Comic Scripting

[Manic]

I'm thinking about writing comic books. As they say, practice makes yadda yadda. Anyway, I was thinking the best way to see if my writing is interpretable by artists was to put some of my more fan fiction-esque scripts online. There's only one problem: I'm not sure how to write a comic book script.

I know there's no set way to format a comic script (as opposed to a movie script, which is so strict, they have set margins), but I don't know exactly where to begin. Does anybody have any advice, or know any online resources that can help me out?

 

[PhotoJones]

Give up before you start. You're not good enough to succeed.

 

[bloodrush]

google it lol but honestly that prob your best bet

 

[The Question]

There's no real set format. It kind of depends on your style and your relationship with the artist. You could go full on megalomaniacle like Alan Moore does, explaining every aspect of every single panel and the layout of the whole damn thing in excruciating detail. Or, you could just write it like a movie script and let the artist figure out the panel layouts and all the little details himself. Really, a good place to start with all of this is Peter David's book "Writing for Comics with Peter David."

 

[Manic]

Give up before you start. You're not good enough to succeed.

You sound just like my high school guidance counselor.

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

There's no real set format. It kind of depends on your style and your relationship with the artist. You could go full on megalomaniacle like Alan Moore does, explaining every aspect of every single panel and the layout of the whole damn thing in excruciating detail. Or, you could just write it like a movie script and let the artist figure out the panel layouts and all the little details himself. Really, a good place to start with all of this is Peter David's book "Writing for Comics with Peter David."

If there is a local Barnes & Nobles near you or Boarders go check them out. I know they have books that tell you how to write comic book scripts.

 

[Archon Comics]

Here is a list of books that will help: Click here.

It's okay to use screenplay format or prose. Some artist like freedom, so will prefer lose, prose script, while others need a full script to work from.

From my experience, the prose format is faster.

 

[Manic]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Including you, user who seemingly registered to just answer my question.

 

[Mladen]

The only way to get noticed as a comic-book writer is to have already demonstrated that your work has marketability. Very few comic-book publishers accept unsolicited scripts (unlike artwork), so your best bet is to find an artist, put together a project with them, COMPLETE IT, and then get it published. That or get some novels published.

The script itself is an object which has to play to the strengths of the artist. Some artists respond well to very loose scripts since they have a good eye for layouts and bring a strong sense of visual control to the collaboration. Other artists lack the ability to improvise effective sequences, so a good writer will be more specific. Other times if you know the artist isn't so good at drawing something like, crowd scenes, you'll write in less of that.

First step is find an artist. There's no 'official' script format since each artist requires different things. usually you'll break things down by page, and then describe each panel and the dialogue. As long as its legible, its a comicbook script.

If you REALLY want a book on the subject, check out 'Writers on Comics Scriptwriting', its got interviews and script excerpts with Grant Morrison, Neil Gaiman, Todd McFarlane, Kurt Busiek, Garth Ennis, Mark Waid, Warren Ellis, Chuck Dixon, Jeph Loeb, Devin Grayson, Frank Miller. its a who's who of comic scripters, and they let you in on their scripting process. Recommended if you're looking to get into the business.

 

[sandwraith]

Interestingly enough, Mark Waid, Gail Simone and Kurt Busiek are coming down to my country (Singapore) for a Graphic Novel seminar or something in December. These happens like, once in forever where I'm from while in the States you have Writers' Workshops where established writers take time to give aspiring writers some helpful tips and pointers. I'm probably going to be attending the Seminar but I'm not really sure what I should do. Do I bring some of my short stories and prepare a verbal pitch? Or should I just shut up and listen? Also would it be prudent of me to get Waid to sign my Brave and the Bold #1?

I agree with the Novels approach, very easily gets your foot in the door.

 

[Anubis]

The easiest way to get into comics as a writer, is to be famous for doing something else. Wanna write for Marvel? Become a writer for a hit t.v. show, or start a band and win a Grammy, or I don't know, get caught up in some celebrity sex scandal.

