Using The New ChatGPT Tool to Create Comic Strips for Your Class
For the first time since the generative AI boom began a few years ago, we finally have a text-to-image tool that produces high-quality visuals with astonishing precision. I’ve been testing it out for a few days now, and honestly, I’m amazed at what it can do.
What I noticed so far is that it does a fantastic job translating an abstract idea into a visual form. Whether you want a specific style, layout, or artistic approach, the model mimics it with surprising accuracy.
And my favourite feature is the ability to upload your own images and use it as an editor. Want to remove objects from the background? Add text? Adjust composition? You name it, it gets done in seconds, and the results are remarkably clean.
Before this, I was juggling multiple tools. I’d use Midjourney or DALL·E to generate an image, then take it into Canva for post-processing. That included background removal, fixing visual elements, and even correcting AI-generated text using Canva’s “grab text” feature.
It worked, but it was time-consuming. What impresses me most about the new ChatGPT image generator is its ability to render text correctly. Spelling mistakes, which were common in older models, are now rare.
I’ve already used it to create posters for quotes (check out this one I made), infographics, illustrative visuals, and more. Sometimes, I even ask ChatGPT to help refine my prompts before using them in the image generator, it makes a noticeable difference.
Using ChatGPT to Create Comic Strips for Your Class
In an earlier post, I shared a few ways teachers can bring the new ChatGPT image generator in class. One idea I really like is using it to create comic strips for students. It’s engaging, fun, and a great way to introduce visual storytelling into lessons.
In this post, I want to go deeper into comic strip generation using the new ChatGPT image generator—and explore what you can actually do with it in your classroom.
I think this is one of the most creative use cases for teachers right now. The tool makes it incredibly easy to generate comic-style visuals based on a short prompt. You describe a scene, some dialogue, or even a mood—and within seconds, you get a polished comic strip ready to use.
So, how can you use these comics meaningfully in your teaching? Here are a few ways I’ve found effective:
1. Digital Storytelling
Digital storytelling, I believe, is where comic strips really helps. Students can craft their own stories and bring them to life visually. You can guide them through the process and here is how:
Have them write a short narrative
Break it into panels (beginning, middle, end)
Prompt ChatGPT to generate each scene
Add dialogue or captions afterward
Example prompt:
“Create a three-panel comic strip showing a young girl named Amina discovering a mysterious book in her grandmother’s attic. Panel 1: Amina finds an old wooden chest and opens it, revealing a glowing book. Panel 2: She flips through the pages and is suddenly surrounded by swirling magical energy. Panel 3: Amina is transported into a medieval forest, wearing a cloak and looking amazed. Style: Soft watercolor illustration, light fantasy tones, age 10–12 character design.”
2. Language Learning
Comic strips are a great resource for second-language learners. You can use them in your language teaching to:
Introduce new vocabulary in context
Create short reading comprehension activities
Practice writing dialogue in the target language
Illustrate common idioms or expressions visually
You could even ask students to write their own captions in the language they’re learning, or rearrange a mixed-up comic sequence into the correct order as a comprehension task.
Example prompt:
“Create a four-panel comic strip that teaches the French expression ‘Il pleut des cordes’ (It’s raining cats and dogs). Panel 1: A boy looks out the window at a light drizzle and says, ‘Je vais sortir, il ne pleut presque pas.’ Panel 2: He steps outside with no umbrella. Panel 3: A heavy storm hits, with huge rain drops and the idiom ‘Il pleut des cordes’ in a speech bubble. Panel 4: The boy returns soaked, laughing, ‘Je ne dirai plus ça !’ Style: Simple, clean cartoon style, ages 10–14, humorous tone.”
3. Writing Prompts
Use AI-generated comic strips as a jumping-off point for writing activities. Present students with a visual story and ask them to write what happens next—or fill in the missing dialogue. It’s a great way to kickstart imagination and reduce the intimidation of a blank page.
Example prompt:
“Generate a two-panel comic strip showing a robot in a school library. Panel 1: The robot is looking at a book titled ‘How to Be Human’ with a confused expression. Panel 2: A student walks in and catches the robot mid-read. Style: Light sci-fi, school setting, expressive characters, ages 12–15. Leave space under each panel for students to write dialogue or narration.”
4. Classroom Posters and Reminders
You can also use comics to create visual reminders for routines or rules:
“How to line up”
“What to do when you finish early”
“Tips for respectful group work”
Kids respond much better to visuals than text-heavy posters and if the tone is playful or humorous, even better.
Example prompt:
“Create a three-panel comic strip titled ‘How to Line Up Quietly.’ Panel 1: A group of kids hears the bell ring and starts moving chaotically toward the door. Panel 2: One student raises their hand and says, ‘Remember the quiet line rule!’ Panel 3: The students form a neat line, hands to themselves, smiling. Caption: ‘Ready, Respectful, and Quiet!’ Style: Bright, cheerful elementary school comic, friendly tone.”
5. Social-Emotional Learning
Use comic strips to illustrate everyday dilemmas and ask students to reflect:
What would you do in this situation?
How do you think the character feels?
What are some kind responses they could say?
This makes abstract social concepts more tangible and easier to discuss.
Example prompt:
“Create a four-panel comic strip showing a student named Leo sitting alone during recess while other kids play soccer. Panel 1: Leo watches the game from the bench, looking sad. Panel 2: Two students notice Leo and whisper to each other. Panel 3: One of them walks over and says, ‘Want to join us, Leo?’ Panel 4: Leo smiles and joins the game, looking happy. Style: Realistic cartoon, ages 8–12, diverse characters, warm and inclusive tone.”
Final thoughts
Creating educational comic strips has never been this accessible. With a bit of creativity, you can design endless scenarios tailored to your subject area and classroom needs. Whether you’re teaching language, science, social skills, or storytelling, AI-generated comics offer a fun, visual way to engage students.
One of the most valuable takeaways, in my view, is introducing students to the art of prompt engineering. Consider dedicating a short session beforehand to walk them through what makes an effective prompt: specificity, tone, character detail, scene setting, and so on. Let them know they can always use ChatGPT to brainstorm, refine, or troubleshoot their ideas.
This can even turn into a collaborative project: students work in teams to craft stories, write prompts, and generate comics to present to the class. Not only does this nurture creativity, but it also builds skills in writing, critical thinking, and digital communication all wrapped up in a playful format they genuinely enjoy.
