Just to summarize, mainly for myself... 1. Show, Don't Tell. 2. Don't Always Go with the First Idea that Pops Inside Your Head. 3. Consider the Reader's Experience at All Times 4. - (Apparently he skipped 4, I didn't even notice the first time I went through this video.) - 5. Give Each Character a Specific Way of Speaking 6. It Can't Just Happen, It Has To Happen In an Interesting Way 7. Work Out Your Ending. (Try to Figure our What your Ending is Before You Write the Story) 8. Think About What the Reader Will Expect, and Do Something Different. 9. Be Aware of the Passive Protagonist. - ( By the way, he labeled this as 8 again. xD) - 10. Give the Readers Information, Just Before They Need It. - (Labeled as 9) - 11. If It's Not Working, Be Willing to Toss It Out. - (Labeled as 10) -
I dunno about #10. I prefer to establish setups far in advance of payoffs. That way, the payoff seems more surprising (as the reader or viewer has largely forgotten about the setup), but still feels right.
Reminds me of Yahtzee Croshaw--he got some advice he talked about once, "Is this the most interesting part of your character's life? If not, why aren't you telling us about that?"
Was doing rapid research but this comment made me stay and boy was I glad I did cos this was the best video I found. But for this comment, would have skipped, so thanks. To the author you're so awesome, thanks for these brilliant ideas, they're so helpful.
As an artist who would like to at some point throw my hat in the comics ring, I honestly find these type of videos super helpful. There are plenty of drawing tutorials out there, I've tried doing a couple myself, but writing is such hard thing to wrap one's head around and it's really inspiring to hear someone with experience in the field talk about it. Awesome video and I hope you'll do more on this topic!
markcrilley Hey again, Mr. Crilley, I just want to say that I have never been that emotional since Nina's death in Fullmetal Alchemist. Just...*clap* *clap* Bravo. I'm getting book 6 as soon as it comes out. Bravo.
One of the rare videos where all the writing tips are valuable and translatable to other storytelling forms (especially 6 and 7). This guy knows what he's talking about.
Mark sounds like he could be a good voice actor, the way he's voices his characters as an example of speech, really makes you think he can ^w^ very helpful video
gracie036 Mark a good teacher because he makes it look easy. But these are really advanced concepts he's delivering. none of this works if you haven't spent years learning how to draw
Just to add to this thread, here are the most important, critical tips I've ever heard regarding creative writing: 1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted. 2. Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for. 3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water. 4. Every sentence must do one of two things-reveal character or advance the action. 5 Start as close to the end as possible. 6. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them-in order that the reader may see what they are made of. 7. Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia. 8. Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To heck with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages. -Taken from Kurt Vonnegut's 8 Basics of Creative Writing
I have the rare habit of putting on videos like this while I'm drawing, just long videos of somebody talking about drawing, and I pick up something and try to use it in the drawing I'm making, and it really helps me in some sort of way to keep drawing and not to put away my pencils and do something else. So thank you for making these kind of videos :)
I'm not a manga artist myself but i do write short stories,nothing to big since i'm only in high school and i found almost all of this advice extremely helpful. I am positive that it is going to help me as a writer.
Yes, that's exactly my point of view into what my situation pans out into. I like reading comments because alot of people have a voice that conveys a different person.
You're not going to do videos like this very often? How disappointing! This is actually valuable advice for anyone who wants to be a creator. You need to be able to tell a story and having an understanding of story telling will make you a better artist, video editor, writer, story teller in general. I actually hope you do at least one or two more videos because this is just great advice by far. Thanks for the video!
This helped me! I may not be writing a comic, but I'm trying to write a book. My problem is to get my characters interesting and not get bored with it. I believe the tips helped me get ideas :) You're amazing!
I've been watching the playlist "How to Make Comics / Manga" and am really enjoying it. So many great tips. I just wanted to point out how helpful they are to me and am glad that you invested the time to make them.
