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 * Comic Strip Assignment: Exploring Important Teen Issues Today (25 pts.) **

**- Length: 4-6 frames**
=== Now that you’ve learned about how comic strips can be used to explore narratives, you’re ready to try creating one of your own. You don’t have to be a great artist – but you do have to pay attention to all the elements of graphic narratives to create a successful strip. ===

=== __Choosing a story__: Use the "Think Sheet" to come up with a topic and situation for your comic strip. It should be an issue facing teens today, and it may focus on your own life or the lives of teens generally. Your final frame must use HUMOR or IRONY. ===

=== __Planning the frames__: Decide how to break the story down into “beats” or moments, taking the reader through the exposition (setting in time and place, establishment of main characters), a bit of rising action, the climactic or pivotal moment, and a resolution. The mini-story needs a clear narrative arc. You may use between 4-6 frames to tell the story, arranged on one page. Think about the size of each frame as well – will each be the same size, in one or two panels across the page? Or will you use the page more creatively? Be sure your reader will be able to follow the story in the correct order. ===

=== __Drawing the frames__: Don’t make each frame too “busy.” Focus on just the key elements in the story, and use an item at the side or in the background to establish setting. For example, a tree to show outside or a small table and lamp to show inside. The most important part of each frame is the people, obviously. Work to draw the correct looks on faces or bodily stances that establish the correct tone and attitude. Remember that cartoonists exaggerate features in order to do this. Study cartoons you know or //Persepolis// to get ideas for how to create your frames. ===