Writing graphic novels and superman movies

Here's page 33 of Tomb of the Undead. Finally starting to near the end of the first act, which is crazy. Getting into the second act is when things really get rolling after being set up.


Here's the link to page 33 of "Who says you're going alone?" to check out. The next scene is called "Sent from Marseilles" which will introduce a few more characters, and this will finally get us ready for the second act when people get rolling into the plot.

Most of the first act is set up, and it's good to get the characters and circumstances all wound up. It's going to be very nice to set them down into the terrarium of the second act and watch them acting out the story.

What other graphic novel news have we got?

David Goyer's Graphic Novel Intro Hints at His Take on 'Superman'
Mike McLaughlin
Get the big picture.net

Right now, there really isn't another high profile picture being shrouded in as much secrecy as Zack Snyder's upcoming Superman film (well, besides anything J.J. Abrams works on, that is). Even Christopher Nolan is giving a little dish on his next Batman picture. But all we've gotten out of Snyder and screenwriter David Goyer is a few cryptic tidbits about Clark Kent's internal struggle on whether or not to become Superman.

Goyer says:

As I write this, I am midway through my first draft of a new Superman screenplay. It’s a task that has stymied many talented filmmakers in the years since Donner’s film. And for all I know, it will end up stymying me as well.

But I’ve got one advantage that the screenwriters who came before me didn’t have—and that’s access to all the wonderful Superman stories written by Geoff Johns—first and foremost being the SECRET ORIGIN issues reprinted in the very volume you are now holding."

If Goyer can really get this character depth across on the page, combined with Snyder's knack for incredible visuals on the screen, we might just have ourselves a potent little Superman movie.

Click to read more.

Graphic Novel Clue to Superman Reboot?
Tom Powers
Cinefantastique online.com

Contributor “superkal” at Comic Book Movie claims to have discovered hints at what may influence screenwriter David S. Goyer’s (BATMAN BEGINS) script for the Superman reboot film.

In the introduction to the Deluxe Edition of the Geoff Johns (SMALLVILLE)-penned Superman: Secret Origin, Goyer wrote the following.

[see the same shit quoted in the earlier post]

Sounds interesting. Whether this indicates yet another reiteration of Superman’s origin story, or simply a similar thematic approach to the character, is as yet unknown.

Click to read more.

Writing Graphic Novels Like a Pro
Iam Jaebi
Suite101.com

Fans of these popular titles understand why. Graphic novels combine sequential art with dialogue and exposition to develop characters and stories across all genres. Just like most movies, comics are a visual form of storytelling developed from scene-based narrative or a script. And while the artwork receives most of the limelight, the most memorable comics are the result of well-written characters and stories.

Follow these steps to bring your Graphic Novel to life:

1. Read other comic scripts. This is the best way to experience the flow and learn industry techniques. A great online resource is the Comic Book Script Archive.

2. Outline Your Story. The process of writing a graphic novel is a lot like writing a standard novel. Before getting started, you want to have a good understanding of whom your characters are, how they relate to one another and the challenges they will face. Start by creating a list for all of your characters and another for the key plot developments. The creative process isn't linear, but beginning with the right elements will allow your story to grow naturally.

3. Draft your story. Unlike a normal novel manuscript that will be read by an editor at some point, the first draft of your graphic novel will typically be for your eyes only. This should empower you to free write your story, letting your imagination soar. Write the entire story this way, start to finish. Your mind will naturally branch into directions you hadn't thought of.
Read on

* The Story of Linda Medley and Castle Waiting: Volumes 1 and 2
* London Book Fair 2010 – Last-Minute Dates and Highlights
* Comic Books, Costumes, and Sci-Fi

4. Script your story. Describe the images you see when reading your story. Unless you are also an artist, your script must tell the story and provide any necessary instructions for the artist. Pages tell each successive part of the story. A page is divided into panels, anywhere from 1 to 8 or more. Typically the fewer the panels the more dramatic or large scale story element. Panel by panel, describe what the reader should see. Beneath each panel description, write character dialogue.

5. Brevity is best. After you've completed an entire draft of the script, put it aside for a little while and come back with a fresh pair of eyes. Cut any repetitive or confusing descriptions. If one panel is very similar to the previous panel, say so. If there are elements that are slightly different between the panels, say that two and write any necessary dialogue that corresponds to the second panel.

6. Find an illustrator. Once your graphic novel masterpiece is written, it's time to hire or partner with an illustrator. If you have a network of creatives at your disposal, ask around there before casting a wider net. When you're ready to put out an ad, be clear and upfront about whether you're looking to hire someone or looking for a partner or if it is a paying job. There are lots of good artists to be found whichever direction you choose so be prepared to look through lots of portfolios. You can begin on Deviantart.com to see types of artwork you like and find illustrators. Craigslist.org is a great resource for this talent pool as well.

Click to read more.

I would recommend finding an illustrator to help with your graphic novel at DeviantArt.com