Mr. Crilley: I'm a Graphic Designer from Bolivia who really enjoys drawing manga and I've been collecting "How to Draw Manga" for a few years now, and I wanted to say that after watching lots of your videos I have to tell you that your work is absolutely remarcable and that both your method of drawing and your whole approach to the Manga Style are the best ones I have ever seen. I just got both of your Mastering Manga books and let me tell you that, after looking through it my passion for drawing has been rekindled. Let me congratulate you for the amazing job you are doing and to let you know that your art has reached places in the world that, perhaps, you didn't know it had. Keep up the good work!!!
oh my god?? you helped me so much in my childhood 😭😭 i know this was posted 8 years ago but seeing your work again made me scream. i cant wait to check out the rest of your stuff and learn from you again 😭💗💗
markcrilley First of all I love Miki falls and i'm looking to buy brody's ghost sometime soon your so cool and your voic work is amazing when your doing your characters. but anyway... :) Hey Mark I am working on a manga and I wanted to send you the first few pages and get feedback. :3
Mark Im 33 and used to love drawing but due to circumstances in life had moved away from this creative side of me, having stumbled upon your videos I have found myself inspired and have started formulating ideals for my own manga, I just wanted to thank you for all your work and words of encouragement, I have picked up a copy of your Mastering Manga 2 and am now eagerly awaiting part 3, keep up the awesome work !
Even though I make animations (not comics), this video still applies to me as animation is a story telling medium. Besides, we essentially create comics with storyboards anyays. Thanks for making this video, I've started making an animated show and I'm almost to the point of writing episode scripts. This helped a ton. :)
4:00 I would say due to the fact that there Isn't text, it kind of expresses how much he is in shock of the situation - kind of like to show that the scene is speechless (though I'm sure you've talked about this before)
Thank you. You're video has helped me devised a plan for my story. I've read some of your books and I'm a bit of a fan of your work like Planet Smoo. I'm currently making a manga and just happened to stumble upon your video. Once again, many thanks!!
Love these ideas. I can understand all this and have applied these things before but hearing it from someone else helps. Hearing these thoughts gives me direction plus listening to others seems to be helpful to me more than listening to myself.
I love to draw, and write, but I've never been able to conceive of a way to join them together effectively. Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Mark! You're one of the best.
I've been watching a ton of your tip videos and I must say they are fantastic. I really enjoy your examples even though some may see it as just self promotion. Very professional and informative.
Hi Mark! Okay, so I can imagine you get stuff like this a lot, but you're amazing. Every video you make about drawing, every book about drawing, every Manga, they all shock me. It's incredible how somebody can draw like that, imagine plots like that, imagine characters, make dialogue, character design. I mean, you have mastered every style and every angle. I have all of your books, I watch your videos every day and i always try to learn from you. You're an amazing teacher, too! I've learned a lot from you, and everything you do leaves me breathless. I can't even imagine you'll read this, but I just wanted to tell you how important you are to me, to everybody. You're my role model and influence. Thank you so much!
I found A Collection Edition of Brody’s Ghost today at my local library and the narrative, characters, setting- all of it, is freaking amazing. 20/10 would love going through it over and over again.
I don't know how you did it. Here I was, stuck on part of a chapter I'm writing in my novel that has been pretty bland so far, and just watching this video somehow made me realize how to bring out each of my characters in each scene and make it interesting and fun. I don't even know which tip could've possibly helped me with that. In any case, though, thanks for the help, Mark! Loved the video!
Very interesting video! I'm not even a writer - nor do I plan to be, but I found this video very entertaining and enlightening. I read a lot of manga, and from the points you illustrated I could think back to specific manga accounts that used your advice well, or that utilized it poorly and I think after watching this video I understand a bit more why I like the manga I like and why certain scenes work or don't work. I love your regular videos, but I hope to see more like this in the future! It's a breath of fresh air.
I am sooo glad you went with Anra instead of an amulet! She is my favorite character in the series! I know that she doesn't even speak throughout, but I love how she has her own thoughts and feelings, she's not just a cutesy pet (even if she is adorable), and she has real influence on the plot. I love her design, how her expressions work, the way she moves, I have sketched her so many times, just OMG I want a hold spirit! Thank you!
I'm not in the comic book business (I write screenplays) but this is probably the best advice on storytelling I've seen so far, you're really a great guy/artist/teacher, thank you a lot
This is my first introduction to you as an artist. Even though you weren't trying to sell me, I'm going to go check out Brodie's Ghost now. Even though you were teaching me about writing, I was hypnotized by the beautiful artwork in front of it! I only figured out just as the video ended that you were also the illustrator. I love very much your use of straight lines, depth and simple shapes. That view of police headquarters sold me. I was like "Wow! His illustrator is dope!" And for a minute stopped listening to your voice and started studying the pictures. Then i rewound it to hear the narration. Thank you very much for the insight.
Mark this is very helpfull!! i've recently started to write my own comic and some of this tips i knew but some of them are fresh new to me and i have to say, gonna have to toss away some stuff i had coming. You're very inspiring master to me, keep it up as always!
