Content and Ideas |
Exceptionally original or interesting ideas are thoroughly developed in a way that has a lasting impact. |
Original ideas and plot points are present and are clearly developed. Character arcs are satisfying. |
Clear ideas and plot are present, but they are under developed or entirely unoriginal. |
Clear ideas and plot are present, but are severely underdeveloped. Major characters and arcs are introduced with out purpose or payoff. |
The story is unfocused and/or rambling. |
Pacing/Structure |
Set-ups and payoffs are executed with precision. The story is told or framed in a way that maximizes the delivery. |
Pacing and organization are satisfying. Nothing feels rushed or drawn out. |
Pacing and organizational structure are effective, but there is room for improvement. It may have been too fast, too slow, or unintentionally confusing. |
The pacing is much too fast, much too slow, and/or difficult to parse. |
Information is presented in a way that completely fails to engage the reader. It is either incomprehensible or so poorly paced that th ereader loses interest. |
Characters |
Characters feel like they could be real people. The reader finds it easy to relate to them and empathize with them as they navigate the plot. |
Distinct and interesting characters are established and developed. The irinteractions drive the story and create interesting drama and/or comedy. |
Distinct characters are established and behave in away that is consistent with their established motivations. They may be flat or uninteresting. |
Most or all characters are underdeveloped. Characters often behave in ways that go against their in-story motivations and established backgrounds. |
Most or all characters lack distinct personalities. Most or all character actions feel forced and illogical from that character's perspective. |
Romance |
The romantic relationships are the stuff of legends, poems, and songs. The author was able to make the reader feel all of the tension, joy, and/or pain of the characters. |
The romantic relationships are memorable and satisfying. The reader is emotionally invested in the partners' coming together. |
The romantic relationships work, but fail to fully engage the reader. Reasons for this may include: an over-reliance on tropes and cliches, a rushed relationship, a needlessly drawn-out courtship, or under developed characters. |
The romantic relationships are presented in a way that feels stilted or forced. It is difficult for the reader to empathize with or even understand the characters' feelings for one another. |
The romance does not work on any level. The writer demonstrates a poor understanding of their own characters or the circumstances that bring them together. The romance either falls totally flat or crosses the line into the offensive. |
Art Competency |
The artist displays such skilla nd talent that it is worth reading the comic for the art alone. |
The art elevates the story. The artist displays a mastery of their craft. |
The art is competent. It neither detracts from nor enhances the story being told. |
The art lacks competency. Inspite of this, the artist is able to communicate what is happening in the story to the audience. |
The art detracts from the story being told. It may be difficult to parse, or the mistakes make it difficult to take seriously. |
Visual Effects/Stylistic Flourish |
The flourish and style are exceptional or innovative. Certain moments seem to come off the page. |
The visual effects and style add to the story and make it stand out amongst other comics. |
Effects are used where they should be used, but no effort was made to go the extra mile. |
No attempt was made to add visual effects. |
Visual Effects are used to the detriment of the image. They may make it harder to understand or they may make it visually unappealing. |
Personal Preference |
Absolutely loved it. Wouldn't change a thing. |
Very positive toward the comic, but you can still think of some improvements. |
Generally positive toward the comic, but not your thing. |
Disliked it, but can understand its appeal to others. |
Absolutely hated it. |
Recommendation Strength |
Strong recommendation to most people. |
Strong recommendation to genre fans. Weak recommendation to more general audiences. |
Weak recommendation to genre fans. |
Recommend to a very niche audience who wouldn't care about significant issues. |
Do not recommend to anyone. |