Comic Strip Assignment

Comic Strip Project
Grade 8

Objective

Students will write a fictional story creating a conflict and resolution, applying sequential writing, using action verbs, and descriptive language, in a comic strip format with original artwork.

Directions

10 frame minimum.

Step 1: Decide what your story will be about.

What’s your big idea or theme? Think about how long your comic will be and the style that fits into your theme. For example, superhero comics often use colourful, flashy art; funny comics use simple black and white line art and exaggerated expressions.

Step 2: Create an outline and a character web for your main character.

How many characters will you need? What will happen to them? What’s your setting? Start thinking about how each event will be developed in one or more frames.

Step 3: Experiment with drawing your characters.

What should your characters look like? Draw rough sketches of your character in different situations and with different expressions.

Step 4: Create a first draft layout showing every frame with rough sketches and speech bubbles.

Not all frames have to be the same size or shape. Small frames can help you create a faster pace while larger frames emphasize important scenes. You will be showing your rough draft to peers for feedback and editing. 

  

Step 5: Create a final draft.

In each panel, word balloons should be read from left to right, top to bottom, like a regular story. Write the dialogue first and then draw the balloon to fit the words. Don't try to make the words fit into a balloon that's too big or too small.

Step 6: Print your dialogue neatly in your speech bubbles.

Now you're ready to draw your characters and setting around the balloons. Use pencil or ink. Using dark lines or shapes can make your comic more moody. Action lines can add excitement and tension. You may want to add colour.