Generally I'm not one for the traditional full script method of comic writing, not that there's anything wrong with it. I've used it from time to time when it felt like the right approach for that particular project. My 1994 Fred Fortune strip 'Daze', for example, was indeed fully scripted before I even started to draw the first episode. I think for that one I needed that kind of fully thought out and planned script because it was Fred's longest story at the time and needed that kind of structure for me to have the nerve to push forward and improve my storytelling. When I started on Fred, however, there was never any 'script', I had an idea and sketched a very rough page to see how it would play out, changing bits here and there when needed. This was the best way, for me (and Fred) at the time, especially given the early Fred's nine panel grid layout, as I could get it done so much faster than typing out lengthy descriptions for each panel. Also I think this method helps to keep the finished story looking fresh as a lot of elements within each panel were done on the spur of the moment as I was penciling the work. Here's one of my rough 'scripts' from that era...
Most of the time I have a story idea running round my head for a while before I put pen to paper so I have a clear idea of the plot and where the story is going to go when I start to write. With the current Fred mega epic, the tentatively titled 'The Really Groovy Story', there's no visual element to the script, either written or sketched, at all. I'm just writing the dialogue interspersed with stuff like 'big car chase for three or four pages'. Then I work out the visual part (page layout, 'camera' angles etc)later on as I'm drawing it. It's a great way to focus on the characters themselves and let them tell the story. For me, this approach feels very authentic as if Fred and his crew are writing it themselves and once I've got the momentum going it's quite a fast process.
Once finished, in 'Groovy's case after I've done each episode, I'll leave the writing side for a bit and do something else (mostly drawing, inking lettering a different story) then come back to it with fresh eyes some time later. Then I might make a few changes here and there, such as rework some dialogue that doesn't feel right or change the order of some sequences or cut them out entirely. You have to be ruthless here... if it's not working for that particular story, get rid of it. After all, if it's a strong enough idea, you can use it in a story where it works well later on. My creative process changes a lot and no doubt the next story I work on will demand to be written a different way again.
I guess what I'm saying is that if you're going to write a comic there is no right or wrong way to do it... as long as the end result tells the story you wanted to tell. Write a full script if that's right for you and your project... if not, develop your own approach. Are their any comic creators out there who use their own approach to writing? If so,how does it differ from the accepted norm? Or do you prefer to write full script? If so, why?
Incidentally, you'll be able to read 'Demon Fridge From Hell' in Fred Fortune:Gold #5, 'Daze' in Fred Fortune:Gold #6 and 'The Really Groovy Story' begins it's run in The Incredibly Stupid Misadventures of Fred Fortune and his Chums!! #7... They'll be on sale as soon as they're ready... Watch this space for up coming info.
Here's the cover of Fred Fortune: Gold #5 to wet your appetite...
Once finished, in 'Groovy's case after I've done each episode, I'll leave the writing side for a bit and do something else (mostly drawing, inking lettering a different story) then come back to it with fresh eyes some time later. Then I might make a few changes here and there, such as rework some dialogue that doesn't feel right or change the order of some sequences or cut them out entirely. You have to be ruthless here... if it's not working for that particular story, get rid of it. After all, if it's a strong enough idea, you can use it in a story where it works well later on. My creative process changes a lot and no doubt the next story I work on will demand to be written a different way again.
I guess what I'm saying is that if you're going to write a comic there is no right or wrong way to do it... as long as the end result tells the story you wanted to tell. Write a full script if that's right for you and your project... if not, develop your own approach. Are their any comic creators out there who use their own approach to writing? If so,how does it differ from the accepted norm? Or do you prefer to write full script? If so, why?
Incidentally, you'll be able to read 'Demon Fridge From Hell' in Fred Fortune:Gold #5, 'Daze' in Fred Fortune:Gold #6 and 'The Really Groovy Story' begins it's run in The Incredibly Stupid Misadventures of Fred Fortune and his Chums!! #7... They'll be on sale as soon as they're ready... Watch this space for up coming info.
Here's the cover of Fred Fortune: Gold #5 to wet your appetite...
