A really good tutorial to drawing comics is by Comic Book Illustrator Scott McDaniel. Once you are at his site, click on Drawing Comics along the side bar.
Before drawing, you need to read the script or plot summary and pay close attention to the details around the characters and setting (what types of backgrounds are needed). According to Michael Pellowski (1995), "the first read- through is to visualize the story as you read" (61) As the penciller begins sketching, they need to address certain issues, for example the character's body type, realistic portrayal, the angles that will be used, where to use close-ups and distant shots, and where will the speech balloons will be placed. It is a good idea to use guide sheets, rough sketches of characters from various angles (facial, angle, and action angles), to help keep the image of the character consist throughout the comic book. After any preliminary sketches or guide sheets are made, the penciller will roughly sketch out the main art for the panels and the story. The background sketches are added later as are the finishing details of the images (Pellowski 1995: 62-68).
The penciller can use a couple of techniques to illustrate action and the passage of time. One way is called the breakout panel. "In a breakout panel, the drawing does not stay within the panel borders. Part of the drawing, such as a hand, food, or object, may extend beyond the panel's border, as if breaking out of the panel" (Pellowski 1995:71). The penciller can also use sequence drawing which shows "a series of very small panels with borders or can be a series of combined drawings within one large panel" (ibid., 71).
The letterer begins where the penciller ends. The letterer prints the words into the dialogue balloons. By drawing faint lines first, the letterer makes sure that all the words are the same size and are straight. Usually letters are about 1/4 inch height. (Pellowski 1995: 71).
The inkier draws over the penciller's drawings using ink or markers. By making the images permanent, the pages can be reproduced easily. The inkier will also add depth and any details that were left out by the penciller (Davis). After the ink is dry, the coloring begins. Markers, pencils, watercolors, or pastels are some of the tools used to color the comic book. Just like the inkier, it is important to be careful not to smudge or smear the colors (Pellowski 1995:72-73).
Back to Design Suggestions 1: Writing Comic
Books
Kris McGlaun, Library Media Specialist
Jackson Creek Middle School
Updated: 08-08-03