Let’s Make a Manga! - Part One
Have you ever wanted to create your own beautiful manga full of rich story line, interesting characters, and outstanding art that everyone will love? In the new “Let’s Make a Manga” series, find out how to make eye-catching covers, story plots that will make your readers beg for more, panel your manga, and create characters with personality.
Part One- Story Plots
This week I will cover how to deliver extraordinary story plots!
Whenever I get an idea for a new manga, I start by writing down on a sheet of paper the summary of the story. Make sure that you add in any details you definitely want in your story before you forget it, because those kinds of things do happen sometimes.
EXAMPLE SUMMARY: Reina is a regular teenage girl who lives in Tokyo, Japan. But one day, she finds herself caught in the middle of an epic war between two sides she never knew existed. After taking a liking to a few younger members of the UHT (Underground Hero Team), Reina wants to help the heroes fight, even though she has no power herself. Nevertheless, she uses her quick wits and reflexes to make up for the powers she doesn’t have.
After I write the summaries, I decide how I will break up my story into separate groups. I usually split the plot into beginning, middle, and end, but break it up into as many groups as you’d like.
EXAMPLE:
Beginning: Reina is introduced to the readers. After having to stay in yet another day after school, she is attacked by a crook with supernatural powers. Miraculously, she is saved by a group of do-gooders with magical abilities.
Middle: The heroes welcome Reina into their secret base and explain to her their situation between heroes versus villains. The hero team then prepares for the villains to attack as they have found the location to their base and prepare for the final battle of the secret war.
End: Villains unexpectedly attack the citizens of Tokyo city instead of the heroes. Heroes are desperate to hold them back and protect the innocent. Reina and her friends find a way to beat the villains by finding all five stones of peril. When the stones connect together, the Great Protector should arrive and save them all.
When writing the plot, be open to new and unexpected twists along the way. This can make your story even better. Oftentimes, I am putting together scripts or even drawing out scenes when I think of a cool twist that could occur in the plot. Stay creative!