Writing for Comics with Peter David

I have been reading comics, especially Marvel, since childhood. My
parents were sure I would lose interest quickly but they were wrong: I
am in my mid-fourties now and although my daughter can`t read yet, she
loves looking at the comics while I am reading them. She especially
likes Spider-Man.

When I got the book, she immediately said "Peter David". She can`t read
but she does recognize certain words. I thought, this was pretty funny.

There are quite a few people who think media SF is something inferior
compared to non-media books, something I never agreed with. In many
cases this is a prejudice people would forget very quickly if they would
approach them open-minded. The same applies to comics. Also comic books
can be very intelligent and have thought provoking stories. They have
given me a lot: Not just entertainment but they helped me to learn
English before I started reading English novels. And today it is
something interesting to share with my child. It wouldn`t surprise me at
all if my comic collection will also help her to learn how to read.

Peter David`s book shows that also comic books are about writing good,
entertaining stories. In that regard, there is not a big difference from
novels. Most of the chapters deal with topics like characterizations,
continuity, conflict, story arcs, plot and pacing. Only the last few
chapters deal with comic specific topics like using and placing word
balloons and sound effects. Also scripting and the use of art is
mentioned.

This book presents facts but in a very entertaining, fun way. He gives
several examples from his long experience as a comic writer that are
very amusing sometimes and interesting.

I think this book is an interesting read for any fan who enjoys reading
in general, not just comics. It is certainly a useful book for fan
fiction writers and participants of the Strange New World contest.

Baerbel Haddrell

"." <"."@trekdata.demon.co.uk> wrote in
news:NvGFrCACNiYFFwtP@trekdata.demon.co.uk:

> I have been reading comics, especially Marvel, since childhood. My
> parents were sure I would lose interest quickly but they were wrong: I
> am in my mid-fourties now and although my daughter can`t read yet, she
> loves looking at the comics while I am reading them. She especially
> likes Spider-Man.
>
> When I got the book, she immediately said "Peter David". She can`t read
> but she does recognize certain words. I thought, this was pretty funny.
>
> There are quite a few people who think media SF is something inferior
> compared to non-media books, something I never agreed with. In many
> cases this is a prejudice people would forget very quickly if they
would
> approach them open-minded. The same applies to comics. Also comic books
> can be very intelligent and have thought provoking stories. They have
> given me a lot: Not just entertainment but they helped me to learn
> English before I started reading English novels. And today it is
> something interesting to share with my child. It wouldn`t surprise me
at
> all if my comic collection will also help her to learn how to read.
>
> Peter David`s book shows that also comic books are about writing good,
> entertaining stories. In that regard, there is not a big difference
from
> novels. Most of the chapters deal with topics like characterizations,
> continuity, conflict, story arcs, plot and pacing. Only the last few
> chapters deal with comic specific topics like using and placing word
> balloons and sound effects. Also scripting and the use of art is
> mentioned.
>
> This book presents facts but in a very entertaining, fun way. He gives
> several examples from his long experience as a comic writer that are
> very amusing sometimes and interesting.
>
> I think this book is an interesting read for any fan who enjoys reading
> in general, not just comics. It is certainly a useful book for fan
> fiction writers and participants of the Strange New World contest.
>
> Baerbel Haddrell

You ought to tell Peter about this - I'm sure he'd get a kick out of it.

cd
--
The difference between immorality and immortality is "T". I like Earl
Grey.