Unit Six: Comic Book Design
This unit will explore the process of writing a comic book page. We will take an in depth look at how different cultures create cartoon characters and the steps artists move through to create a comic book page. At the conclusion of this lesson, each student will create a comic book page about a unique character of their own design.
Task One: Manga vs Western Style
In class we will be learning how to draw a variety of different cartoon characters in a variety of different styles. We will be spending a significant amount of time discussing the difference between the Japanese style of comic referred to as "Manga" to our western style of comics. One of the major differences between these two styles of comics is the way in which the characters eyes are drawn. To help explore these differences i have developed a tutorial on how to draw the basic Manga comic book eyes. Please practice the steps described in the tutorial in your sketchbook while you watch.
Below is a copy of the Manga packet that we use in the classroom. It is broken into two documents and may be in a different order then the one printed in class ,however all important information is included .
Task Two: Online Comic Generators
While drawing comics can be a lot of fun, there are also many new technologies that can be used to help you develop a comic book page. Here are three free programs that will help you develop comic book pages. Please visit at least one of these sites, create and print out a comic book page to add to your sketchbook.
Makebeliefs Comix
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
Marvel Superhero Squad
http://superherosquad.marvel.com/create_your_own_comic
Read Write Think
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/index.html
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
Marvel Superhero Squad
http://superherosquad.marvel.com/create_your_own_comic
Read Write Think
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/index.html
Task Three: Character Development
On the "Character Development" handout provided below, draw out a detailed plan for what your main character or characters will look like. These drawings should be fully colored and should include as much detail as possible as they will act as the main reference point for you as you draw your full length comic. Use the star burst and banner sections of the worksheet to record the character's name and important information about them that may not be easily shown in a drawing but will become important in the story. For example, I may write in the star burst area that my character is deathly allergic to strawberries.
Character Development Handout
Task Four: Story and Page Design
Before an artist can draw a comic book page they have to do a lot of pre-planning. Now that you have developed your character's you can use the story development chart below to help you write out a rough draft version of your story. These first drafts are sometimes called storyboards and are quick mock-ups of what will happen in each panel and of the necessary elements and text that will need to fit on the page. This is an example of a completed storyboard. Take notice of how little detail is actually used to show the characters, these should be very loose representations of what will be on the final comic book page. If you are having issues coming up with a storyboard it may be helpful to write out several story options in a basic sentence format in your sketchbook first before moving on to what it would look like in a panel format.
Once you have created your storyboard, the next step will be for you to create your final draft. Start your final by drawing each panel in pencil so that you can erase any mistakes before moving on to ink pen to finalize your design. The last step in creating you comic book page will be for you to add color. For this assignment i would like you to use only color pencils to add color. However, if you would like an optional challenge: After you've finished the inking stage and before you use colored pencils, scan your comic into the computer and see what it is like to use a graphics programs like Adobe Photoshop or Paint to add color to your designs.
Comic Book Rubric
Project Evaluation
Fill this form out and turn it in with your completed comic book page.
Examples of Finished Projects
Here are examples of finished comic books created by former Holt Junior High students and photos of students working in our computer lab with the tutorial websites.
Other Student Created Characters
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Optional challenge: Mini Book |
Sometimes comics are more fun when they are a whole book and not just a page! For an extra challenge, try making one of these mini-books and filling it with a short comic about your character.
Cartooning With BlitzThis is a fun tutorial video that can help you paratice your cartooning skills .
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