For those of you who are writers, how do you go about it? Do you write in playscript format or in regular story format? I'd like to know, since I'm starting work on writing up the base for a comic.

tl;dr: So, how do you guys write your comics?

I usually find script works better (though I never bother with the stage directions), because otherwise you later have to cut a lot of prose... and that's a bit of a time waster both while you're writing it originally, and cutting it later. It's also fairly frustrating, as some really good lines and writing all end up on the cutting room floor, never to be seen by anyone at all. :P For this reason, it's probably best to stick to script, if you can.

Usually, I just write the initial of whoever it is speaking in the margin, and then dialogue... and narration gets no margin header. The rest I just keep in my head. :)

While writing the dialogue script. Also write down any significant character actions, or any screenplays or panels you want to try. So you don't forget by the time you get there in drawing.

Unless you have a co-artist, it's not important to stick to strict script format.

I write in play script format.

I used to do it in regular story but I had problems sorting out how much stuff would go on 1 page.

Also its much easier to correct mistakes or add or subtract stuff and notes.

Especially for fight scenes, it has to be consistent on which arm would throw the punch, or what part of the body gets wounded.

Well, my thing is: I'm not going to be the one doing the art.

It's considering this fact that I asked, considering that the benefit of prose is being able to capture more of the action and actually tell what the facial expression is supposed to be, though it's true that script format saves a load of time.

I use a screenplay format. I also write extensive notes on everything.

I do a lot of research as well.

Then it probably depends on the needs of your artist. He or she is going to be translating your directions into visual language. Is this a seasoned artist with cartooning/comic book experience? It pretty much depends on how much of your mental image you want the artist to include in the finished work.

Here's an ultra simple scenario for a four panel page:

There's a hairless human head suspended in a fairly spacious tube of translucent liquid. The head can and does talk and can generate expressions. It's a he, about middle twenties, racial features don't matter. On the first page there is a bit of dialog between the gently tumbling head and someone off camera or off stage.

1] Off Camera: "Wake up biped!"


2] The Head: "Huh?! What?"


3] Off Camera: "Although, now that I come to think of it . . . "

The Head: "Arrrrrrrgh! What happened to me?!"


4] Off Camera: " . . . strictly speaking, you're not exactly a biped anymore, are
you? Sentient, but do I feel silly now!"

The Head: "Arrrrrrrrgh!"


====================================
So what will the artist do with that much information? Will we see bubbles in the tube? What color will the liquid be? Will we see the outline of the tube itself? Will there be any background scenery at all? What about the head's expressions? Will they agree with your visual image of each panel?

Probably you and the artist are going to have to hammer out the communications process somewhat by trial and error. On the other hand, there is always telephone, email, and so forth.

Dirk Zephyrs
For those of you who are writers, how do you go about it? Do you write in playscript format or in regular story format? I'd like to know, since I'm starting work on writing up the base for a comic.

tl;dr: So, how do you guys write your comics?

I get a blank sheet of paper. I write a short outline. Very general.

I get 8 comic page sized ratio boxes on a pice of letter size paper. I draw thumbnails in those boxes.

I then blow the thumbnails up. Trace them onto illo board. Draw them out really nicely. Ink. Color. Then I script.

I draw comics the Marvel Way.

:P

I just think of what I want the charectors to do in the comic, add the sprites, and add script that makes it moderately funny, or serious, depending on whats happening.

I do it sorta-script form. Goes something like this:

Someone
"Here, have a witty reply"

And so on and so forth. Since I do both the script and the art for my comic, I can skimp out on details that I keep in my head, and the script is always subject to change - right up until the point where I post the page.

Hm. I usually go with a weird demiscript format. My usual method is:
-Page 1
Panel 1: (Eagle's-eye shot of Saito and Kenshin facing off)
Panel 2: (Close-up on Saito)
Saito: What's wrong? Will you just stand there, and let the girl be caught in the Gatotsu?
Panel 3: (Close-up on Kenshin, looking stoic)
Panel 4: (Kenshin begins to step forward)
Panel 5: (Inset- Kaoru grabs Kenshin's shirt and tries to stop him)

(That was taken from Volume 7 of Nobuhiro Watsuki's wonderful Rurouni Kenshin, btw)
Basically, my method is to do page-by-page, then break it down into individual panels- I describe what happens in the panels, and then insert the relevant dialogue under it, and move onto the next. Usually I'm fairly concise with my descriptions, but sometimes I have just the right shot in mind or something and will include more verbose analysis of it. This works well for me, because I do art and writing myself, and I can usually remember what I waned to depict, but unless you describe things in detail, I can't imagine it working as well if the writer isn't the one drawing.

The comic i am currently working on depends more heavily on actions and not vocals so i do it more as a story.

Im also opting not to put the comic i am working on up here... because the weight of deadlines is to heavy for me... im just drawing each page as i want.