Character Building

Writer’s Resource: Character Building looks at several character issues when it comes to writing comics. This includes a quick character generation process, how to resolve character vs. plot issues, and even diversity issues. Organizations and how to build them are looked at, as are several issues about diversity and feminism. There are a lot of great ideas on how to use sidekicks and extras for building the plot and theme. For illustrators, there is even a chapter on character design and how to use it to add to the plot and characterization. This also helps world-building as some of the weirder aspects of character design are looked at, such as uniform material and tattoos. Given the visual nature of the medium, these aspects are looked at. Some of the issues dealt with include:
— The Importance of Non-Character Characters
— Avoiding Mary Sues
— Why You Need Extras
— How Not To Refrigerate Women
— Basic Considerations of Costume Design
— The Perennial Debate of A Good Uniform
— Dressing Women is Harder Than It Looks
— Weapon Design 101
This book is great for writers who have hit some of the traditional snags and illustrators looking for interesting new toys to play with. Overall, this should help anyone creating a comic make a much better comic.