The+Wonderful+World+of+Comics


 * Spiderman. Batman. Daredevil. Superman. Wonder Woman. X-Men. ** These are all comic book characters. Today, many of the comic book characters are finding themselves on the big Screen, but their home will always remain with the comic book. Comic books can inspire a reluctant reader to READ, they can encourage readers to understnad the complexity of dialogue, they inform the reader of the world of pop culture, they offer an outlet to writers and artists to go beyond the classical restraints of their disciplines. To read, to appreciate, and to create a comic book invites the readers to a world that is beyond their imagination.

As in any field, it is necessary to understand how the comic book developed and is created and how it can change a reader.

1. First, what is a [|comic book] ? It is important to understand the definition and description of a comic book, as well as be aware of some of the terminology related to the comic book industry. //On a Word document answer the question, What is a comic book?// 2. Take a look at some of the comic books I provide in the classroom. Try and figure out the different [|genres/types]of comic books. Look at three different genres/types of comic books I provide. //Provide the title and genre/type of each comic book. List on the Word document.// 3. Get ready of the hands on part. Reading comic books can be very entertaining, especially with an appealing one. Creating a comic book takes the understanding, appreciation, and entertainment levels another notch up. [|Writing comic books]reinforces the writer's skill in audience identification, mapping storylines, developing plot lines, conversation skills, and imagination. [|Illustrating comic books] allows the artist to experiment with storytelling through images, working withink a fixed format, sketching, drawing, inking, coloring, and creating action with images. 4. The finished product should have a front and back cover and be bound. Binding the comic book doesn't always have to be professional, but could just be tied with ribbon, rings, fasteners, or whatever. A comic book is not truly complete until it is shared with lots of readers. //5. Send your Word document to jgrams@hlv.k12.ia.us//

Go to [|Grammarmancomic]. Do some research the background of comics. Follow instructions and then create your own comic. Do not email to grammarmancomic. **Instead print in color and turn in for credit.**

Now that you have some knowledge of comic books and creating comic book characters, you can advance to the next step, which is. . . watch this video on "Making a Comic Strip with Microsoft Word." Watch the video only for the technique in creating a comic.


 * Your first assignment is to create a two-panel comic strip using MS Word. Print the comic strip and turn in for credit. **

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[|ToonDoo] - World's fastest way to create cartoons [|Strip Creator] - Which character(s) and artwork will you choose? [|Superhero Comic Creator] - based on Marvel Comic characters. (For now, just create a comic strip) [|Comeeko] - Create a photo strip using your own photos and adding speech bubbles and effects
 * Access these sites for a look at some of the free Internet sites that aid in creating comics/cartoons. Create a comic/cartoon while at each site. Get the feel for what can be done; the advantages and disadvantages of each site; and which site(s) you prefer. Print //one// comic/cartoon from each site and turn in. **

What we know as talent is usually learned. This means that a less than average comic book creator can become a talented comic book creator. Who knows, you may one day be considered a great talented comic book creator. For some, the mentioning of comic book creation may automatically bring thoughts of learning how to draw and write comic books. This is not just it. There are a lot of things involved in comic book creation. And the knowledge of these things can make life a lot simpler in the art of comic book creation. These other things include knowing your audience, marketing/advertising, selling your comic books and all the other nips and tricks that can make a comic appear more appealing. These even include software knowledge. It is important to be aware of all these factors that lead to an appealing comic book. For example, some software have literally reduced a creators work, and can even allow them to self publish. You will be using a variety of free software to create your comics.

Comics are graphic illustrations enabling the transfer and communication of any message, statement or emotional expression as well as humorous messages.
 * Look for the Radical Comic Designer icon on your computer desktop. Use the drag and drop method of creating a comic. Be creative! Print your comic and turn in. **

1. [|Bordering an Image] //**    ﻿ ﻿ ﻿ ﻿ ﻿ **(You can use this bordered image to add a speech balloon)// //2.// [|The Speech Balloon] 3. [|The Thought Balloon]
 * __Inkscape Comic Tutorials:__** ** As you work through each tutorial, create an item of your own to print and turn in ** (i.e. create an image with a border, create a speech balloon with text, create a thought balloon with a thought, etc)

[|From photos to comic strips with GIMP and Inkscape]** This will be a somewhat more involved project. You will create a comic strip using actual photographs. The comic strip will contain three frames as the tutorial illustrates. The story line will be your choice. Plastic figures or real people can be used. You will need three pictures (one for each frame). Print the completed strip and turn in. **

[|Inkscape Tutorial] Use a picture of your choice. ** Print the image and turn in. **
 * How to Make Your Pictures Look Like Comic Book/Graphic Novel Art with Inkscape**

**__ Thursday, January 6 - Monday, January 10: Autobiographical Comic Strip __**



 * You will create an autobiographical comic that explores some interesting moments in your life. **

Examples are shown or you can link to others for ideas. [|Sample 1] [|Sample 2] [|Sample 3]

Click [|here] to print out Comic Questionnaire for the project. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE : You can write just enough to spark the memory or tell the whole story. Write as much as you need to in order to recall unusual or special details. You can skip any question that doesn’t apply to you. You can work on the questions in any order you want to.

WHEN YOU ARE DONE FILLING OUT THE QUESTIONS: Read what you have written. One of these stories will JUMP OUT at you as the one that you want to tell, the one that you want to draw, the one that you want to make into a comic strip! When you have decided on what story you want to do, try to visualize how you might begin laying out the panels.

What will you most look forward to drawing?

Imagine telling the story in front of a group of people. Where does the story begin? How does it end?

Are there any funny parts? Sad parts?

Do you think it will be a one or two page comic strip?

Is there any opportunity to write dialogue?

Thought balloons?

Remember: You are an expert on your story. Your story does not have to be funny. There is no subject too small! ! !




 * Using any site or program from above, create your autobiographical comic strip. You may want to look [|here]for other possibliities. Print your comic strip and turn in. **