comming up with original manga

[dragonfly]

How do you writers come up with you're original manga? I am just really curious.

[Rednal]

Hmm... Well, I don't draw, but a lot of my stories were made with the intent to BECOME manga.

I think the most important factor is realism. Most (if not all) manga series have characters that are very realistic; it's a defining factor of the comic type. Manga doesn't have tons of people walking around in spandex saving the day time after time with barely a hint of actual emotion, like certain western comics. Rather, they have normal responses to abnormal events. Example: Naru punching Keitaro a horizontal mile after he accidentally peeks on her for the nth time. Clearly impossible in reality, but the way the characters act makes it SEEM possible.

The other big issue, I think, would be the story. That's almost always the heart of a series, though for ones like DBZ, I've never been entirely sure. Manga is, of course, about telling a story to get some point across. A good example is Psychic Academy (available from Tokyopop, of course!). For the most part, the series is a typical shojo, which in this case means it's about real life. Yes, it has some very nice fight scenes and the characters have very cool powers, but fighting isn't what the series is about. I would suggest actually reading the series, because I'd rather not give away any spoilers, but let me say this: The series, even though it doesn't look like it, definitely has a point. So... yeah. Manga is also about telling people something without coming out and saying it until the very end. ^^

Keeping that in mind, I, at least, just sit down and write. I don't bother with an outline myself, because that keeps me restrained. I just keep one goal in mind and let the story shape itself. XP It's why the first draft of Project Orion turned out so twisted, in more ways than one. *Nods* If you're interested in writing for manga, my suggestion is that you write a few short stories and one longer one first, thinking about what it would like if it was drawn out. Describe things. Make people talk realistically and do real things. DON'T have them going into phone booths to change into spandex if it's really needed. Have fun! Do whatever you want; there aren't very many rules for this sort of thing!

XP

~Rednal

[takethebackseat]

I can't really take credit for much. The voices in my head make me do everything.

Seriously though, I write because there's too much on my mind that needs to get out there. Blessing and a curse I suppose. Telling stories is just something that comes natural to me.

Reading everything and anything in sight helps tremendously. :D I think that's why I have Coke bottle glasses :mad:

[Rednal]

I have voices too! They're my muses! *Glomps his muses* They are absolutely crazy, but so very helpful. ^^ Yes, reading other things is important. As Miss Cam said, 'Read as much as ye write so your knowledge may grow'. It's very good to read in whatever genre you will be writing to see what works and what doesn't. But don't plagarize. Plagurization is BAD. It makes all the authors who work hard very... irritable. And irritated authors do EVIL tings.:mad: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeevil things. Some authors just like to write, as well, as Phantompen so accurately noted. I like making storis, just to see how the characters grow. ^^

Bottom line is still the same: Go write and have fun!

[takethebackseat]

Everything Rednal said--with one note to add: reading other genres is a great help as well. In college I read everything from Classical Latin to Old English to Medieval Passion Plays to Shakespeare to Graphic Novels etc etc. All have influenced me in some way or other. Expand your mind by taking in as much as possible, learning from those who've walked the steps before us and exemplified humanity's need to create.

[KaYoKitten]

I find that my stories come from all kinds of sources. I'm beginning to believe that most manga-ka have voices in their head, though I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who has one that makes herself known outside of that limitation. That's one source that is imperitive, at least for me.

Another one is music. A single lyric can spur an entire series (^^; "Heal me, I'm heartsick" spawned a three-book fan fiction covering over ten years). A Linkin Park song, Forgotten, gave me this: A little piece of paper with a picture drawn, floats down the street till the wind is gone...the memory now is like the picture was then, when the paper's crumbled up, it can't be perfect again.

I also find that reading gives an edge like you wouldn't believe. I had no idea how much I would like the idea of a vampire until I read Amelia Atwater-Rhode's In the Forests of the Night and Demon in My View. I would never have thought of using a dream-within-a-dream had I not read Shakespeare's Hamlet. And fan fiction is loaded with little things that you wouldn't ordinarily think of. For instance, I would never have thought of anyone being addicted to sounds (other than music). I myself have an addiction to candles. ^^;

Oddly enough, my classes also seem to give some inspiration. I'm taking a geology class this semester and I learned this interesting little tidbit: some oil preserves not only leak out of the ground, some can be so thin and clear that it can be used as gas right off the ground. I took an Environmental Biology course and also learned some interesting bird species that I would never have even looked at otherwise (the most common one around here is this little itty bitty bird called a Junco...it's got this little white flash of feather...). My Sociology class is a diamond mine full of curious things.

