COMIC+STRIP+ASSIGNMENT

=**CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC STRIP: Exploring a race-based conflict or misunderstanding as it shows up in the lives of American teenagers**=

**- 25 points**
== 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__: Consider all the presentations you've seen in class to come up with a good topic and situation for your comic strip. It should explore some sort of __race-based conflict or misunderstanding facing Americans teenagers today.__ Your final frame must make your point clear -- some sort of "punchline" that points out an irony or inequity. ===

=== __Planning the frames__: Decide how to break the story down into “beats” or moments. 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 to establish a clear SETTING and CHARACTERS in frame 1. ===

=== __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. ===

=== __Finishing touches__: Add shading or other background details to help create irony through juxtaposition and humor. Color is totally optional – it will not necessarily earn you more points. ===

You will have class time over the next few days to work on these. Below are more examples.