I’d like to take a little time to talk about creative ways to integrate text into comics. When I first started making webcomics, I didn’t give much thought to how the text would become part of my images. I drew the art, scanned it and typed in the words in the last stage of the production. This led to some very awkward passages in my webcomics.

Usually, text is used in speech balloons; sound effects; narration boxes and in very rare cases, the words become part of the image themselves. But sometimes artists stretch these standards to make something truly innovative in their work.

With Uku, Otto Germain has created a vivid world illustrated in a dream-like lush painted style which he filled with strange creatures and a mysterious meteor. Uku has no dialogue and so Germain's ability to move the story and develop his characters comes entirely from body language and facial expressions. An interesting and compelling new webcomic.

A mini comic might be one of the best off-line promotional items for your webcomic you can have. It's handy, it's quick and it gives you something to sell cheap or giveaway at conventions, stores and wherever potential readers may gather.

And for not much money at all, you can add some color. This month, Grant Thomas provides a step-by-step guide to creating a classy color cover for your next mini comic.