My point is (there's a point?) that manga can spring from the most ordinary of things, in the most ordinary of places. It's paying attention and observing the world around you that makes a good manga-ka. A good writer, a good artist, a good poet, a good singer, they all know it.

[Electrik_Mayhem]

Learn everything you can. Facts are like Lego bricks for the brain. For example, I'm working on a webcomic that features a polar bear so I researched them like crazy. Among other things, I learned that they can't be seen by infrared. My main character just happens to wear infrared/nightvision goggles 24/7. (He's a spy who takes his job very seriously.) The gag writes itself.

[AthenaCaruso]

Well o_o; We're all professionals here right?
...
rofl. >_>;
Speaking professionally, facts are extremely important. Whether it is a realistic story (ie. high school), or magical story (ie. sword fighting chicks in kinky outfits) there's always something that's impossible or could never happen. Know those impossibilities :P
One big thing I learned is, don't start create a manga with an idea that spawned thirty seconds ago. Characters need to work their way into creation as well. I'm writing a story that I've had for almost nine years, I still haven't come around to writing chapter 1. So~ just let it incubate (as my writer's craft teacher would say)

[Verdekurama]

I got the idea from my story from where, I work (iwork in a dog grooming shop). I also need to read up on the city San Francisco.

[tomselleck69]

i suggest surrounding yourself with media. the more books you read and films you watch, the closer you will be to having a more natural understanding of storytelling. take in ALL genres, watch/read both good AND bad movies and books, listen to different kinds of music. also turn off your tv.

i guess this isn't an easy transition for some people... i was extremely lucky, as my mother is a librarian, and i worked in a video store for three years. i've been completely inundated my entire life.


also, listening to people tell stories, drawing on your own experiences and just getting a good sense of how people talk are all invaluable.

[Pedes]

I'll start with telling that I was always a kind of courious bastard. I wanted to know how everything works, tended to analise machinery, matchs, even people's characters. This is NOT a good way of living, because when you're interested in everything you're not interested in anything deeply and you end up with a lot superficial knowledge (and quite useless when it comes to eg. making a living of it).(not to mention I went to wrong kind of studies.. nevermind). [Then I encountered manga wich I god deep into]
One of the subjects I payed more attention to was psychology. Although I don't have an academic knowledge with born empathy I try and usually suceed in understanding people's inner life, reasons etc.

OK, to the point.
Usually I start with one simple idea. Most of them goes "into storage" in my brain, to be used later (or not). Sometimes the story starts to unwind from the idea. I start to ask questions: what happens? Why? Who? (With whom? where? and for how much? :> OK, this is not the point...) And the story unwinds. Uhm, I don't know if what I say is comprehensive, but from the point I get an idea everything seems to shape naturally - rahter like thinking something up it's like seeking the way it should be. Some earlier ideas suddently find a place somewhere in the story.

The most important things in my stories are characters. They are the base. I usually subconciously create character with personality, so I dont' think "this one's agressive, so the other one must be kind" - I just know their personalities. I often ask questions: why they are like that, what can change them , etc. Then goes the events and the laws of the world the story in which is happening. Those parts (characters, events, world) have to fit each other like a puzzle.

Uhm, that's not too informative, is it?


So the best way to create a story? Inspiration can be everywhere. Observe. observe the world around, the people. Read. Read books, mangas, scientifical articles. Watch movies, series. And analise. Of you don't do it subconciously like me, learn to. The more you know the more various ideas you get. And dream. Dreaming is very, very important. (Just don't daydream while driving XD)

[NOTE]Sorry if this is incomprehensive. I tried to make it clear, but I'm in a bit strange frame of mind, so what seems clear to me may be not clear for you.

[SaiRong]

All very good suggestions on the thread so far, I'll just add my two cents.

Before you start writing your story, know your characters really well. You should know them as if they were your best friends. As the writer, you need to know them better than they know themselves. In your day-to-day life, ask yourself "What would <insert character's name> do?" Don't just come up with small ticks and traits to define your characters, know why they act the way they do. Once you know what the characters are like and you get the plot rolling, the characters should take on a life of their own and dictate what will happen next. Sometimes they may even change the story without you realising it ;).

