Anatomy of a Comic - Part Two

Continuing my overview of creating a GMod Comic, I will go over the steps to writing out an episode.

There are a few ways to go about this. But first, you might want to finalize you comic layout and panel counts. For these examples I will be using the Opti-Pessi eight panel layout.


The first is to simply sit at your computer(or grab a pen and paper), and write it. This example will be from the first four panels of the first episode of Opti-Pessi.

1) *wide shot of train station*
2) *opti and pessi sitting at table*
Opti- Can you believe it Pessi, we're back...
Pessi- *mumble*
Opti- And what a wonderful place too...
3) Pessi- Alright look! It's bad enough of I have to see that stupid grin of yours...
4) Pessi- If you're going to be following me around for the rest of my life...

The second method is to use a template, I like this method best. I tend to use these while at work. I made up a little sheet in Excel, made some copies(with the copier at work to save on my ink and paper), and while bored at work I brain storm. Below is an example of this method, while brainstorming I use quick sentences with basic information. The holes are filled in my head and everything is fleshed out when typed onto the computer.



The next method for writing is very similar to the above method, only different. In this form, you draw the comic. Below you can see the creation of Episode 13. This method only really works in cases of heavy action or specific angles desired. And is very helpful for pre-posing ideas.



The fourth writing method is to not write at all. I have done this a few times. It's a case of you load up GMod, you pick a map, you spawn your characters, you pose. As you go about this you think of what you what to happen, so you know how to pose. Sometimes you give yourself extra panels to play with, allowing for any idea changes in the script that you write during the editing process.

Those are the four methods I use to write both Opti-Pessi and BLU. There are other ways to formulate your ideas into a comic. And with time you will discover what works best for you.

Stay tuned for more later this week.