+aaron lloyd I think I know why. Tip No. 4 is a meta-tip: "Writing a story is like performing a magic trick. Don't give away all your secrets to the audience." :)
I read all of miki falls when I was in middle school not even know that you wrote the story. I finally noticed after I was reading the 4th book while watching one of your videos.
I really enjoyed this particular video, and it's likely because I love to write. This not only helps with comics, it helps with any sort of writing, and I think that's really cool.
I have an example for the second tip: I am writing the story for a comic. Guess how many times I changed the story. 17 times and counting. I'm super excited about my work. I'm only 11. How did I decide to make a comic? This guy named Mark Crilley😃
I absolutely admire how you, Mr. Crilley, not only bring hope and pride to the American anime/manga-loving community, but also prove to be a role model to those of us who wish to seek out a professional art career. I have to say, watching each of your videos has become, without question, a highlight of my week.
Any suggestions for making believable antagonists? I usually come up with a plot first, but I find that I don't really know why they are even doing the things that they are doing... Other than to fuel the plot!
For me, the mark of a good antagonist is making them similar to the main character in some way. A connection going beyond the "good vs. evil" always makes for an interesting relationship between the protagonist and antagonist. Another good antagonist feature, to the best I can find, is to make them frightening. Making them evil is one thing, but making an antagonist truly frightening is a much more difficult challenge. Making yourself worry every time they're on the page and when they're speaking about the safety of your main character is definitely the mark of a gifted writer, because if you can make yourself nervous about what they're capable of when they appear how are your readers going to feel? They'll be crapping their pants.
Thanks for the reply, I will try that next time I am making an antagonist. If I get that down, then I will try to make their actions and what they say truly terrifying!
I just recently bought your 2nd Mastering Manga book and I can't even put into words how great and helpful it is. It made me get back into drawing again. Thanks so much! :D
Thanks Mr.Crilley! I am trying to make a comic and I watched some of your videos on how to make a comic and I think I am all set, thanks to you! But... how did you get an editor?
Mark Crilly I just have to say that you are such an inspiration! You have been such a great teacher and you've made me a better artist even more than anyone else has!
I keep hearing about your books, Brody's Ghost and such through your videos, and my curiosity about them and their story keeps increasing. Just looking at the few pages you've shown in this video, I already like the art style and am interested in what it might be about. Also, I love the way you break down each idea in regards to actually writing stories. It's simple and easy to understand, but also extremely enlightening. w00t
+redroc 13 I don't see why anyone would want to do that. If you like an author's work pay the few bucks to support them. I'm not saying you would do that, but I know there are people that would. They would spend all of that time trying to piece things together instead of just buying the books. In my mind, all the time they waste would cost them more.
***** Right, and some people do that to make their own custom font. Places like dafont.com have loads of fonts made by artists that you can download. I initially thought the letters he was using was something like that.
+JG DRAWS I do too. Practice, I suppose. Sketch them and sketch them, draw them until you get it. Mark has a video on this, though, so maybe check that out?
No Mark, please do more video's like these. Teaching people to draw comics, is going to be all in vein if they don't know how to tell a story. I personally find these kinds of video's with tips more interesting than the 'How to draw this character.' or 'How to draw this pose, or facial expression.' stuff because it makes me think about my approaches in a different way. :)
I really appreciate your tutorial here. I am an experienced writer and most of your instructions about writing I have learned for my own fiction novels. I am not a comic writer, but I am a picturebook author and illustrator. While listening to your video, I realized that I can and should use your comments in as much a visual way as in a writing way. (I'd like that sentence to be better.)This is an epiphany for me. Exciting!
You could kinda call it my dream to write a book, these tips did really help me! I must say i never expected mark crilley to make a video that would actually be useful for writing a book, thanks mark!
Great ^^ I was thinking of making a story as soon as I learned to draw manga well, your videos and books help me improve alot and still helping me with every drawing ^^^keep up the amazing work
For sure appreciate the modesty & honesty when it comes to your own work. That's good & makes for an entertaining view, as well as good promotion. I also agree particularly with showing, not telling & feel the anecdote from your story of the char losing his mother was a nice addition. Thanks have a good day
I only just now remembered how much Mark has inspired me in my life choices, and how to do it right. I had a couple of these problems and you simply covered each one perfectly :D Thanks a tonne
This was very helpful! I needed this just as much as I need to learn about interesting comic paneling and keeping the paneling from being too boring and repetitive. These are my weaknesses.
