I'm happy to say I have a new addition to the comic artist's library today! It is a ferocious critque of a Steve Rude Jonny Quest Comic by Alex Toth.



Below I've done my best summarize what seem to be Mr. Toth's main issues with the comic storytelling. But first don't take my word (or Alex Toth's) without a little test - download the pdf and review the art yourself before you read any of the commentary. Make notes about potential improvements in the margins. Finally, compare your thoughts versus "the pro's".

How did you do? Being able to find mistakes in flow and design will make or break your own comics. Chances are if you are missing a major flaw in this piece, you are also missing this idea within your own sequential art.

Alex Toth's Critique (Quick Summary for buzy folk who trust me to translate to the best of my ability):

- When creating the layout of a page THINK before, during, and afterwards about what you want to emphasize and why.

- Never get in the way of telling a clear story. Some common mistakes can be to include superfluous, distracting, or confusing images or dialogue.

- Understand that establishing shots are vital to comprehend a change in scene, character, or emphasis. Mis-using an establishing shot is equally as bad as not using one.

- Your main characters need to carry the story, so as readers we should always have a clear view of their actions and attitudes.

- "Fake art" is used abundantly by Toth in this article. It seems to mean art that is based on weak archetypes within the artist's head.

- Comic panel design is the act of corralling a reader's eye without their knowledge. Unfocused shots are the byproduct of lazy or ignorant artists that ask their audience to do their work for them.

- I can't even begin to summarize the last few pages. Go read them now and draw something worth remembering.

-Josh

Great resource via Drawn and ConceptArt.org. Thanks!