Hm, but I guess that isn't a good place to start when you need a story idea. Just keep your mind open and keep writing and reading.

[QueenieChan]

I start off with a genre, using it as a springboard. Anyone else do that? I guess most people tend to only like certain genres - I, on the other hand, find that genres and settings are wonderful ways for me to play with a story idea and implement it. It's usually how I do my short stories anyway; relying on genre conventions for people to fill in the blanks themselves. :D

[Pedes]

I start off with a genre, using it as a springboard. Anyone else do that? I guess most people tend to only like certain genres - I, on the other hand, find that genres and settings are wonderful ways for me to play with a story idea and implement it. It's usually how I do my short stories anyway; relying on genre conventions for people to fill in the blanks themselves. :D
I sometimes do that while sreating short stories - If so, I'm playing with the convention and love to confuse the reader on the details, make him think something and then it comes out it's not true :D Though I have not written down/drawn any of them ^^' (wait, I started one XD).

[chocopocko]

I think it is very important to observe actual people. Almost constantly. How do certain types of people react to this? How does everyone else react to the same thing?
Observe how people talk. Do they use hand signals to get the point across? Do they hold eye contact? How do these things change depending on the subject?
Also things about there body. Are they pacing? Are there eyes glowing? And so on.
Of course you should read other books and think of your characters constantly. But you need to know how they would react and nothing works better than using humans as models. I hope that that was not to confusing.

[KaYoKitten]

I'd almost forgotten my favorite thing about creating a story! It's conflict. A story is always about a conflict, no matter how complicated or simple it is. The conflict in Steady Beat is whether the main character's sister is homosexual or not. In Lord of the Rings, it is a conflict between the bearer of the ring and those that oppose his cause.

Then there's another conflict that I've seen time and again. It doesn't always center the story, but it's one of my favorite themes. It's the culture conflict. What is taboo in one culture may be ordinary in another. What is ordinary in one is seen as rude or frightening or superstitious in another. I've seen only a small handful of manga that include a foreigner in its story, but they are always great. This is WHY Tsubasa is currently my favorite manga--the cultural conflict between these five people (if you'll include Mokona-kun as a "person") and the different "worlds" they travel to. Fascinating within their own right, and beautifully well-done.

Hmm...I wonder if this is the reason for the newest strain of "fish-outta-water" movies...

[crispy]

I'd almost forgotten my favorite thing about creating a story! It's conflict. A story is always about a conflict, no matter how complicated or simple it is. The conflict in Steady Beat is whether the main character's sister is homosexual or not. In Lord of the Rings, it is a conflict between the bearer of the ring and those that oppose his cause.

Then there's another conflict that I've seen time and again. It doesn't always center the story, but it's one of my favorite themes. It's the culture conflict. What is taboo in one culture may be ordinary in another. What is ordinary in one is seen as rude or frightening or superstitious in another. I've seen only a small handful of manga that include a foreigner in its story, but they are always great. This is WHY Tsubasa is currently my favorite manga--the cultural conflict between these five people (if you'll include Mokona-kun as a "person") and the different "worlds" they travel to. Fascinating within their own right, and beautifully well-done.

Hmm...I wonder if this is the reason for the newest strain of "fish-outta-water" movies...

The problem with this is that manga is almost by definition more character driven than story driven, so, by focusing on conflict, you're more likely to dig yourself into the hole of many American comics. The biggest deal with manga is to create a character that people can relate to and actually come to like -- that’s why there are so many fan communities with anime and manga screaming "OMGS KYO-KUN IS SO CUTE" or "OH NO SASKUE IS BETTER THAN NARUTO!" These people might like the characters, but when they look at the story, they may think "What the hell, this is dumb." You don't see this same kind of character adoration in American comics, while the situations and conflict might actually be more engaging.

So -- I guess my point is that it's great to look at conflict -- but with manga, you must see it more so in relation to the characters, rather than just as a story device.

