Comic

[Tangleworm]

Hi guys. I'm feeling like making a comic series. However, this is my first time doing something like this, and I have no clue how to go about it. Any people here more experienced in sequential art, some knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

[Collywobbles]

I think the bet place to start would be Panel of the Week here at CA. POW (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=145)

There is also a resources thread, don't miss it. Resources (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=148096)

Remember it's all about the story and pacing. It's not hard to find well drawn panels that don't work to progress the story. Think more like a movie director and less like a pin up artist. I guess just check out El Coro's Transient for elucidation, fantastic. Transient (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=123338)

[MiniGoth]

Me too!

Couple of things you want to ask yourself - one off stories, or continuing storyline?

What's the point of the comic(not of doing it, but do you want a couple of cute jokes, a dramatic tale, etc.) - the design will end up reflecting that.

My first is going to be funny, with a series of situational one liners. That way I don't have to worry about continuity, and people are more forgiving of the art in humorous comics.

One panel or several? Which works best for what you want to do?

Is this a project for your own edification, a portfolio builder, something to connect with other comic enthusiasts?

Once you know the 'why', some of it becomes easier.

For the theories and how to's of sequential art itself, Scott McCloud has written some GREAT books about the practical.

[Tangleworm]

Thanks for the replies. I'll go check those out.

[mickeymao]

I also recommend Abel & Madden's "Drawing Words, Writing Pictures".

[Tangleworm]

Thanks.

One more question...do I post the pages up in my sketchbook or what?

[mickeymao]

What you do with them is totally up to you. Posting them in sketchbook or crit section will probably get you feedback. Joining POW will also. Try short exercises before launching into your magnum opus.

[arttorney]

In POW there is even a place for sequentials that are not on the bi-weekly topic. That would be the "Noncompetitive" comics thread in the POW subforum. It's kind of for whatever miscellaneous sequentials people have to show if they want some input.

Of course if you can join in the "weekly" challenge it will force you to learn, because of the deadline. You can't just blow things off and procrastinate. As you are pushing yourself to finish, you will find out a lot about where your strengths and weaknesses are. The challenges are also where you will get the most attention and comments besides the Critique Center.

[KonnA]

Once I'm a bit more grounded with drawing again, I'm going to do a comic too. It's becoming a bit of a cleche.

[Grief]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/greeku1/pow.jpg

[Kagemusha22]

I'm currently doing a short sequential piece (Or comic), for my portfolio. For influence I found myself just browsing pages of various comics I have from Persepolis, Watchmen, Maus, Ghost in the Shell to Love Hina. Just to see how the artist used panels for dramatic or comic effect.

[OmenSpirits]

study the master of the craft. study will eisner. get his sketchbooks.

[TheGnoll]

read tons of comics (even the ones you would never pick up)
read Scott McCloud's books to find out whats behind the curtain
all this has already been said.For a complete beginner i'd also suggest this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creating-Graphic-Novel-Lifestyle-Paperback/dp/1592572332/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237928106&sr=8-1)

ignore the cover and title, its a pretty good book wich covers a lot of subject and will point you out to a ton of other resources too :)

ciao!

[Tangleworm]

Many thanks for all the replies. I don't think I can join the POW weekly challenge just at the moment, since it's a little busy over here...but I'll definately do it as soon as I can. Thanks again, everybody.