Writing for Comics

by Arvind (Visiting this week from Parsons.)

My illustration classes just completed an exercise for class that I wanted to share.  The students were given four panels containing a scene that I had drawn.  They were asked to come up with a context and dialog for the characters.  The objective was to place the word bubbles well and in the correct order, to write the text clearly, and to invent clear communication.  It has been entertaining to observe the various solutions.   

Charlotte took the "motivational squirrel" approach.  I was pleased to see how her tiered bubbles read successfully.

Eli finalized his comic with "I have RABIES!"  (And as a rule, this is pretty much always a funny last line.)  I like how the squirrel and the girl each have specific-shaped word bubbles.  My only suggestion would be to avoid having the word bubbles overlap the characters' faces.

Hannah wrote some great dialog.  It flows nicely and makes me want to turn the page and find out more.

Nila has demonstrated really clear lettering and well-spaced letters.  Her dialog is clever and easy to read.  Well done! 

Samantha's approach infused the scene with happiness and optimism.   Yesterday we discussed how she could improve the placement by "un-sticking" the squirrel's speech bubble from the edge of the 3rd panel.  (Thereby avoiding a "kissing edge" tangent.)  

Vinson was able to successfully generate a moment of reflection by leaving the last panel without any text.