A single-panel cartoonist can use two layers of text before the caption to set up the gag. A narration box can be used to establish a topic or introduce a scene. Also, word balloons can be used in the panel if a dialogue is needed. One or both of these may be used to set up the punch line.

In most cases, narration boxes are extraneous. They can be easily replaced by text included in the drawing. For example, rather than include a narration that says, “One day at the Miller Golf Ball Factory,” you could simply include a “Miller Golf Ball Factory” sign in the composition somewhere (perhaps as a plaque on a wall or a sign atop a building).

Likewise, a word balloon should be included only when it is vital to help set up the punch line. If the gag endures without the word balloon, then omit the balloon. Irrelevant dialogue will only dilute the value of your punch line.

Single-panel cartoons find their power in their directness. There is no plot or characterization, just pure, distilled humor. Writing humor proficiently is essential since there is room for little more than an illustration and a gag. But the result is a cartoon that strikes quickly and accurately. This energy fuels the cartoon, making for some very powerful reactions from readers.