Making Comic Books

After discussing the art of Roy Lichtenstein, have students create their own comic books (Postmodern artist Kerry James Marshall also creates contemporary comics).

Discuss the elements of a good story (i.e. exposition, conflict, climax, resolution, etc.). Have them first create their characters and plan out their storyline and settings. Many students will want to create superheroes. Encourage them to be creative with what kind of powers they have and who the villain is. Have examples of graphic novels and comics for students to look at to gather design / layout ideas.

Be sure to give them include captions and ‘speech bubbles’. It might be a good idea to have the older students read their comics to younger students.