Just to summarize, mainly for myself...
1. Show, Don't Tell.
2. Don't Always Go with the First Idea that Pops Inside Your Head.
3. Consider the Reader's Experience at All Times
4. - (Apparently he skipped 4, I didn't even notice the first time I went through this video.) -
5. Give Each Character a Specific Way of Speaking
6. It Can't Just Happen, It Has To Happen In an Interesting Way
7. Work Out Your Ending. (Try to Figure our What your Ending is Before You Write the Story)
8. Think About What the Reader Will Expect, and Do Something Different.
9. Be Aware of the Passive Protagonist. - ( By the way, he labeled this as 8 again. xD) -
10. Give the Readers Information, Just Before They Need It. - (Labeled as 9) -
11. If It's Not Working, Be Willing to Toss It Out. - (Labeled as 10) -
MintEcho7 thx
Would also be good to consider theme (and how them is separate from topic but can be related to topic).
The 7 one Is Yoko Taro's signature history telling
@cricket Same!
I dunno about #10. I prefer to establish setups far in advance of payoffs. That way, the payoff seems more surprising (as the reader or viewer has largely forgotten about the setup), but still feels right.
"It can't just happen, it has to happen in an interesting way." You know...that is probably the best advice I've ever heard.
Reminds me of Yahtzee Croshaw--he got some advice he talked about once, "Is this the most interesting part of your character's life? If not, why aren't you telling us about that?"
Was doing rapid research but this comment made me stay and boy was I glad I did cos this was the best video I found. But for this comment, would have skipped, so thanks. To the author you're so awesome, thanks for these brilliant ideas, they're so helpful.
Disney needs to hear that for the next Star Wars
As an artist who would like to at some point throw my hat in the comics ring, I honestly find these type of videos super helpful. There are plenty of drawing tutorials out there, I've tried doing a couple myself, but writing is such hard thing to wrap one's head around and it's really inspiring to hear someone with experience in the field talk about it. Awesome video and I hope you'll do more on this topic!
Andrei Terbea Thanks Andrei!
Omg...Români? :D
Ayyyy
_Oh._
I love your channel!
I've learned so much from you. I feel like I've received a free college education just from your youtube channel.
Thank you.
you look like the guy of workaholics xD
Micah Buzan i
Congrats
Same
Micah Buzan lol
That example with Brody in the pawnshop...Has convinced me to buy the series.
Awesome writing!
WanderingRurouni92 Thanks so much!
markcrilley Hey again, Mr. Crilley, I just want to say that I have never been that emotional since Nina's death in Fullmetal Alchemist.
Just...*clap* *clap*
Bravo.
I'm getting book 6 as soon as it comes out.
Bravo.
Spoilers 😔✨
I prefer these kind of vids. I find them more helping than how to draw.
Thanks a lot
One of the rare videos where all the writing tips are valuable and translatable to other storytelling forms (especially 6 and 7). This guy knows what he's talking about.
+Arnaud Drouin Thank you!
I agree, there's a reason Brody's Ghost has a 96% approval rating on Google...He knows how to tell stories.
Mark sounds like he could be a good voice actor, the way he's voices his characters as an example of speech, really makes you think he can ^w^ very helpful video
yeah some kind of audio book narrated by him would be nice :D
You know I'm a good voice actor
@@aratacobalt2265 thats... the weirdest most shameless plug i've ever seen
I haven't even touched a copy of Brody's ghost, but from this, I can tell it has a well-crafted story.
You are really a great teacher .
Ernest Walker Thank you Ernest :)
You should go to schools elementary and middle schools maybe high schoolers
G7g g6g
gracie036 Mark a good teacher because he makes it look easy. But these are really advanced concepts he's delivering. none of this works if you haven't spent years learning how to draw
Ernest Walker or story tell. Remember this video is not just about drawing
Just to add to this thread, here are the most important, critical tips I've ever heard regarding creative writing:
1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.
2. Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for.
3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.
4. Every sentence must do one of two things-reveal character or advance the action.
5 Start as close to the end as possible.
6. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them-in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
7. Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia.
8. Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To heck with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages.
-Taken from Kurt Vonnegut's 8 Basics of Creative Writing
Very useful, thank you
wow
That pawn shop scene really hooked me
Ranchor489 Thank you!!
markcrilley mark can you send me a brodys ghost book I can't find one
same that really made me want to buy it!
I can get onions on amazon?
the illustrator is damn good too
My birthday is coming up. You have inspired me so much, and Im getting your books for my birthday. ALL OF THEM. Thank you, Mark.
