About this course

Art of the Comic Book is a goal-orientated, college-level studio workshop for making comics with traditional ink-on-paper media. Exercises are based on real-world assignments. Fundamental comic book media techniques include storytelling, character design, working with scripts, hand lettering, inking with brushes and dip pens, figure drawing, sketchbook practice and group critiques. Technical elements include ruling pens and perspective drawing. Study the comic book industry's current production methods, business environment and history.

Your goals

When you have completed this course you should be able to do the following:

  • Have a historically-based vocabulary and techniques of comics story-telling
  • Understand how these techniques should be used
  • Use basic media techniques and materials
  • Understand fundamentals of sequential storytelling
  • Apply anatomy, drafting, perspective, page layout, composition, panel arrangement
  • Tell a variety of stories in a clear and interesting manner
  • Develop creative solutions to unanticipated problems
  • Draw on solutions by historical and contemporary artists
  • Work in solo and collaborative projects
  • Objectively critique your work, as well as the work of others
  • Use currrent digital and traditional production techniques
  • Be aware of professional opportunities and presenting your work
David Marshall drawing a comic book

Your instructor

Marshall was published by Fantagraphics Books, SpiderBaby Graphix and FantaCo Enterprises. He is also a multiple participant of 24-Hour Comics Day. Through his one-man creative services company Marshall Art Studio, David provides web design + development, print design, illustration and overall content beautification.

David Marshall's formal teaching career began in 1995. In this capacity, his primary emphasis is clear content presentation, regardless of artistic media. Exercises for Art of the Comic Book leverage Mr. Marshall's vast knowledge of both traditional and digital tools for creating comic books. Classwork combines creative fundamentals (research, anatomy, perspective, composition, storytelling, etc.) with current production methods and business environment.

My Comics
Inky Stories is my collection of web comics of mostly short, self-contained stories. Genres include satire, horror, romance, sci-fi, and crime fiction. Learn more
Rodier Studio
Short demos of inking and drawing by Canadian artist Denis Rodier Learn more
Boston Comics Roundtable
Local creators of all levels meet weekly to share work, plan events, and publish Learn more