[KaYoKitten]

The problem with this is that manga is almost by definition more character driven than story driven, so, by focusing on conflict, you're more likely to dig yourself into the hole of many American comics. The biggest deal with manga is to create a character that people can relate to and actually come to like -- that’s why there are so many fan communities with anime and manga screaming "OMGS KYO-KUN IS SO CUTE" or "OH NO SASKUE IS BETTER THAN NARUTO!" These people might like the characters, but when they look at the story, they may think "What the hell, this is dumb." You don't see this same kind of character adoration in American comics, while the situations and conflict might actually be more engaging.

So -- I guess my point is that it's great to look at conflict -- but with manga, you must see it more so in relation to the characters, rather than just as a story device.

'Fraid to say, I disagree that the character-driven areas are more important than story-driven ones, because frankly I believe that the two go hand-in-hand. If the characters are going to lead the story, then they're going to lead us into a conflict, no matter what. This is the reason why I didn't like the RSoM entry "Rain or Shine"--it had no character, and therefore no story.

The conflict was weak at best, and the characters were forced into a situation that they didn't seem to like. They were two-dimensional "moving the pieces on a chess board" sort of characters. I'm going to contradict myself here: you CAN make a game of chess very engaging, and that's by adding the players into the mix.

The reason that people like Fruits Basket is the conflict that their characters are being driven through. Kyo wouldn't be near as famous if he weren't such a cocky little guy, if he wasn't the black sheep, if he wasn't the oddball that he is. And they wouldn't like Yuki for very much the same reasons--if he wasn't so down on himself, if he wasn't such a perfectionist, if he didn't have this daily conflict with himself, would we all like him as much? I doubt it.

[crispy]

'Fraid to say, I disagree that the character-driven areas are more important than story-driven ones, because frankly I believe that the two go hand-in-hand. If the characters are going to lead the story, then they're going to lead us into a conflict, no matter what. This is the reason why I didn't like the RSoM entry "Rain or Shine"--it had no character, and therefore no story.

The conflict was weak at best, and the characters were forced into a situation that they didn't seem to like. They were two-dimensional "moving the pieces on a chess board" sort of characters. I'm going to contradict myself here: you CAN make a game of chess very engaging, and that's by adding the players into the mix.

The reason that people like Fruits Basket is the conflict that their characters are being driven through. Kyo wouldn't be near as famous if he weren't such a cocky little guy, if he wasn't the black sheep, if he wasn't the oddball that he is. And they wouldn't like Yuki for very much the same reasons--if he wasn't so down on himself, if he wasn't such a perfectionist, if he didn't have this daily conflict with himself, would we all like him as much? I doubt it.


None of what you said has any relation to the actual conflict of the story, though. They're all characterizations of each character, and their internal struggle that defines their personality. The major conflict of the story doesn’t have to be awesome if the characters themselves are. This is how serial manga run for so long – they don’t have one major conflict most of the time. Sure, they have a theme, or a goal, but there are so many little conflicts in between that sometimes you loose sight of that, and end up focusing more on the characters and their evolution through the episodic scenes. Naruto is popular because people LIKE the characters – sure the idea of ninjas is intriguing, but if you’d done it with characters that aren’t earnest or amiable, you’d be screwed over with just another generic ninja story.

Characters have been proven to be more important because of the success of manga like Fruits Basket. The actual plot of the manga, when you come down to it, is retarded. However, because the characters are likeable for their own merits, people become engaged in reading how they interact and deal with the various problems that arise. Look at another manga, like Angelic Layer. "Dolls fight on big tables when they're controlled by their master's mind!" sounds completely idiotic, but because Misaki is likeable -- because you like her friends and Icchan makes you laugh, you're able to engage in the story without being repelled by a plot that, at the end of the day, is rather sophomoric.

[KaYoKitten]

None of what you said has any relation to the actual conflict of the story, though. They're all characterizations of each character, and their internal struggle that defines their personality. The major conflict of the story doesn’t have to be awesome if the characters themselves are. This is how serial manga run for so long – they don’t have one major conflict most of the time. Sure, they have a theme, or a goal, but there are so many little conflicts in between that sometimes you loose sight of that, and end up focusing more on the characters and their evolution through the episodic scenes. Naruto is popular because people LIKE the characters – sure the idea of ninjas is intriguing, but if you’d done it with characters that aren’t earnest or amiable, you’d be screwed over with just another generic ninja story.

