CHAMPION CITY COMICS WRITERS ACADEMY: GOALS

Courtesy Blake Snyder

Welcome back to the Champion City Comics Writers Academy. The purpose of these articles is to aid novice comic book writers. I've learned from my mistakes and I am here to provide some useful tips for your comic book script.

I've already discussed not getting married to your script and having a boring story. Yesterday, I told you that it was OK to have stories that feature superheroes, vampires, and zombies. Today, I want to talk more about your story. Your story needs a goal for the main character. This may sound easy, but you really need to get this right or your story is an EPIC FAIL.

When scripts are submitted to me for review by up and coming writers, I do see some rookie mistakes. A major problem for some writers is that they have not developed a goal for their main character. If you are developing a superhero tale, a sci-fi story, a criminal tale, a fantasy story, or even a horror story, then set a goal for your main character. Most importantly, the goal has to be something that will get readers to turn the pages of your comic book. The goal has to be a major accomplishment.

For example, having Batman race back to the Batcave to turn off the coffee maker before it sets off the smoke alarm is not a page turning goal. Batman racing to an orphanage to diffuse a gigantic bomb planted by The Joker is a great page turning goal. Now add some obstacles for Batman. The orphanage has been sealed by The Joker, making it impossible for anyone to escape. Maybe have The Joker create some flying teddy bears with bombs strapped to them to blow up the Batmobile or the Batwing to stop Batman from getting to the orphanage on time. Batman has a goal and there are obstacles from having him achieve his goal. Perfect.

Readers want their heroes to win in the end by achieving their goal. Placing major obstacles in the way of that goal makes things more interesting for your story. Good luck!

Tomorrow I will discuss the slice of life script.

TonyDoug Wright is the owner and editor of Champion City Comics. His webcomics include Dr Death vs The Zombie, The End of Paradise, The Red Devil, and Day 165.

CHAMPION CITY COMICS WRITERS ACADEMY: YOUR STORY IS BORING AS HELL

The Champion City Comics Writers Academy is a daily column where I provide some advice for rookie comic book writers.I'm writing these columns for the writers who have no artistic abilities and do not have the cash to hire great artists. Yesterday, I wrote about not getting married to your script.Today we need to talk about the fact that your story is boring as hell.

A majority of scripts sent to me by aspiring comic book writers are boring as hell and that is very disappointing. I've been guilty of committing the same crime and have learned from my mistakes. I want you to know that when it comes to pitching a comic book to an artist, and eventually to a publisher, then you better bring some action or major conflict to the table.

When you develop a script for a comic book or webcomic, be sure to have a good balance of plot development and action. If your story doesn't require action then conflict is something that will keep the reader interested. You must grab the attention of the reader or else you might lose them quickly. I'll use my comic book Day 165 as an example and it is posted below.    


WARNING: DAY 165 CONTAINS ADULT LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE.

DAY 165 - ISSUE 1 (Adult Language) by tonydoug25

Day 165 was developed as a war story that included some supernatural elements of The Twilight Zone. Some readers like war stories and others enjoy tales of the supernatural. By combining the two, I believed we had something fun and interesting. I wanted to grab the attention of the reader quickly and had our main character, Pvt. Chris Richland, ambushed on the second page. From there I keep the pace moving by developing story and including enough action to keep the interest of the reader. The action and the plot were linked together, which is important. Also, there were moments of conflict between Richland and the medic.

One thing that all aspiring comic book writers should understand is that action scenes need to move the story along and be part of the overall plot. Never create an unnecessary action scene that doesn't develop the character, introduce another character, or have something to do with the overall plot of the story. I have plenty of pet peeves about action scenes that will be for another article.

Tomorrow's Post: Superheroes, Vampires, and Zombies are OK. 

TonyDoug Wright is the owner and editor of Champion City Comics. His webcomics include Dr Death vs The Zombie, The End of Paradise, The Red Devil, and Day 165.

COMICS FROM THE EDGE #115

COMIC BY BOB TOBEN