Topic: Writing Your Comic Script
Email 3 (of 8)
How do you plan for what is going to be in the comic exactly?
The script! This email will have us taking your idea for a comic book story and turning it into a real comic book script. Comic book scripts allow us to sort between the description, sound effects, dialogue, and any other element that you're trying to put into your comic. It will also help you to determine in what order those things need to be presented so that the final story makes sense when it's illustrated.
It's important to note that before you start writing your script, do not do any art for your comic. If you’re getting antsy, you can do character designs or concept art, but don't start drawing your comic.
Not yet.
To help us understand script writing, we're going to talk again to Mark Waid, who is going to explain how his approach to comic script writing is actually a little different than you might expect.
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Click this link to go directly to a transcription for this video
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Featured Materials
Below is a preview of some of the additional readings, videos, comics, and other resources to enhance your learning regarding this email’s topic. You can review these materials in full by going to the course landing page.
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Comic Script Basics by Blambot
An article that originally appeared on the website Blambot. It easily breaks down the basics of comic book scripting.
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Taste vs Ability by Ira Glass set to art by Mark Luetke
Ira Glass (This American Life) ruminates on the work it takes to get as good at creating in a way that reflects where you want to be. Ira’s quote from an interview was turned into a comic by artist Mark Leutke.
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Get Started Already by Mark Luetke
A comic that was written and illustrated by Mark Luetke. It explains how the reader can get started making comics.
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Starting A Comic With Conflict Comic by Patrick Yurick
A brief article written and illustrated by course instructor Patrick Yurick. He explains that utilizing conflict in the very beginning of a story can help propel the comic forward.
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How To Write A Script For Your Comic by Todd Tevlin
A breakdown of a script writing method as presented by Todd Tevlin, a comic artist and art educator.
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Rambling About How I Write Comics by Jim Zub
Comic writer Jim Zub breaks down his approach to comic writing in this written piece.
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Jim Zub Interview on Gutter Talk Podcast
A podcast interview with comic writer Jim Zub on the MakingComics.com Gutter Talk Podcast. In it he describes his day, his creative output, and his creative process.
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Activity: Assess Your Own Setting
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This lesson’s activity requires you to complete a script for your comic based off of the idea you created in the previous email. Use the comic book script tutorial and worksheets (provided above) and follow these directions:
- Read the tutorial for this email
- Print out 4 copies of the worksheet
- Fill them out
- Turn them over for peer review to a friend, or assess them yourself
Activity Models
Course Provided Model
Review this provided model completed prior to the launch of the course.
Student Models
This document contains several pieces of course participant work and the feedback given.
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Activity Materials
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This tutorial will walk you through writing a comic script, step by step.
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The worksheet will serve as a guide for you to use as you begin writing your first draft of your draft comic script.
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Use the above rubric to have a peer assess your work, or assess it yourself. Make sure that you reference it as you’re writing your script.
When completed, tally up the amount of “Yes” answers (questions provided within the rubric) to see whether or not your work has room for improvement. Then, refine as needed.
0-1 = Poor
2-3 = Satisfactory
4 = Good
5 = Excellent
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Next Steps
You’re at the end of this section of the course! Check your inbox for the next email.
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TEACHER’S CORNER
Keeping ON-SCRIPT
Scripting for comics can be difficult for new comic creators due to the fact that, in order to maximize workflow, they need to separate their written communication from their visual (i.e. words and pictures are different things).
Tips & tricks for troubleshooting common student issues during this section of the project are covered on the email 3 section of the “How To Make A Comic Book” Teacher’s Guide:
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