How to Write a Manga Comic Book
If you can draw a single manga scene, you can certainly create an entire manga comic book. Take your time developing your characters and plot, and it will all come together with a little bit of patience.
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Instructions
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1
Create a main character with definite traits: Strong will, cool, weak, wild, gentle, perky, selfish or nerdy. Specify your character's main trait in graphic form: You may find that when you draw the character, you'll get to know her better at the same time.
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2
Develop a story synopsis. Summarize your entire story in one paragraph, leaving out details and focusing on the main idea.
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3
Create backstories for your characters: What has happened in their lives before the comic begins; whether they have any enemies; special strengths or weaknesses; and talents. Write them all down separate from the story, and they will begin to emerge as your story develops.
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4
Write out the basic plot of your story. Be sure to address points as you go along: Why your character acts the way he does; how he achieves goals or fails to reach goals; and how he changes from experiences. Be sure to have enough action and suspense in the story so your readers will keep the pages turning, including a cliff-hanger at the end so they will anxiously await the next issue.
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5
Prepare your storyboard layout, which is the basis of the final form of the manga. Imagine how the major events and dialogue will look and draw them into individual boxes. Think of this as a rough first draft as you begin to assemble the essential elements of the manga.
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6
Read through the entire storyboard start to finish and then revise it. You may do this several times as you discover elements to enhance the story or your characters.
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7
Draw the final draft of the manga based on the revised storyboard.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to edit things out, even things that you thought were your favorite parts. Often the final form of a manga is quite different than the initial idea, but save those thoughts for the next issue.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chica gato manga image by Beatriz Matarredona from Fotolia.com
