Well, the first session of 'How to Draw Superheroes (& Villains)!' Module 1 got off to a great start. A hearty heroes welcome to students - and potential comic artists/concept designers - Jack, Finn, K.C., Toby, Zack and James.
In my efforts to create a veritable Batcave of a classroom with hero sketches, character designs, a selection art books on Jack Kirby, Marvel and DC Comics, graphic novels and comic books - in the brightly lit classroom it probably came off more as The Fortress of Solitude.
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The classes first communal creation - 'THE SPIKED AVENGER' |
Nonetheless, the room was a hive of creativity as the class and I created a couple of heroic characters of our own. First up was the almost untouchable nemesis known as 'THE SPIKED AVENGER' followed by the dynamic and mysterious 'BLIND NINJA'!
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The dynamic and mysterious 'BLIND NINJA' |
Once we'd warmed up on the first two characters - and after a brief refreshment break - the students were straight into the nuts and bolts of the class - designing their own heroes!
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Zack Evans creating his latest superhero |
In this first wave of new super heroes - the students are using exciting costume design styles, with an additional influence of manga and popular themes such as military weaponry and attire.
NEXT WEEK - Design SUPERVILLAINS & VILLAINESSES!!
...and last but not least...
The first installment of the 'Bite-Size History of Comics!'
With the first installment spanning 40,000 years or so, and then every decade - it goes without saying that it's going to be exceptionally concise.
I'll be covering a handful of key developments in each period, from the the 1940s Golden Age of Comics onwards. While it's unavoidable that a tremendous amount of information will be left out, I can certainly revisit the period in question and add additional pages as time permits.
In the event that any student has a particular query or question regarding comic history, they can ask me in class or via email or - dare I say - 'google it'.
And thanks James for your question - 'Who came first - The Atom or the Ant-Man?' - watch this space.
Next week - the Birth of the Golden Age of Comics!
A big thank you to Simon and Becka at Downham first and foremost
art shop - Framin' Art - for all their help and support!