PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones: is this $3 stack worth it for Writing & Publishing?

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page wondering why your first issue never quite lands, you know the frustration of trying to reverse-engineer the magic behind a “number one.” It’s the issue that sets the tone, hooks the reader, and defines the series, yet it often feels like the hardest part of the script to write. PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones tackles that exact creative bottleneck by turning the anatomy of first issues into a deep-dive study session. For three dollars, you get a 130-page, ad-free digital magazine that dissects the craft of opening a story, featuring essays from industry heavyweights and exclusive insights from the Strip Panel Naked podcast. It’s not a generic writing guide; it’s a focused, curated look at how professionals structure their most critical debut pages.

Quick answer

What you’re actually buying

You’re not just buying a magazine; you’re buying a diagnostic tool for your own creative process. At the heart of this issue is a dedicated section on the “number one” issue, exploring why those first pages carry so much weight. You get an essay from Kieron Gillen on his specific approach to first issues, which is rare access to the thinking behind a major creator’s debut strategies. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s paired with an exclusive Strip Panel Naked article on visual storytelling, helping you see how panel layout and pacing work together to grab a reader before they even finish the first page. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)

The rest of the issue rounds out that core lesson with broader context. You’ll find essays on spin-offs, relaunches, and how different artists tackle the challenge of a new series, giving you a comparative view of the craft. It’s a dense, thoughtful package that treats comics as a serious art form rather than just a product. For the price of a coffee, you get a full stack of professional perspectives: from Dave Chisholm’s Craft Corner to an interview with Kelly Thompson in the “In Big Talk” section. It’s a comprehensive look at the elements that make a visual story stick, all curated by Hass Otsmane-Elhaou, the host of Strip Panel Naked. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)

Why it’s on our radar

This issue stands out because it focuses on a specific, high-stakes moment in comic creation: the debut. Most writing resources are broad, but PanelxPanel #34 zeroes in on the “number one” problem, which is where many new series fail or succeed. The combination of a major creator’s essay (Gillen) with a podcast-exclusive deep dive makes it a uniquely rich resource for understanding both the written and visual sides of an opening. It’s a rare case where a $3 digital product offers genuine, high-level craft advice without fluff, making it an easy yes for anyone actively working on their first issue or trying to understand why their current one isn’t clicking.

What actually matters

Before you hit buy, make sure this aligns with your current creative needs. Since this is a magazine format, it’s best for inspiration and study rather than a rigid curriculum. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)

• Check your project stage: This is most valuable if you are currently writing or plotting a first issue. If you’re deep into issue #10, the specific focus on “number ones” might be less immediately applicable, though the craft essays still hold value. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)
• Look for the specific voices: The value here is in the contributors. If you’re a fan of Kieron Gillen’s work or follow Strip Panel Naked, the exclusive content will resonate more deeply. The interview with Kelly Thompson is also a highlight for those interested in the writer’s perspective on the medium. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)
• Verify the format: It’s a 95.2 MB PDF, which is substantial. Make sure you’re comfortable reading long-form essays and comics on your preferred device. It’s an ad-free experience, so you can focus entirely on the content. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)

Mid-check

If you’re ready to dig into the craft of opening a comic, See current options to grab the full 130-page issue.

FAQ

Is PanelxPanel #34 suitable for beginners? Yes, but it’s more of a study guide than a “how to start” tutorial. It assumes you have an interest in comics and a desire to understand the craft behind professional first issues. If you’re new to the medium, it’s a great way to see how the pros think about structure and storytelling.

What exactly is included in the 130 pages? You get the full magazine, which includes the “Number Ones” feature section with essays and interviews, a short comic by Keith Frady and Catarina Teixeira, the Craft Corner, the Kelly Thompson interview, and a series of comic recommendations from various creators and shops. It’s a complete issue, not just a single article. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)

Can I read this on a tablet or phone? Yes, it’s a digital PDF. At 95.2 MB, it’s optimized for digital reading. Most tablets and phones can handle the file size without issue, though a larger screen might be better for appreciating the panel layouts and visual storytelling pieces. (PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones)

Bottom line

If you’re stuck on your first issue or just want to understand what makes a great debut work, PanelxPanel #34 - Number Ones is a no-brainer. For $3, you get a focused, high-quality look at the craft of opening a comic, with insights from top creators like Kieron Gillen and Kelly Thompson. It’s a small investment that can save you weeks of guessing and second-guessing. Grab it, read the essays, and let the pros show you how to nail that first page.