Characters have been proven to be more important because of the success of manga like Fruits Basket. The actual plot of the manga, when you come down to it, is retarded. However, because the characters are likeable for their own merits, people become engaged in reading how they interact and deal with the various problems that arise. Look at another manga, like Angelic Layer. "Dolls fight on big tables when they're controlled by their master's mind!" sounds completely idiotic, but because Misaki is likeable -- because you like her friends and Icchan makes you laugh, you're able to engage in the story without being repelled by a plot that, at the end of the day, is rather sophomoric.

Y'know, I think we're on completely different wavelengths, here...I wasn't only speaking of the main conflict of the story, but the multiple, smaller conflicts that arrise from the characters themselves. At any rate, what this has to do with coming up with an original manga is thought in your characters and in your story prior to creating it. You want to know your characters like you know your best friend--you want to know what is troubling a friend whenever they look upset, right?

In creating a story, the trouble most people have is actually being mean to their characters. ^^; Yup. You gotta take things away from them, though a light-hearted moment here and there definitely improves if you use it by juxtaposition. Shakespeare was the first to really introduce this in his plays--placing a dark scene right beside a light scene to make things better.

Dramacon really has it goin' on with the conflict. At first, you think the conflict is with the con, which it is to some degree. But the true conflict is with the main character's boyfriend, and with herself. A few days can really change a person, as Svetlana-san showed valiently. At any rate, I don't want to use too many examples because I also don't want to ruin the plot!!

And the thing with manga plots? No matter how goofy or ridiculous they sound, it's how the creators solidify and create the characters that makes the book. You learn to love the plot and the characters hand-in-hand, despite the fact that if you really stop and think, it does sound ridiculous. XP

[crispy]

LOL Okay, I totally get what you're saying now. We were basically saying the same thing, but categorizing it differently.

[KaYoKitten]

LOL Okay, I totally get what you're saying now. We were basically saying the same thing, but categorizing it differently.

XD Oi, isn't that something?

And something else I thought of while I was at work today: when you get into a drawing funk, don't stop drawing just because you're in a funk. I'm in one of those moods right now--all my drawings look like stuff I did six years ago. Don't just think about trying to draw again! Do it! Forget how it looks for now, get to enjoying it yourself again. Study up on different inking techniques, work on your tone, try a new style: this is the perfect time to work on your style, to get something new where once was old.

^_^;; Coming up with original manga? A piece of cake. Sticking to a single project?...We shall see.

[Pedes]

LOL Okay, I totally get what you're saying now. We were basically saying the same thing, but categorizing it differently.
To the point of making my cry.. from laughing XD
AND it is basicallyw aht I've written, but you're getting into details :D

SO there IS a guide to draw origianl manga... You'd just have to decode our babbling, ne? ;P

[Kaoru]

I'm sure somebody's already said this, but when I write something (but I don't draw) I always base my characters on people I know, and the situations are situations I've been it, mostly. I find it easier to have characters in my storys people I know because I don't have to develop charaters because they are already there, so like if like I'm writing and I wonder what the character would do, all I have to think of is what would the person I basied the character do? But if I would of made up a character, and I just guess what he'd do, it makes little subtle inconsistencies in the character's character which may throw off the reader. I also find it easier to write about situations that I've been in because then it makes everything more real, and maybe the reader just might relate, making my story all that better. But that's not to say I don't make up sitiuations and characters.
If what I just said confuses you disregard it.

[rei_ayamy]

manly i think it's the mangas that already came out that gave me theses ideas... like..ohhhh i teacher x student manga ;llooks good or a looking for stuff adventure looks good... u know?

[Pedes]

I'm sure somebody's already said this, but when I write something (but I don't draw) I always base my characters on people I know, and the situations are situations I've been it, mostly. I find it easier to have characters in my storys people I know because I don't have to develop charaters because they are already there, so like if like I'm writing and I wonder what the character would do, all I have to think of is what would the person I basied the character do? But if I would of made up a character, and I just guess what he'd do, it makes little subtle inconsistencies in the character's character which may throw off the reader. I also find it easier to write about situations that I've been in because then it makes everything more real, and maybe the reader just might relate, making my story all that better. But that's not to say I don't make up sitiuations and characters.
If what I just said confuses you disregard it.
Actually I started like that. Then I just gave charactere a little part of personality of my friends. Then I started creating them from scratch ^^

[chrisbitm]

story plots aren't original. it's how you tell the story.