Happy birthday! ^_^
Thank you! I love your videos.
I have the rare habit of putting on videos like this while I'm drawing, just long videos of somebody talking about drawing, and I pick up something and try to use it in the drawing I'm making, and it really helps me in some sort of way to keep drawing and not to put away my pencils and do something else. So thank you for making these kind of videos :)
Sanne Blue You're very welcome-- thanks for watching!
Lol I eat when I watch these drawing videos cant draw on a empty stomach. :)
I read Akiko back when I was in Elementary School. A wave of Nostalgia just hit me after that. You are awesome.
GodfatherOsamu Thanks!
I'm not a manga artist myself but i do write short stories,nothing to big since i'm only in high school and i found almost all of this advice extremely helpful. I am positive that it is going to help me as a writer.
Yes, that's exactly my point of view into what my situation pans out into. I like reading comments because alot of people have a voice that conveys a different person.
So what happened after 7 years ?
You're not going to do videos like this very often? How disappointing! This is actually valuable advice for anyone who wants to be a creator. You need to be able to tell a story and having an understanding of story telling will make you a better artist, video editor, writer, story teller in general. I actually hope you do at least one or two more videos because this is just great advice by far.
Thanks for the video!
The Silver Ninja Thanks! If the response to this video is good I may do another one like it sooner rather than later. :)
markcrilley yeah, he's right, he took the words out of my mouth, keep doing them Mr. Crilley
markcrilley I agree as well.
I would also like to see some art book recommendations.
This helped me! I may not be writing a comic, but I'm trying to write a book. My problem is to get my characters interesting and not get bored with it. I believe the tips helped me get ideas :) You're amazing!
MusicLoverMusician94 Thank you!
I like the Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test! It's so helpful to create good characters.
I wish you wisdom, because I'm venturing in close lands
actually pausing video bc laughing "EXPLAINO" omg love it I'm so using this
elevensixty ^_^
I've been watching the playlist "How to Make Comics / Manga" and am really enjoying it. So many great tips. I just wanted to point out how helpful they are to me and am glad that you invested the time to make them.
Thank you Tam!
Mr. Crilley: I'm a Graphic Designer from Bolivia who really enjoys drawing manga and I've been collecting "How to Draw Manga" for a few years now, and I wanted to say that after watching lots of your videos I have to tell you that your work is absolutely remarcable and that both your method of drawing and your whole approach to the Manga Style are the best ones I have ever seen. I just got both of your Mastering Manga books and let me tell you that, after looking through it my passion for drawing has been rekindled. Let me congratulate you for the amazing job you are doing and to let you know that your art has reached places in the world that, perhaps, you didn't know it had. Keep up the good work!!!
NightScream DP Thanks so much!! ^_^
I love the voice you did for Akiko, just perfect XD
oh my god?? you helped me so much in my childhood 😭😭 i know this was posted 8 years ago but seeing your work again made me scream. i cant wait to check out the rest of your stuff and learn from you again 😭💗💗
Anytime I see a video from you, I stop everything I do, curl up in bed, and get ready to watch a masterpiece. :)
DaBagelSquad Thanks! ^^
markcrilley First of all I love Miki falls and i'm looking to buy brody's ghost sometime soon your so cool and your voic work is amazing when your doing your characters. but anyway... :)
Hey Mark I am working on a manga and I wanted to send you the first few pages and get feedback. :3
markcrilley I got your mastering manga 2 drawing book. Love it
Mark Im 33 and used to love drawing but due to circumstances in life had moved away from this creative side of me, having stumbled upon your videos I have found myself inspired and have started formulating ideals for my own manga, I just wanted to thank you for all your work and words of encouragement, I have picked up a copy of your Mastering Manga 2 and am now eagerly awaiting part 3, keep up the awesome work !
I like that you used your past mistakes as positives to help your audience with their writing 💙
This was amazingly helpful, unlike most generic storytelling tips I've stumbled upon. Thank you so much!
Thank you, very glad you found it useful :)
Even though I make animations (not comics), this video still applies to me as animation is a story telling medium. Besides, we essentially create comics with storyboards anyays. Thanks for making this video, I've started making an animated show and I'm almost to the point of writing episode scripts. This helped a ton. :)
4:00 I would say due to the fact that there Isn't text, it kind of expresses how much he is in shock of the situation - kind of like to show that the scene is speechless (though I'm sure you've talked about this before)
Brandon Betzner Yes, pulling out the narration forces the reader fully see what's happening and feel it from his point of view.
