Graphic Novel – Web Comic Production
This is an interdisciplinary class focusing on graphic novels and storytelling that will incorporate both printmaking and Art and Technology processes. The class will investigate and produce comics, graphic novels and visual narratives exploring various methods to approaching frame-by-frame story telling, in addition to experimental forms inspired by graphic novels. We will explore various modes of historical and contemporary structures of the graphic novel and comics through hands on production and self publishing. We will explore the variety of methodologies to approaching production such as digital imaging, printmaking processes and production of small edition comics and zines.
Course Books
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
Unflattening by Nick Sousanis
Course Objectives
-Conceptualize, research and develop characters for telling a story
-Understand the nature of frame-by-frame storytelling
-Explore ways to think about pushing the boundaries of linear storytelling
-Become familiar with the different depictions of passing time and develop an evolving body of techniques and applications that are integral for storytelling.
-Understand and analyze historical and cultural significance of sequential art forms with a focus on comic and graphic novels
-Develop techniques and finished works of art such as: Graphic Hand-Printed works
machine and hand printed Zines
-Web based presentation of works
-Investigate Fine Artists’ use of the “comic” language or sequential artwork
-Become aware of campus and online resources
Course Inquiries and Otherwise Interesting Investigations
How Do Images Communicate?
-Semiotics, visual cues, signs
-Iconic, symbolic, indexical
What are the types of narrative images?
-Connotative Meaning
-Implied Meaning
How to depict time?
-Linear, Aggregate, Paneled, montage, scene-cut or edit
-sequential action
Space and Setting
-spatiality
-temporality
-Assemblage
How are stories formed?
-Closure
-Frame as time
-Transitions
-Interdependent words and Images
Examples of Perspective and Points of View
-Architectural Framing
-Framing with the Lens
-Framing with duration or the elongated shot (single take)
-The fourth wall
-Language of Cinema (tectonic strategies)
Wordless Comics/ Silent Films
Who is the Narrator?
-form and function of Narrator
Undergraduate Student work examples
Alex Hebberling Garonos web comic
Graduate student work examples
Key words and Concepts
Manga
caracature
Non-linear thinking
Process-driven evolution
Collage, montage, hybrids
anime
Bishoujo/Bishounen
Dojinsh
Ecchi
Face fault
Hentai manga
Manhwa
OEL
Otaku
Steampunk
Critiques:
Class critiques are very important and will be held at the beginning of each class as a weekly review of meeting your specified class goals. You are required to attend critiques even if your work is not complete. Critiques are not for my benefit; instead, they are most likely your best method to learn about artmaking – from your fellow artmakers.
Student is evaluated based on fulfilling the goals of their project proposal and production (70%) and verbal, critical and informed participation in class (30%).
Within the wide realm of “Art and Technology”, the themes and materials you chose to work with in this class are open. Use this as an opportunity to make the work that you are truly excited about. Make the work you may show in your senior exhibition, apply to exhibitions with, apply to graduate school with or show off your amazing creative skills to future employers.
Plan to spend 15 hours of your time per week on this course. About 2 hours of that time will be spent in class, discussing your progress and getting ideas and critiques from peers, the rest of your time will be spent researching/making your project.
This is an independent study course where you will working individually or in a group research and apply your artistic and technical talents to creating new content and works.
Policy on student conduct
Students are expected to abide by the Ohio State University’s Code of Student Conduct. (online: http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp) Any violations will be reported to the Committee on Academic Misconduct.
A few examples of violations you should avoid
* Turning in work as your own that was created in some part by someone else.
* Turning in work that violates copyright law.
* Turning in work for this class that has already been turned in for another class.
* Dishonesty concerning absences.
Disability policy
Any student who feels he/she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me privately, as soon as possible, to discuss specific needs. Students need to also be working with the Office for Disability Services (on campus at 150 Pomerene Hall, ph. 614-292-3307) so that we may coordinate reasonable accommodations.