[Elae]

story plots aren't original. it's how you tell the story.

If threads are almost 7 and a half months old, it's typically safe to assume that you shouldn't reply, and few people will appreciate having their recent questions/comments buried under all of these out-of-date threads. Please show a little restraint.

[Gogatsu]

he's been doing that all night to raise his post count.

[chrisbitm]

If threads are almost 7 and a half months old, it's typically safe to assume that you shouldn't reply, and few people will appreciate having their recent questions/comments buried under all of these out-of-date threads. Please show a little restraint.

sorry. i've been looking for questions that has already been answered so just in case right. i just thought i would be of some help you know.

[chrisbitm]

he's been doing that all night to raise his post count.

wait. how did you know i've been up all night. anyway, i did it for more reasons than that. for one it's obvious. the post count. i don't know, i don't care about it though it's one of those things you know. i never talked over the intrnet before, ie forums. well i guess that is a bad example. anouther one is that i like to help people. so i browsed through the whole "ask the artists" section to find questions i can help with. another is that so i don't ask the same question that has already been answered. but being with that excuse, i don't need to reply. well it ties in with the previous reasons right there

[YamPuff]

The major conflict of the story doesn’t have to be awesome if the characters themselves are. This is how serial manga run for so long – they don’t have one major conflict most of the time. Sure, they have a theme, or a goal, but there are so many little conflicts in between that sometimes you loose sight of that, and end up focusing more on the characters and their evolution through the episodic scenes. Naruto is popular because people LIKE the characters – sure the idea of ninjas is intriguing, but if you’d done it with characters that aren’t earnest or amiable, you’d be screwed over with just another generic ninja story.

Characters have been proven to be more important because of the success of manga like Fruits Basket. The actual plot of the manga, when you come down to it, is retarded. However, because the characters are likeable for their own merits, people become engaged in reading how they interact and deal with the various problems that arise. Look at another manga, like Angelic Layer. "Dolls fight on big tables when they're controlled by their master's mind!" sounds completely idiotic, but because Misaki is likeable -- because you like her friends and Icchan makes you laugh, you're able to engage in the story without being repelled by a plot that, at the end of the day, is rather sophomoric.
Posting in dead thread...can't help it...that is so the suces story behind Tsubasa.

[rocketboy]

I find that having things that inspire all around me, then i can come up with 'em, like different types of music, heres how it goes,

sad scene: sad music, like, a tribute to someone who died, etc

Action scene: rock music, i.e. linkin park

Romantic scene: a really nice tranquil song, i find that u2's electrical storm helps me out alot, J-dilla , (nothing like this)

now, im not saying listen to the same songs i listen to, if you dont like it, but try your favorite music, maybe pictures will help, take a nap, sit in a corner and talk to yourself, things like that

[genji2swords]

Hey, I do the same thing. It really helps alot. I have a statue that I look at and some art from pro manga-kas' to always remind me of where I going with my work.

[phil]

I reckon you just do what you want and then if anyone else likes it it's a bonus. That's what I do. There's plenty of time for editing and conforming later on.
That's the secret of doing good manga. My Rising Stars entry was just a stream of my consciencness - it was exciting for me too seeing how it would all turn out in the end :)

[genji2swords]

That's the best an the worst part about being an artist. You have to have patience. You have this perfect vision in your head of what you want, but it takes time to get it done right. It's being able to dredge through the waiting and being able to create something out of nothing that makes art all worth-while.

[slaverce]

Lots of pondering.

[sugisakiFAN1]

My ideas usually come after i've drawn a picture. I see a character I really like and I think of a life story for that character. After i think of that I try to look at alot of shows to see if my idea is original. If it's too similar I rethink it.

[KrypticHunter]

bring two things together that wouldn't normally be seen together... combine things in a way that it is original

[Pedes]

"Wise man don't seeks enlightement, he waits for it" (T.Pratchett Thief of Time)

Ideas come when you stop seeking for it, artblock goes away if you stop thinking of it and start doodling aimlessly. (Not to mention most ideas come to you when there are exams and you have no time XD).
I had a time when I had problems with coming up with one short finished story - I had only long ones. Now I have problems with concentrating on one story and not change it all the time. It probably means I'm trying to put 3 ideas in one XD