s m a l l s c r e e n s

Gordon White July 30th, 2008

This post came about largely because of a really great interview with Alan Moore that I saw on Neil Gaiman’s blog.

One of the great things about the post-Long Tail world is that niche stories can find niche audiences. Throw in some print on demand, self promotion through social media and you have some pretty good conditions for a renaissance in independent publishing.

And that brings me to graphic novels. I love them for two reasons.

1. I am a great big nerd
2. It’s the best part of writing combined with the best part of directing!

So here are five tips/products that, should your appetite be suitable whetted, will steer you in the right direction. Note that I am avoiding all reference to Scott McCloud and other ‘classics’ in this field. (But if you haven’t heard of him then he’s worth a look.)

1. Interview with Alan Moore

This is absolutely worth a read even if your interests never run to graphic novels. He is an amazing writer and there are wisdom gems all over the place in this piece.

For extra credit, read all Alan Moore’s comics/graphic novels. Especially Watchmen. Especially before the movie comes out.

2. Celtx

Yes, yes. I know. Why don’t I just marry Celtx? But it’s so coooool. And the latest version has a graphic novel script template. Which is important.

Also, here’s something handy that I picked up/stole from a Neil Gaiman interview: Take six sheets of paper, fold them in half, staple them and BAM! You have a template for an individual comic. This really helps, even if you are like me and draw as if somebody just smashed all your fingers with a mallet.

3. Writers on Comics Scriptwriting

I know it sounds like there is a typo in the title of this book, but there isn’t and you should read it. And stop being so picky.

You’re probably the same but I secretly love reading interviews with other writers. It makes me feel less crazy when I find out that other writers have to do really weird shit like pee in every corner of their study before they start writing for the day.

Not that anyone in this book admits to being that weird. It’s just really helpful, interesting advice. The book (one of a series) is worth the price just for the myriad stories of how people ended up in comics or graphic novels. For some it was a lay over on the way to novel-town, for others it was an escape from screenwriting. (I totally hear that!)

4. Absolute Sandman

I know that the afore-mentioned Watchmen is supposed to be the pinnacle of ‘comics as art’ but I just can’t go past Sandman. The crazy bastard re-wrote A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a comic! That’s talent.

And Absolute Sandman is the way to read it. Full colour and all.

The best bit about it, for the purposes of this list, anyway, is the additional material. In this case it includes Neil’s original character concepts, pitch documents and some scripts. It’s a goldmine of information. Buy it or I’ll kill you.

5. Comixtalk

Great website. Mostly about webcomics -or at least that’s how it started- but it has really informative articles and also means you can stay up to date with what’s fun, funny and new in online comics.

Note that this really comes in handy when you’re looking for a little light relief at the office.

See… even now when I went there to get the URL for the link, I found this article about publishing your graphic novel. I’m so reading that once this blog post is done. Looks awesome.

Further Information

Looking back over these tips, I have to say, they are surprisingly comprehensive. If you do/read/get all these things, then you can consider yourself an undergraduate and will be able to hold your own in arguments wherever nerds gather. You will also be well-oriented in a revitalised writing market you may not have really considered before.

With that in mind, hit me up if you liked what you read… Because we could expand this into a wider series.

Until next time!

(Phew, a whole post on comics and I managed to say nothing about Batman: The Dark Knight. Awesome.)

Tags: creating graphic novels, graphic novels, webcomics, writing

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