Graphic NovelsENG3C

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’s interaction 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…

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.

Tips to Building Suspense

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.

Graphic Novel Film Adaptations

The End