We've talked many times about story structure and different elements of it. But what about structure that's specific to web comics?
If someone does a “gag” or standalone series of strips, it's one thing - but there are still questions to answer. Like, do you have a character ...
Structural Integrity
Banes at 12:00AM, Sept. 26, 2019Cooperation vs. Competition in Comics
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Aug. 24, 2019
Ozoneocean suggested this topic, and I am intrigued to explore it.
I've made a good few posts about assorted drama in the comic world, especially between different factions and concerning different approaches to the art. Often that is addressed from a strictly ideological point of view. But today I ...
The Weather as Prop
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Aug. 10, 2019
So the weather is very important. We all know that from our real life routine alone.
There is often a tendency, however, not to use it when it comes to the visual narrative that webcomics are. More often than not, the weather is basically perpetually clear. Daylight or moonlight are ...
I Was Wrong
Banes at 12:00AM, Aug. 8, 2019
I Was Wrong - The Character Arc
Last time I was here I talked about “The Old Warrior”. It's one of my favorite character types and story elements.
This time I'm going to go into another trope/theme that almost always works for me: The realization of a character ...
On Time Travel Yarns
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, Aug. 3, 2019
Time travel is a narrative trap. It's quicksand.
It's very alluring to use, being able to put a person from one historical era into another and watch as shenanigans ensue, but very quickly, a writer (and often the audience too) discovers that it quickly unravels, and the story ...
The Old Warrior
Banes at 12:00AM, July 25, 2019
Make it So Again
There are certain story templates that we see played out over and over throughout the years, decades and centuries.
One of my favorites is the one where the Old Warrior or the Old Master is called out of retirement to rejoin the fight for one last ...
When Life Imitates Mythology
kawaiidaigakusei at 12:00AM, June 24, 2019
The Sleeping Satyr, the Barberini Faun
Last night, a distressed friend contacted me after a rather dreadful experience. She had just been on the most awkward dinner date with a man she thought was a gentleman based on his good looks and charm, but he turned out to be the ...
Working with Political Agendas
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, June 15, 2019
Lately more and more comics and animated features seem to consciously, and more importantly loudly, incorporate political messages in their stories. From feminism to social stratification and discrimination, to racism and xenophobia or even depression and psychological trauma.
This is by no means a new thing, to incorporate themes and ...
Timeclocks
Banes at 12:00AM, June 13, 2019
Writing Timeclocks
Timeclocks are one of those elements of fiction that usually shows up in the middle or just before the final act, to give things a little boost in the adrenaline department, and make the drama more urgent. Not only are your characters facing big problems, but suddenly their ...
Betrayal
Tantz_Aerine at 12:00AM, May 18, 2019
This is a topic that Ozoneocean suggested to me and I have to say I'm quite intrigued to tackle it and start a conversation perhaps around the concept as a plot device but also as an issue of the relationship of the creators and the audiences.
Betrayal can be ...