(omg, mark crilley replied to my comment o////o *melt*)
Brandon Betzner Senpai noticed you!!
Thank you. You're video has helped me devised a plan for my story. I've read some of your books and I'm a bit of a fan of your work like Planet Smoo. I'm currently making a manga and just happened to stumble upon your video. Once again, many thanks!!
Love these ideas. I can understand all this and have applied these things before but hearing it from someone else helps. Hearing these thoughts gives me direction plus listening to others seems to be helpful to me more than listening to myself.
I love to draw, and write, but I've never been able to conceive of a way to join them together effectively. Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Mark! You're one of the best.
To a new author this is gold!
Brody's Ghost was my absolute favourite comic as a kid, i was shocks that i came across your channel by chance
I've been watching a ton of your tip videos and I must say they are fantastic. I really enjoy your examples even though some may see it as just self promotion. Very professional and informative.
Hi Mark! Okay, so I can imagine you get stuff like this a lot, but you're amazing. Every video you make about drawing, every book about drawing, every Manga, they all shock me. It's incredible how somebody can draw like that, imagine plots like that, imagine characters, make dialogue, character design. I mean, you have mastered every style and every angle. I have all of your books, I watch your videos every day and i always try to learn from you. You're an amazing teacher, too! I've learned a lot from you, and everything you do leaves me breathless. I can't even imagine you'll read this, but I just wanted to tell you how important you are to me, to everybody. You're my role model and influence. Thank you so much!
Awesome video. I think I learned something today :D
Random tangent: Named a female ghost-type Pokemon I caught after Talia :)
thetattooedyoshi ^_^
All these years later, and you’re helpful again. Full circle.
can you do a video on ideas for clothing your characters can wear and how it can fit their personaliteis.
I found A Collection Edition of Brody’s Ghost today at my local library and the narrative, characters, setting- all of it, is freaking amazing.
20/10 would love going through it over and over again.
Please make writing videos like this more often! It's extremely helpful!
Audrey Chu Thanks Audrey!
You've got a very logical approach to storytelling, exposition etc. I always appreciate hearing your insights and methods
I think this is one of my favorite videos by Crilley.
Lauren Nelson Thanks Lauren!
Pawnshop-guy is definitely a favorite of mine too :D Love that scene about his mom!
I really admire you mr crilley
Kinda feel as if I'm back in school and I'm a student and your a teacher.
I don't know how you did it. Here I was, stuck on part of a chapter I'm writing in my novel that has been pretty bland so far, and just watching this video somehow made me realize how to bring out each of my characters in each scene and make it interesting and fun. I don't even know which tip could've possibly helped me with that. In any case, though, thanks for the help, Mark! Loved the video!
Very interesting video! I'm not even a writer - nor do I plan to be, but I found this video very entertaining and enlightening. I read a lot of manga, and from the points you illustrated I could think back to specific manga accounts that used your advice well, or that utilized it poorly and I think after watching this video I understand a bit more why I like the manga I like and why certain scenes work or don't work. I love your regular videos, but I hope to see more like this in the future! It's a breath of fresh air.
thequeenundisputed Thanks for your kind words. :)
Dat scene wit brodie and the pawn shop guy was very solid. Thank you for this video fam. 💪🏽💪🏽
This is SO helpful! Thank you!
Ahh, I needed this. In most cases the story is what's more important than the artwork, but the artwork still needs to look perfect.
I am sooo glad you went with Anra instead of an amulet! She is my favorite character in the series! I know that she doesn't even speak throughout, but I love how she has her own thoughts and feelings, she's not just a cutesy pet (even if she is adorable), and she has real influence on the plot. I love her design, how her expressions work, the way she moves, I have sketched her so many times, just OMG I want a hold spirit! Thank you!
Thank you Katherine!
I'm not in the comic book business (I write screenplays) but this is probably the best advice on storytelling I've seen so far, you're really a great guy/artist/teacher, thank you a lot
I'm in 5th grade so no one thinks I can make comics but I want to start
should I??
This is my first introduction to you as an artist. Even though you weren't trying to sell me, I'm going to go check out Brodie's Ghost now. Even though you were teaching me about writing, I was hypnotized by the beautiful artwork in front of it! I only figured out just as the video ended that you were also the illustrator. I love very much your use of straight lines, depth and simple shapes. That view of police headquarters sold me. I was like "Wow! His illustrator is dope!" And for a minute stopped listening to your voice and started studying the pictures. Then i rewound it to hear the narration. Thank you very much for the insight.
