Comic Life – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Comic Life

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2024

68%

WISE Score

3.5

App Store

Turn photos into comic strips—if you can overlook that this app is old enough to be in middle school itself.

Comic Life

app

Everyone, 2024

68%

WISE Score

3.5

App Store

Turn photos into comic strips—if you can overlook that this app is old enough to be in middle school itself.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

Comic Life is a solid creative tool in theory—making comics teaches storytelling, visual composition, and sequencing, all good stuff. The problem? This version is from 2011 and explicitly no longer being developed.

The App Store description basically says "we're only keeping this alive for schools that already bought it in bulk." That's not exactly a ringing endorsement. By 2025 standards, the interface will feel clunky, features limited, and the whole experience a bit like using an iPad from the Obama administration.

If you already own it or got it through a school volume purchase, it's fine—safe, wholesome, and genuinely creative. But if you're shopping for a comic creation app today, you'd be better served looking at Comic Life 3 or more modern alternatives. This is the app equivalent of finding an old iPod Touch in a drawer—technically functional, but why?

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-13 who enjoy hands-on creative projects and have patience for a tool that requires effort. Younger kids (5-6) can use it with help, but the dated interface might frustrate them compared to more modern, intuitive apps.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A creative tool app with no concerning content—kids use their own photos to make comics. The tone is inherently positive and cooperative since it's about storytelling and self-expression. No chaotic pacing or inappropriate themes.

Imaginative

Comic creation is fundamentally about imaginative storytelling, visual composition, and creative expression. Kids can build narratives, experiment with layouts, speech bubbles, and effects. Strong invitation to explore and create original content.

Safe

As a creative tool with no social features, no ads mentioned, and a kids mode available, this is a very safe environment. It's a standalone creation app using local photos. No in-app purchases pressure, no chat, no user-generated content from strangers.

Enriching

Develops visual literacy, storytelling skills, sequencing, and digital creativity. Educational category suggests learning value. However, it's a tool—enrichment depends entirely on how kids use it. Entertainment value is moderate since it requires effort and creativity rather than passive consumption.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely creative tool that teaches visual storytelling, sequencing, and narrative structure
No social features or stranger danger—just pure creation with your own photos
Kids mode available suggests thoughtful design for younger users
Can be used for school projects, family stories, or just silly photo comics with friends
One-time purchase model (no ongoing subscription or aggressive monetization)

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What to Watch For

This is the 2011 version explicitly maintained only for volume purchase customers—it's a legacy product
No further feature enhancements planned, meaning it's frozen in time while iOS marches forward
Interface and features will feel dated compared to modern creative apps kids are used to
The developer wants you to buy Comic Life 3 instead (with an upgrade discount if you already own this)

Conversation Starters

"What story are you trying to tell with your comic? Who are the characters?"
"How did you decide which photos to use and what order to put them in?"
"Can you make a comic about something that happened at school this week?"
"What's harder—thinking of the story or actually making the comic look good?"

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