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Graphic Novels. ENG3C . Introduction. Graphic novels first appeared in the 1970’s. Often feature animals with human feelings, problems and adventures. Related to fairy tales, folktales, and myths. Do not necessarily need to feature a superhero and a villain. Inspiration in a Fairy Tale.
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Graphic Novels ENG3C
Introduction • Graphic novels first appeared in the 1970’s. • Often feature animals with human feelings, problems and adventures. • Related to fairy tales, folktales, and myths. • Do not necessarily need to feature a superhero and a villain.
Inspiration in a Fairy Tale • One method of creating a graphic novel is to retell a well-known story that includes personal touches like special twists, characters, or details.
To create your own graphic novel based on a fairy tale, complete the following steps: • Browse the internet or go to a library and read at least five fairy tales that interest you • For each one, complete the following sentences: • My favourite part of this story is _______________. • My least favourite part of this story is _____________. • I wish that ________ in this story had _________. • Use some of all of these ideas as you update an old story into a new graphic novel.
Manga • A style of Japanese graphic novels. • Characters are drawn with wide-open, round eyes from American comic strip and cartoon characters. • Characters in Japanese anime films are drawn this way. • They are read from right to left and back to front.
Voice • Every writer has a style of writing that is unique to them- this is known as their “voice”. • Skilled writers learn how to change their voice depending on the subject and situation – like when creating a graphic novel.
“You can’t just read [a graphic novel], you have to look at the pictures. Nor can you just look at the pictures – you have to read the book. That was not easy to achieve.” – Avi, author • The “voice” of a graphic novel is the combination of both its pictures and words. • Even the font used can convey meaning. • Words alone still communicate tone – i.e., whether or not the material is meant to be taken seriously or humorously.
Thicker, darker letters indicate angry shouting or a frightening scene. • Larger lettering is used for explosions of noise coming from an explosion, lightning or a thundering roar.
Visuals vs. Words • Be brief! – Written descriptions are placed within a regular panel, and the visual should be larger. For example… Writers at times set word limits for their panels
At times writers decide to include panels that are word-less. • This technique allows readers to focus on the emotions visible on a character’s face or their body language in reaction to an intense situation.
Zoom In & Out • Much like in a film, graphic novels use long-distance, middle-distance, and close-up shots of a scene.
Colour • Can be used to notify the reader that a scene is real or a part of a character’s imagination. • For example… In Babymouse: Queen of the World!Babymouse’s daydreams of adventures all have pink backgrounds. During scenes of her reality, the pictures are drawn in black and white with only touches of pink.
Characters • Find a good name! • The name for the protagonist of your story should portray an important quality of that character. • For example… Graphic novelist Linda Medley named her quick-witted heroine “Peaceful Hortense Elaine Warren” – the contrast between the meaning of her name and her personality highlights her tendency towards adventure.
Weaknesses • No one is perfect, and that includes your graphic novel hero or heroine. • Villain • A villain provides a conflict or external problem that the hero must face. • A villain could take the form of: • An individual • A group of people who govern a community • A situation caused by human acts, like pollution • Difficulties that are outside of human control, like natural disaster or illness. • Motive • Villains commit evil deeds for different reasons.
Minor characters • Develop a supporting cast. • Your hero or heroine’sinteraction with others tells a great deal about them.
Point of View • Before you start writing your graphic novel, ask yourself: • Who will tell the story of your graphic novel? • How much do you want readers to know about the characters and what they think and feel? • Different types of POV: • Omniscient • First-person • Third-person
Cliffhangers & Suspense • Do not let the excitement die after your engaging opening. • Continue the build of suspense by writing your graphic novel in ways that emphasize the dramatic events to come…
Tips to Building Suspense • Thrills and Chills:Place characters in a race against time, or use foreshadowing. • Cliff-hangers: End a scene or chapter with a character in danger. • Keep interest high: Let readers know more than the characters do. • Character Conflict: Have characters dealing with more than one conflict, moving back and forth between the problems they are facing.
Climax • A story’s built up suspense leads to a climax. • After a story hits its climax, the characters’ main problem(s) are for the most part solved. • If characters return to old lives, they will have learned something, conquered an enemy, or overcome a weakness (Hero’s Journey, anyone?).
Tips to a Successful Ending • Climax must be dramatic. • Conclude your adventure – everyone likes a happy ending, but they’re not always believable. • Suggest new beginnings for your character(s).
Tips to Avoid a Bad Ending • Bad endings include: • Those that fizzle out or end abruptly because you’re clean out of ideas. • Fail to show how the characters have changed in some way. • Are too good to be true. • Are too grim and depressing, leaving readers hopeless.
