Template guide
Panel-by-panel breakdown
This template has no printed dialogue. The story is told entirely through the artwork, so each panel below is described from the image.
Panel 1
She holds her phone with a worried look. The chat screen beside her shows three avatars; two grey bubbles contain only "..." and her reply is a short green bubble.
Panel 2
Clutching her head under lightning and broken hearts, she imagines three scenes: the friend with arms crossed, herself crying, two figures walking apart across a cracked line.
Panel 3
At the front door, the friend in a green sweater grins sheepishly, a full grocery bag of vegetables in each hand.
Panel 4
On a bright yellow background with hearts, she laughs and raises her palm, phone still in hand, and he high-fives her over the groceries.
What you get
- Canvas
- 1:1
- Cast
- 2 characters, replaceable with your own
- Type
- Four-Panel
- Common remixes
- Change the reason / Change the fear / Go to work
Who this template suits
This template suits anyone who has read too much into a short message, friend groups, couples and creators who post relatable texting humour. Panel 2 does most of the comedy.
When it is not a good fit
It is not suited to stories where the bad news turns out to be real.
How to remix Overthinking a Short Reply in the Group Chat
- 1Show your character worried over a short chat reply.
- 2Fill a panel with exaggerated worst-case thought bubbles.
- 3Reveal the harmless reason and end on a high five.
Ways to make it your own
Change the reason
He was driving, cooking or holding a baby.
Change the fear
Imagine being kicked out of the group or forgotten on a birthday.
Go to work
Swap the friend chat for a team channel and a boss.
Questions about Overthinking a Short Reply in the Group Chat
Is the chat readable?
No. The bubbles only show dots, so the art does the storytelling.
What makes the twist work?
The full grocery bags explain the short reply without any words.
Can the friend be a partner?
Yes. The same layout works for friends, partners or roommates.
