The book details the processes behind storytelling, character design, and other challenges specific to the medium, with illustrative examples drawn from the history of comics.

Complex topics are frequently boiled down to a few principles, such as classifying cartoonists into four types, or identifying the "six basic emotions".

He was dealing with tendinitis in his hands during the early production of the book, and McCloud found that the monitor worked very comfortably, as it allowed him to draw with his forearm rather than with his wrist.

[1] McCloud promoted the book with a Making Comics 50 State Tour, which also included visits to Canada, England, and France, and ended in September 2007.

Making Comics was nominated for the 2007 Harvey Award for Best Biographical, Historical or Journalistic Presentation.