Unit 8: Drawing Words and Writing Pictures i.e.

Comics
Step 1: Journal: Considering Comics Comics differ greatly. For example, major comic companies like Marvel and DC Comics often feature super-heroes with super-powers, like Batman, Superman, and X-Men. Others focus on social and comedic adventures of everyday people like Archie and Jughead. Anime and graphic novels often tell complex dramas as well as adventure stories. Some comics are long series that span years, decades, and generations, while others communicate with just one image and a funny line. Spend some time looking at different comics, comic books, and graphic novels. You may go to the library or do a general web search. Some ideas include: XKCD Abstruse Goose Hyperbole and a Half Extra Ordinary Walking Dead Persepolis Tank Girl The Watchmen Narudo Neon-Genesis Evangalion

Answer the following questions on a word document: 1. What differentiates a comic book from a novel or story?
2. What are the common aspects one might find when studying comics?

3. Which comics were you drawn to? What stood out to you about those comics (plot/story, character, artwork, comedy etc)? 4. If you were to read comics on your own, which would you be likely to read? 5. What kind of heroes/protagonists are you drawn to? Why? 6. If you were a comic-book hero, what kind would you be? Why?
7. If you were a comic-book hero, what would your power be, and what

evil would you fight?

Unit 8: Drawing Words and Writing Pictures i.e. Comics

Step 2: Learning about Comics Its important to know that drawing is only one skill comic-writer or cartoonist needs. Comic is a complex medium that requires many skills. The best way to learn about making and writing comics, is to dive in and start making them!

Read Chapter 1.1. in Drawing words and Writing Pictures, Defining Comics. Answer the following questions: 1. What is the definition of a comic? 2. What is Sequential art? 3. What is mean by the phrase images juxtaposed in deliberate sequence in order to convey an idea and/or an aesthetic response? 4. What does Scott McCloud think that comics dont necessarily need?
5. What are the four pre-requisites of a comic strip?

Discuss the Questions to Ponder on pg. 5 of the chapter with your facilitator.

Step 3: Comics Terminology. Study the frequently used comic terms on pg. 7. Then, take the vocabulary quiz.

Step 4: Complete the drawing time activity on pg. 11; compare your drawing with the student examples on www.dw-wp.com

Step 5: read chapter 2.1, Word and Image in the textbook. Answer the following questions: 1. What does the addition of text to an image do for the reader?

Unit 8: Drawing Words and Writing Pictures i.e. Comics

2. How can you test whether the text and image of a comic are interdependent?
3. What is an anti-cartoon? 4.

complete the Gag Reflex activity on pg. 20

Step 7: read Ch. 3.1 Creating a Comic Strip 1. What are the three steps of a comic strip? 2. How can an artist speed up or slow down a comic? 3. How do you create a pause in a comic? 4. Explain the phrase, pleasure of anticipation.
5. Complete the Wrong Planet activity on pg. 31

Step 8: Read Chapter 3.2 and 4.1

1.

what are thumbnails?

2. What does it mean to pair it down? 3. What are the seven types of panel transitions?
4. Complete one of the following acitivies: Tic Tac Toe Comic Jam (see

handout) or Foldy Mini-comic (foldy mini-comic).

Obtion A: 7-panel Comic Challenge. Using one page, you will make a 7panel comic. Your comic must have a character, a conflict, and a resolution. You can draw this in pen and ink and scan it into the computer later, or create it on the computer using a drawing program and Comic Life. You may use the text book, any drawing book, and the website for resources. http://mattmadden.blogspot.com/2010/12/roygbiv-one-page-comicchallenge.html

Unit 8: Drawing Words and Writing Pictures i.e. Comics

The finished comic should be done in either ink or marker, or color if you use Comic Life.

Option B: The Multi-Page Comic. The multi-page comic is a larger, longer option. You must follow the narrative arc and your story must include: character, exposition, conflict, climax, resolution, and dialogue/lettering. Your final comic should be done in either ink or marker, and use color if you use the Comic Life program.

Additional Activities and resources:

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http://dw-wp.com/category/blog/demos-and-tutorials/ (videos and demos) http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/ http://goanimate.com/