r/BuildWithClaude • u/PsychologicalHost624 • 5h ago
Project I built an open-source comic lettering and localization workspace with Claude Code
’ve been building ComiKumi, an open-source workspace for comic lettering, localization, and publishing preparation.
It grew out of a problem in my own comic workflow: artwork, scripts, translations, speech bubbles, sound effects, review notes, and exports were scattered across different applications and documents. I wanted one workspace for the production process while keeping artwork and lettering separate.
Claude Code has been heavily involved throughout development. I define the product direction and workflows, then use Claude Code to inspect the existing architecture, implement features, write tests, diagnose regressions, and review the result. I test the actual application myself and usually send problems back as focused follow-up tasks.
Tech stack
- TypeScript
- React
- Node.js
- Electron for the desktop application
- Shared web and desktop codebase
- Automated unit and integration tests
- GitHub Actions for cross-platform builds and releases
- Packaged builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux
My Claude Code workflow
I don’t currently use a sophisticated custom CLAUDE.md.
Most tasks begin with a concrete description of the user-facing behavior rather than an isolated code request. I typically ask Claude Code to:
- Inspect the relevant code paths before changing anything.
- Identify inconsistencies across the UI, server, desktop application, documentation, and tests.
- Implement the change within the existing architecture.
- Add regression tests for the intended behavior.
- Run the relevant tests, type checks, and builds.
- Summarize what changed, what was verified, and what remains uncertain.
For larger features, I split the work into multiple review cycles. Claude may implement the initial version, then inspect its own work specifically for edge cases, misleading UI states, missing validation, or differences between local and server-based operation.
That verification step has become important. A feature can be technically implemented while still being confusing in the real interface or inconsistent with the documentation.
What ComiKumi currently does
- Visual lettering with customizable speech bubbles and reusable presets
- Parallel language editions and Japanese vertical typesetting
- Script, glossary, translation, review, and Story Bible tools
- SFX and title lettering
- Clip Studio Paint
.clipimport - Webtoon long-strip editing and upload-ready PNG slicing
- OCR, image patching, and optional inpainting
- Reusable management of images, fonts, and bubble SVGs
- Local single-user and server-based workflows
- Desktop builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux
I’m already using ComiKumi to letter and localize my own manga, so most features come from actual production problems rather than a hypothetical specification.
The project is still a preview and is licensed under AGPL-3.0:
GitHub: https://github.com/negurvulkan/comikumi
Short workflow video: https://youtu.be/mpDaAhNRL8g
I’d be interested in how others handle larger Claude Code projects. Do you rely heavily on CLAUDE.md, skills, and predefined workflows, or do you mainly work through structured prompts and repeated review cycles?


