draw digitally. So watching this is so painfullly sloooooowwwww.