1# four-panel
2 
3四格漫画预设 - Minimalist four-panel business allegory comics
4 
5## Base Configuration
6 
7| Dimension | Value |
8|-----------|-------|
9| Art Style | minimalist |
10| Tone | neutral |
11| Layout | four-panel (default) |
12| Aspect | 4:3 (landscape) |
13 
14Equivalent to: `--art minimalist --tone neutral --layout four-panel --aspect 4:3`
15 
16## Unique Rules
17 
18This preset includes special rules beyond the art+tone combination. When `--style four-panel` is used, ALL rules below must be applied.
19 
20### 起承转合 Narrative Structure (CRITICAL)
21 
22Every comic MUST follow the four-panel 起承转合 structure:
23 
24| Panel | Role | Requirements |
25|-------|------|-------------|
26| 1 (起 Setup) | Introduce the situation | Show character(s) in a recognizable context. Establish the "normal" state or problem |
27| 2 (承 Development) | Build on the setup | Add complication, show an attempt, or introduce the concept. Stakes become clearer |
28| 3 (转 Turn) | The twist or key insight | **Most important panel.** Show the unexpected reversal, contrast, or "aha" moment that makes the allegory work |
29| 4 (合 Conclusion) | Resolution and takeaway | Show the result, consequence, or lesson learned. Can be a visual punchline or summary |
30 
31**CRITICAL**: Do NOT deviate from exactly 4 panels. No 5th panel, no title panel, no footer panel within the image.
32 
33### Single-Page Story Rule (CRITICAL)
34 
35- The entire story is told in ONE page with exactly 4 panels
36- Page count: always 1 (plus optional cover)
37- No multi-page four-panel stories — if content requires more, create multiple separate four-panel comics
38- Storyboard structure: Cover (optional) + 1 page
39 
40### Accent Color System
41 
42- The image is primarily black-and-white line art
43- Use exactly 1-2 spot colors per strip (default: orange `#FF6B35`)
44- Rules:
45  - Key concept label or object: filled with accent color or outlined in accent
46  - Panel 3 (转 Turn) should have the strongest color emphasis
47  - Characters remain B&W — color is for concepts/objects/labels only
48  - Consistent accent color across all 4 panels (do not switch colors between panels)
49 
50### Character Design Rules
51 
52- Simplified stick-figure-like characters
53- Distinguish characters through simple props: ties, glasses, hats, briefcases, aprons
54- No detailed faces — dot eyes, line mouth at most
55- Characters should be generic enough to represent archetypes (the manager, the employee, the customer)
56- Maximum 2-3 characters per strip
57 
58### Text in Panels
59 
60- Chinese text for dialogue and labels (or match source language)
61- Keep text minimal — 1-2 short lines per panel maximum
62- Key concept terms can be highlighted with accent color background
63- No narrator boxes — dialogue and labels only
64- Speech bubbles: simple rectangles or ovals, thin black outline
65 
66### Optional Title & Caption
67 
68- A brief descriptive title above the 4 panels
69- An optional one-line caption/moral below the panels
70- These are part of the page composition, not separate panels
71 
72### Character Archetypes (Flexible)
73 
74Create simple stick-figure characters based on content. No fixed defaults:
75 
76| Role | Archetype | Visual Cues |
77|------|-----------|------------|
78| Protagonist | Worker/employee facing a situation | Simple figure, minimal distinguishing feature (glasses, tie) |
79| Authority | Boss/manager/expert | Slightly larger figure, or prop like pointer/clipboard |
80| Object | The concept itself | Labeled object, icon, or highlighted text with accent color |
81 
82### Prompt Template
83 
84When generating image prompts for four-panel comics, include these keywords:
85 
86> 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.
87 
88Each panel description should specify:
89- Panel position (Top Left / Top Right / Bottom Left / Bottom Right)
90- Character poses and gestures (simple, stick-figure style)
91- Dialogue text in Chinese (hand-drawn style)
92- Any accent-colored elements (concept labels, key objects)
93 
94## Quality Markers
95 
96- ✓ Exactly 4 panels in strict 2×2 grid
97- ✓ 起承转合 narrative arc clearly present
98- ✓ 90%+ black-and-white with strategic spot color
99- ✓ Simplified stick-figure characters
100- ✓ Key concept visually highlighted with accent color
101- ✓ Text is minimal and in Chinese (or source language)
102- ✓ Single complete story in one page
103- ✓ Panel 3 delivers a clear "turn" or insight
104 
105## Best For
106 
107Business allegory, management fables, short insights, workplace parables, concept contrasts, social media educational content, quick-read comics
108