Thanks for this vid. It helped me so much since I'm working on writing my manga now. ^u^ Ur amazing Mark-Sempai!!!!
These are really good reminders for my comic writting as well. Working on my 3rd chapter now, so the timing is perfect.
Mark this is very helpfull!! i've recently started to write my own comic and some of this tips i knew but some of them are fresh new to me and i have to say, gonna have to toss away some stuff i had coming. You're very inspiring master to me, keep it up as always!
+diego muñoz Thank you Diego :)
what's your comic called?
doesnt quite have a name yet, but im developing chapter 1 atm, ill upload here when it is ready facebook.com/DMCupitty/ its in spanish tho
Please do more videos like this mark. This has opened my eyes to some many things I can improve on! It's was extremely helpful!!
did anyone notice that mark skipped 4
+aaron lloyd I think I know why. Tip No. 4 is a meta-tip: "Writing a story is like performing a magic trick. Don't give away all your secrets to the audience." :)
+aaron lloyd I noticed. Just a minor technical error; I could see all the tips were there regardless of the number in front of them.
I read all of miki falls when I was in middle school not even know that you wrote the story. I finally noticed after I was reading the 4th book while watching one of your videos.
It can't just happen.
It has to happen interestingly...
I'm going to remember that.
I really enjoyed this particular video, and it's likely because I love to write. This not only helps with comics, it helps with any sort of writing, and I think that's really cool.
+Kit kat Thank you!
I can't wait for Brody's ghost book 6! I bet its gonna be EPIC!!!! Is it true that its coming out in April?
Nether Queen X That's right; April 21: amzn.com/1616554614
markcrilley oh my god!!!! its so soon!!!!
YES! This is brilliant. It's true that the art is important but the writing is a big part of creating comics too, please do more! Thank you!
I have an example for the second tip: I am writing the story for a comic. Guess how many times I changed the story. 17 times and counting. I'm super excited about my work. I'm only 11. How did I decide to make a comic? This guy named Mark Crilley😃
What's your comic called?
I absolutely admire how you, Mr. Crilley, not only bring hope and pride to the American anime/manga-loving community, but also prove to be a role model to those of us who wish to seek out a professional art career. I have to say, watching each of your videos has become, without question, a highlight of my week.
Any suggestions for making believable antagonists? I usually come up with a plot first, but I find that I don't really know why they are even doing the things that they are doing... Other than to fuel the plot!
Ryan Romaio Good idea for a future video-- thanks! :)
For me, the mark of a good antagonist is making them similar to the main character in some way. A connection going beyond the "good vs. evil" always makes for an interesting relationship between the protagonist and antagonist. Another good antagonist feature, to the best I can find, is to make them frightening. Making them evil is one thing, but making an antagonist truly frightening is a much more difficult challenge. Making yourself worry every time they're on the page and when they're speaking about the safety of your main character is definitely the mark of a gifted writer, because if you can make yourself nervous about what they're capable of when they appear how are your readers going to feel? They'll be crapping their pants.
Thanks for the reply, I will try that next time I am making an antagonist. If I get that down, then I will try to make their actions and what they say truly terrifying!
I just recently bought your 2nd Mastering Manga book and I can't even put into words how great and helpful it is. It made me get back into drawing again. Thanks so much! :D
wetwetrot Thank you for getting the book!
Thanks Mr.Crilley! I am trying to make a comic and I watched some of your videos on how to make a comic and I think I am all set, thanks to you! But... how did you get an editor?
+GabiTehOtaku (MangaManiac) I think he just looked up a few in his location
that accepts his work and then it started.
Mark Crilly I just have to say that you are such an inspiration! You have been such a great teacher and you've made me a better artist even more than anyone else has!
*VAWEE USEFALL IN DEED! =D*
⁽ᵒᶠ ᶜᵒᵘʳˢᵉ ᵇᵃᵈ ᵍʳᵃᵐᵐᵃʳ ᵃᶰᵈ ˢᵖᵉᶫᶫᶦᶰᵍ ʷᵃˢ ᶦᶰᵗᵉᶰᵗᶦᵒᶰᵃᶫ⁾
I keep hearing about your books, Brody's Ghost and such through your videos, and my curiosity about them and their story keeps increasing. Just looking at the few pages you've shown in this video, I already like the art style and am interested in what it might be about.
Also, I love the way you break down each idea in regards to actually writing stories. It's simple and easy to understand, but also extremely enlightening.
w00t
Thank you!
