Writing for comic book adaptations

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to answer the question of how to approach adapting other media into comics. In order to approach this question, several aspects of writing and adapting media were explored in order to give the reader a wide idea of applicable techniques.

The fundamentals of writing were explained using the Six Core Competencies model by Larry Brooks. How these techniques can differ across mediums was explained using Howard Ashman’s theory of different “levels of reality” among different forms of fiction. Specific techniques used when creating comics were highlighted and discussed, such as page turns, pacing and panelling techniques.

Writing techniques and beliefs regarding creating adaptations were detailed using the field of adaptational studies as a reference. The ways that these techniques apply to comic book adaptations was also explored.

Three published comic book adaptations were analysed for the purpose of benchmarking: Borderlands, Team Fortress Comics and Alice in Murderland.

The techniques discussed and information gained from benchmarking was used to create a project adapting the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. This project focused on the re-interpretation of the source material. The final comic was 45 pages. A possible production plan for the comic was also discussed.