 

[Archon Comics]

I'm not sure Mr. Waid, Busiek and Gail Simone are there to accept writing pitches. I wouldn't get your hopes up, but I guess it never hurts to be prepared. I can't speak for them, but I've seen them sign at many events. It wouldn't surprise me if they did a signing.

MLaden is right, it's very hard as a writer to get noticed if you don't have a good artist attached.

Unfortunately, that means you either have to pay some good cash up front and hire and artist to pencil your script (don't forget that work-for-hire contract) or get them to agree to accept back-end pay. If you don't have any money and no one wants to work for back-end, you can also share the ownership of the property -- which means you split all money earned 50% -- as you both own the title equally.

Then there's the colorist, inker and letterer to consider. It will be very hard to get all of them to accept back-end pay. Luckily, not all publishers require a colors in submissions,and depending on your penciler, you may not need to hire an inker.

 

[Manic]

The easiest way to get into comics as a writer, is to be famous for doing something else. Wanna write for Marvel? Become a writer for a hit t.v. show, or start a band and win a Grammy, or I don't know, get caught up in some celebrity sex scandal.

Or I could do like Winick, and just star in a season of MTV's Real World.

Unfortunately, that means you either have to pay some good cash up front and hire and artist to pencil your script (don't forget that work-for-hire contract) or get them to agree to accept back-end pay. If you don't have any money and no one wants to work for back-end, you can also share the ownership of the property -- which means you split all money earned 50% -- as you both own the title equally.

Then there's the colorist, inker and letterer to consider. It will be very hard to get all of them to accept back-end pay. Luckily, not all publishers require a colors in submissions,and depending on your penciler, you may not need to hire an inker.

No one wants back end. I'm not an artist, but even I'm not that crazy.

I did once read this thing by Brian K. Vaughan about how he used to take photos in lieu of finding an artist.

 

[Steve Rogers]

Give up before you start. You're not good enough to succeed.

God damn, dude. Were you having a bad day or something?

 

[sandwraith]

God damn, dude. Were you having a bad day or something?

Thats just PJ2, King of the put downs. If the Hype had a 4 Horsemen Stable, photojones2 would be a shoo-in for the coveted role of Arn Anderson.

 

[Steve Rogers]

Thats just PJ2, King of the put downs. If the Hype had a 4 Horsemen Stable, photojones2 would be a shoo-in for the coveted role of Arn Anderson.

Good point. Photojones2, you're a cool guy, but yeah, a bit of an @$%&*! too.

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

The easiest way to get into comics as a writer, is to be famous for doing something else. Wanna write for Marvel? Become a writer for a hit t.v. show, or start a band and win a Grammy, or I don't know, get caught up in some celebrity sex scandal.

Anyone see that Kim Karadshin sex video tape?

 

[DBM]

know any online resources that can help me out?

http://comicbookscripts.googlepages.com/

Anyone see that Kim Karadshin sex video tape?

Yes. And considering how hot she is, I was thoroughly disappointed in the lack of booty coverage it had.

 

[Anubis]

Anyone see that Kim Karadshin sex video tape?

Yeah, I own a copy. Who knew Brandy's little bro had such a huge [blackout]Shut your mouth![/blackout]

 

[BAH HUMBBUG!]

http://comicbookscripts.googlepages.com/



Yes. And considering how hot she is, I was thoroughly disappointed in the lack of booty coverage it had.

I was completely dissapointed. she looks a lot better with her clothes on.

 

[Dew k. Mosi]

There's no real set format. It kind of depends on your style and your relationship with the artist. You could go full on megalomaniacle like Alan Moore does, explaining every aspect of every single panel and the layout of the whole damn thing in excruciating detail. Or, you could just write it like a movie script and let the artist figure out the panel layouts and all the little details himself. Really, a good place to start with all of this is Peter David's book "Writing for Comics with Peter David."

The best book I have read about comic scripting