I wonder if one could read all of the Brody's Ghost books just by going through each video and finding the right pages.
+redroc 13 The completed story is more than 500 pages long; I doubt I've shown even a third of them in these videos.
+markcrilley He'll find a way lol.
lol :P
+redroc 13 I don't see why anyone would want to do that. If you like an author's work pay the few bucks to support them. I'm not saying you would do that, but I know there are people that would. They would spend all of that time trying to piece things together instead of just buying the books. In my mind, all the time they waste would cost them more.
By all means, do more videos like this. I feel my story telling abilities grow with each video.
What's the font used when Talia yells at Brody?
It's likely it was done by Mark's own hand.
PyroOfZen Quite right-- that part was all hand lettered.
That's pretty cool, making your own font sounds awesome.
***** I mean no, not exactly, but by drawing the letters yourself and keeping the style consistent, it's kind of like that.
***** Right, and some people do that to make their own custom font. Places like dafont.com have loads of fonts made by artists that you can download. I initially thought the letters he was using was something like that.
9 years later and still helping people like me with writing. Thank you ❤❤❤
Does anyone else notice it goes from 3 to 5? lol
***** Yeah, and there are two 8's; sorry! ^_^'
markcrilley no it's cool it happens
Thanks for these tips, I'll consider them when I edit my books.
DOMO....and DO MO'
I like how you used your own work to show weaknesses and how you improved them over time. Very inspiring indeed.
So are the words in the speech bubles typed or written?
James LaPenna I think most people are using computer fonts these days (including me). A fews re still hand lettering, though.
+markcrilley i don't get how to draw a character again and again when i try it goes wrong
+JG DRAWS I do too. Practice, I suppose. Sketch them and sketch them, draw them until you get it. Mark has a video on this, though, so maybe check that out?
No Mark, please do more video's like these. Teaching people to draw comics, is going to be all in vein if they don't know how to tell a story. I personally find these kinds of video's with tips more interesting than the 'How to draw this character.' or 'How to draw this pose, or facial expression.' stuff because it makes me think about my approaches in a different way. :)
That was very helpful, particularly with examples thank you so much. The pawn shop sequence from Brody's ghost also blew me away.
Even if I'm wiring a novel all the advices was really useful. Thank you for making this video!
Bogi Blagi You're very welcome!
I really appreciate your tutorial here. I am an experienced writer and most of your instructions about writing I have learned for my own fiction novels. I am not a comic writer, but I am a picturebook author and illustrator. While listening to your video, I realized that I can and should use your comments in as much a visual way as in a writing way. (I'd like that sentence to be better.)This is an epiphany for me. Exciting!
the drawing videos were so useful when i was younger but i much prefer watching mark's videos on writing these days. always so helpful
I'm preparing myself to start a comic, and I find these really useful, so thanks a lot
You could kinda call it my dream to write a book, these tips did really help me! I must say i never expected mark crilley to make a video that would actually be useful for writing a book, thanks mark!
Thanks, Mark! These type of videos help me a lot with my graphic novel creating skills! Hope to see more of videos like these in the near future!
9 years later and your video still help people like me with writing, thank you ❤️
I love how Mark is so animated with his voices when describing his work.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. We all make a tone of mistakes but we rarely see artists review them publicly!
Great ^^ I was thinking of making a story as soon as I learned to draw manga well, your videos and books help me improve alot and still helping me with every drawing ^^^keep up the amazing work
For sure appreciate the modesty & honesty when it comes to your own work. That's good & makes for an entertaining view, as well as good promotion. I also agree particularly with showing, not telling & feel the anecdote from your story of the char losing his mother was a nice addition. Thanks have a good day
I love number 8. I never thought about it before! This video helps so much with my story. MARK STRIKES AGAIN!
Yes, we need more of these videos. After all, it's what completes the work.
I only just now remembered how much Mark has inspired me in my life choices, and how to do it right. I had a couple of these problems and you simply covered each one perfectly :D Thanks a tonne
This was very helpful! I needed this just as much as I need to learn about interesting comic paneling and keeping the paneling from being too boring and repetitive. These are my weaknesses.
So I just ordered the first 3 books of Brody's Ghost! I'm excited. It'll be here on the 22nd! Yayyyy Thank you so much for your videos
guardian16 Thanks for getting the books! :)
welcome. i cant wait to read them
guardian16 You could've just downloaded them via PDF for free thats what I done.
Beautiful art! This is EXTREMELY inspiring!