Personally, I think your talent should be applied to a
"graphic novel' approach... That would also free you up
from the traditional plotting constraints of a short strip.
The great thing aboutr 8 characters is, you can always
shift to someone else for a change.
Do ou have your storylines
mapped out? I'd be more than happy to give my 2-cents of editorial
advice. Story structure in character-driven plots are
my favorite approach [see "The Milagro Beanfield War" or
"Local Hero" or "Cannery Row" for examples.
Would love to be of any creative help to you writing-wise.
You can check out some of my fiction at http://www.wayoftheseekers.com
Peace. Stay Shiny. Keep Drawing.
--MAG

Don't worry, em. I totally having the same problem with a FIC! It's difficult to juggle 9, even in a fic. Gotta stay balanced but some just tend to come to the fore no matter what you do. Shiny thoughts!

What about parallel sub plots or something so you could switch between the different groups?

Or you could draw little dialogue sequences that have little to do with the main story. You know, the classic "in the meantime on Serenity..." style.