four-panel

四格漫画预设 - Minimalist four-panel business allegory comics

Base Configuration

Dimension	Value
Art Style	minimalist
Tone	neutral
Layout	four-panel (default)
Aspect	4:3 (landscape)

Equivalent to: art=minimalist, tone=neutral, layout=four-panel, aspect=4:3

Unique Rules

This preset includes special rules beyond the art+tone combination. When the four-panel preset is selected, ALL rules below must be applied.

起承转合 Narrative Structure (CRITICAL)

Every comic MUST follow the four-panel 起承转合 structure:

Panel	Role	Requirements
1 (起 Setup)	Introduce the situation	Show character(s) in a recognizable context. Establish the "normal" state or problem
2 (承 Development)	Build on the setup	Add complication, show an attempt, or introduce the concept. Stakes become clearer
3 (转 Turn)	The twist or key insight	Most important panel. Show the unexpected reversal, contrast, or "aha" moment that makes the allegory work
4 (合 Conclusion)	Resolution and takeaway	Show the result, consequence, or lesson learned. Can be a visual punchline or summary

CRITICAL: Do NOT deviate from exactly 4 panels. No 5th panel, no title panel, no footer panel within the image.

Single-Page Story Rule (CRITICAL)

• The entire story is told in ONE page with exactly 4 panels
• Page count: always 1 (plus optional cover)
• No multi-page four-panel stories — if content requires more, create multiple separate four-panel comics
• Storyboard structure: Cover (optional) + 1 page

Accent Color System

• The image is primarily black-and-white line art
• Use exactly 1-2 spot colors per strip (default: orange #FF6B35)
• Rules:
  • Key concept label or object: filled with accent color or outlined in accent
  • Panel 3 (转 Turn) should have the strongest color emphasis
  • Characters remain B&W — color is for concepts/objects/labels only
  • Consistent accent color across all 4 panels (do not switch colors between panels)

Character Design Rules

• Simplified stick-figure-like characters
• Distinguish characters through simple props: ties, glasses, hats, briefcases, aprons
• No detailed faces — dot eyes, line mouth at most
• Characters should be generic enough to represent archetypes (the manager, the employee, the customer)
• Maximum 2-3 characters per strip

Text in Panels

• Chinese text for dialogue and labels (or match source language)
• Keep text minimal — 1-2 short lines per panel maximum
• Key concept terms can be highlighted with accent color background
• No narrator boxes — dialogue and labels only
• Speech bubbles: simple rectangles or ovals, thin black outline

Optional Title & Caption

• A brief descriptive title above the 4 panels
• An optional one-line caption/moral below the panels
• These are part of the page composition, not separate panels

Character Archetypes (Flexible)

Create simple stick-figure characters based on content. No fixed defaults:

Role	Archetype	Visual Cues
Protagonist	Worker/employee facing a situation	Simple figure, minimal distinguishing feature (glasses, tie)
Authority	Boss/manager/expert	Slightly larger figure, or prop like pointer/clipboard
Object	The concept itself	Labeled object, icon, or highlighted text with accent color

Prompt Template

When generating image prompts for four-panel comics, include these keywords:

A minimalist, clean line art digital comic strip in a four-panel grid layout (2×2). The style is simplified cartoon illustration with clear black outlines and a minimal color palette of black, white, and specific spot [accent color] for key concepts.

Each panel description should specify:

• Panel position (Top Left / Top Right / Bottom Left / Bottom Right)
• Character poses and gestures (simple, stick-figure style)
• Dialogue text in Chinese (hand-drawn style)
• Any accent-colored elements (concept labels, key objects)

Quality Markers

• ✓ Exactly 4 panels in strict 2×2 grid
• ✓ 起承转合 narrative arc clearly present
• ✓ 90%+ black-and-white with strategic spot color
• ✓ Simplified stick-figure characters
• ✓ Key concept visually highlighted with accent color
• ✓ Text is minimal and in Chinese (or source language)
• ✓ Single complete story in one page
• ✓ Panel 3 delivers a clear "turn" or insight

Best For

Business allegory, management fables, short insights, workplace parables, concept contrasts, social media educational content, quick-read comics