Manga, or comics from Japan has contributed immensely to visual storytelling all over the world. This course focuses on the history and cultural context of manga through assigned readings, lectures, in-class discussions, and both in-class and out-of-class assignments. This class is focused on the history, creative and business ecosystem of manga publishing in Japan, and how manga creators learn their craft, and create stories and characters that keep readers coming back for the latest chapters every week/month.
In addition to weekly exercises / explorations, students will be encouraged to create two short stories this semester: a “doujinshi” or fan/parody comic based on characters and worlds depicted in existing comics/movies/TV series and an original comics short story that can be entered in either the VIZ Originals One-Shot contest or the Silent Manga Audition Competition, sponsored by Coamix.
In addition to weekly exercises / explorations, students will be encouraged to create two short stories this semester: a “doujinshi” or fan/parody comic based on characters and worlds depicted in existing comics/movies/TV series and an original comics short story that can be entered in either the VIZ Originals One-Shot contest or the Silent Manga Audition Competition, sponsored by Coamix.
- Instructor: Debora Aoki
- Instructor: Melanie Gillman
Students will strengthen their long-form story-telling and demonstrate understanding and mastery through responses to readings, online discussion/feedback, and the creation of original work through writing exercises and guided cartooning assignments. Students will analyze and handle storytelling elements such as narrative structure, character arc, pacing, and place-making, and the effect of page design on the narrative. Students will produce a well-considered outline of their thesis project and complete two scenes with feedback and revision. This class will workshop assignments through Mural comments. We will have optional office hours and synchronous classes available upon request. All classes will be recorded and posted.
- Instructor: Thi Bui
- Instructor: Andrew Warner