Marvel method
3 pages • Writer-artist collaboration • 15-20 hours
Overview
Collaborate on creating pages of comics continuity. Collaborative assignment based on the Marvel Comics assembly line process. Writer and artist create a plot synopsis, from which the artist pencils the entire story without words. Writer then adds copy to the pencil art.
Why This Assignment Exists
For working adults: Shows you don't have to do everything yourself. Many successful comic careers are built on specialization (inking only, coloring only, etc.).
For portfolio builders: Demonstrates you can work collaboratively and meet others' expectations. Studios want people who play well with others, not just solo auteurs.
What You'll Learn
- Collaboration and compromise
- Staying on-model with others' characters
- Production pipeline workflow
- Specialization vs. jack-of-all-trades approaches
Workflow
Phase 1: Story conference
Writers and artists team up to plot a new story. Each student writes one story and draws another. 20-minute brainstorming sessions to create plot synopsis focusing on visual elements.
- Team A brainstorm
- Team B brainstorm
- Everyone: loosely pencil all three pages
Phase 2: Pencil art
Artists pencil the story on full-size paper. Take over the story, improvise and elaborate beyond plot synopsis. Focus on visual drama and storytelling. Leave room for word balloons and text.
- Thumbnail, pencil
- Send pencils to writer
Phase 3: Script
Writers study art and create letterer's script with placement indications. No panel descriptions—just dialogue, captions, and sound effects. Label each balloon/caption with numbers. Mark up copies of art showing word placement.
- Write letterer's script
- Mark up copies of art with lettering indications
- Two-person team: Send script and marked-up art to artist
- Four-person team: Send script and marked-up art to letterer
Phase 4: Lettering
Letter and border final art in ink using Ames 3.5 two-thirds setting. Improvise expressive lettering for titles, credits, sound effects, shout balloons.
- Letter and border in ink
- Two-person team:
- Finish inking the art, finish Photoshop production
- Create page TIFs of final art
- Four-person team:
- Send lettered art to your assigned inker
Phase 5: Inking
Interpret and enhance penciled art with your personal inking style. Scan and format to Photoshop production file, create page TIFs.
- Ink the art
- Finish Photoshop production
- Create page TIFs of final art
Requirements
- Minimum page count: 3
- Art dimensions: 9×14.5 inches
- Lettering: By hand
- Ames guide: 3.5 scale, two-thirds ratio
Common Challenges
- Communication gaps: Artist interprets plot differently than writer intended—discuss visual approach before penciling
- Word balloon space: Artist doesn't leave enough room—writer must adapt or artist must revise
- Schedule coordination: One person falls behind—affects entire team
Related Resources
- The Marvel Method according to Jack Kirby
- The interviews: "Kirby saved Marvel's ass"
- Part one: Evidence, plots, concept pages
- Part two: The story conference
- Part three: Kirby the creator