A lot goes into making comics. First, there’s coming up with an idea, then writing it, and then drawing it. That’s a lot of work and it can understandably feel like a daunting task to undertake for some beginners. To those out there itching to make their own comics, but too intimidated to put pen to paper, here are some of the methods I’ve practiced throughout the years that have helped me. Hopefully, they can help you too!
Pirates on the Horizon
The Origins of Milton Caniff and Terry and the Pirates
In October of 1941, the public mourned the loss of a young woman named Raven Sherman. Raven was a wealthy socialite who had given up high society to make a difference in the world. She worked in China providing medicine and shelter to those displaced by the Japanese invasion. Tragically, in an attempt to stop a group of hijackers from stealing medical supplies, she was shoved out of a speeding truck in the isolated mountains of China and suffered severe head trauma and massive internal injuries.
Amiculus: A Secret History
Amiculus: A Secret History is the work of writer/ creator Travis Horseman and artist Giancarlo Caracuzzo. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the book was first published in 2014. Described by Horseman as a “lost history of the fall of Rome… from the point of view of Rome’s last emperor, a twelve year old boy named Romulus.” and “[A] mosaic of conspiracy within conspiracy. Bloodshed and betrayal. Tragedy and Loss.” Continue reading “Amiculus: A Secret History”
Spotlight on All-Ages Creator: Lee Smith
Lee Smith’s work is not only entertaining, but also educational. As a teacher, he knew comics would be a great vehicle to help his students get excited about Ohio history. After Lee was unable to find anything being currently produced, he decided to create his own series called Ohio Chronicles. Each 16 page comic highlights true stories of Ohio history and many come paired with Teacher’s Editions so educators can include his comics in their courses. Continue reading “Spotlight on All-Ages Creator: Lee Smith”
10 Questions with Bob Corby
Bob Corby has been publishing fine small press comics under the company name Back Porch Comics since 1986. In 1988, he started OH, Comics, an anthology supporting the work of comic creators throughout the Midwest. In 2000, Bob started the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo or S.P.A.C.E. which will be holding its 20th show this year at the Northland Performing Arts Center on April 27th and 28th. Admission is free and will be attended by comic creators throughout the country. Continue reading “10 Questions with Bob Corby”
How to Write a Comic Script
Comics are often a collaborative effort with a team of people. You don’t have to look far to find disagreements over the importance of each role for a book, and writers are no different. However, writers including the late Stan Lee, Alan Moore, Mark Millar, and Neil Gaiman have proved that strong storytelling is a vital piece of the puzzle. Continue reading “How to Write a Comic Script”
Dinosaur Arsonist
Dinosaur Arsonist is a clever potentially one-off comic (the backcover promises a return in First Dinosaur on the Moon) written by James Moore with art by Talcott Starr. Through the course of 19 pages we learn the history of a Coelophysis punished by his pack for some unspecified crime, cursed to keep guard over the land should his bones ever be disturbed. Awakened by oil drilling in present day, he quickly absorbs all the knowledge of the past eon for which he has laid buried. He then, reluctantly at first but eventually with great passion, begins setting about his duty to lay waste to those that disturbed his land the only way he knows how: with a flamethrower.
Boogeymen
A brief history of the anti-comics movement and the birth of the Comics Code
In the quiet neighborhoods of Binghamton, New York, masses gather behind St. Patrick’s Parochial School around a roaring fire as parents and their children toss armfuls of comic books into the blaze amongst onlookers who watch with glee. It’s December 10, 1948, three years after World War II and comics are under attack. The rally in Binghamton would spark similar fires around the country as crusaders for children’s morality waged war against America’s newest medium. Continue reading “Boogeymen”
Spotlight on All-Ages Creator: Joel Cramer
Honzy and Joel are the lead investigators of the Kragon Detective Agency. Joel’s martial arts and keen wits have often saved the day while Honzy, his pint-size dragon partner, has the ability to breath fire. They are joined by Kara, an ex-police officer, who joined the Kragon Detective Agency after falling in love with Joel. Claw, an alien of great strength, and Copper, Joel’s pilot roommate, round out the group of heroes. Continue reading “Spotlight on All-Ages Creator: Joel Cramer”
What are Autobio Comics?
You may be asking, “what is an autobio comic?” Let’s break it down to it’s components. First, autobiography, which is an account of a person’s life written by that person. Next, comic, which is a medium used to express ideas through images, as well as the reason we are all here at the Columbus Scribbler. So putting it together, an autobiography comic, or autobio comic for short, is a comic about one’s own life. Continue reading “What are Autobio Comics?”