SGCC Learning Package: Beyond the Panels
Adults & Seniors
by LearnX Arts
SGCC Learning Package
Beyond the Panels – Deconstructing Graphic Novels
The creation of comics has evolved significantly since the medium's inception, with artists and writers constantly pushing boundaries in storytelling and visual representation. Beyond the panels delves into the intricate world of comic creation, showcasing works that reveal the scaffolding behind sequential art. This collection features meta-comics that challenge traditional narrative structures and publications that illuminate the artist's journey from concept to completion.
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Book Recommendations
1. The comics of Chris Ware : drawing is a way of thinking
Author: David M. Ball, Martha B. Kuhlman
Format: eBook
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Explore Chris Ware’s transformative impact on graphic novels in this compelling essay collection. Featuring works like Jimmy Corrigan, Building Stories and Rusty Brown, it illuminates Ware’s mastery in blending introspection, artistry and emotional depth within the comics medium.
https://nlb.overdrive.com/media/DB5B1BCF-9DC2-41D6-A42F-762DDC287471
2. Understanding comics : the invisible art
Author: Scott McCloud
Format: Book
Call No.: q741.5 MAC
Pubilsher: New York, N.Y. : HarperPerennial, 1994
In this book, Scott McCloud uncovers the art and language behind the medium, revealing its subtle symbols, techniques and cultural depth. This insightful exploration respects and clarifies comics’ complexity, offering a fresh perspective on visual storytelling for all readers.
https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=113222973. Reinventing comics : how imagination and technology are revolutionizing an art form
Author: Scott McCloud
Format: Book
Call No.: q741.5 MAC-[ART]
Pubilsher: New York : Perennial, 2000
In this book, Scott McCloud explores 12 transformative shifts redefining comics in the digital age. Championing creators’ rights and inclusivity, he envisions a future where technology and creativity unite, reshaping how comics are made, consumed and appreciated.
https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=100943464. How to be happy
Author: Eleanor Davis
Format: Book
Call No.: 741.5973 DAV-[ART]
Publisher: Seattle, WA : Fantagraphics Books, 2014
Eleanor Davis’ How to Be Happy weaves profound emotional depth into stunning graphic short stories. Combining sketchy lines, refined ink and vibrant colour, this collection captures life’s complexities, offering narratives that resonate long after the final page.
https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=2011180165. The bird king : an artist's notebook
Author: Shaun Tan
Format: Book
Call No.: 741.64092 TAN
Publisher: London : Walker Studio, 2019.
In The Bird King: An Artist’s Notebook, Shaun Tan shares an intimate look at his creative process, revealing how uncertainty and persistence shape his work. Through sketches and reflections, Tan invites readers to witness the transformation of raw ideas into extraordinary art.
https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=200135573
6. Graphic storytelling and visual narrative
Author: Will Eisner
Format: eBook
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
In Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative, Will Eisner imparts timeless wisdom on the art of visual storytelling. Through examples from his own work and others, he shows how words and images fuse to create compelling, unforgettable narratives for all storytellers.
https://nlb.overdrive.com/media/B4624095-5D07-4CC1-BAD7-BF6DDE60AEB47. The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist
Author: Adrian Tomine
Format: Book
Call No.: 741.5973 TOM-[ART]
Publisher: Montreal, Quebec,: Drawn & Quarterly, 2020
In The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Cartoonist, Adrian Tomine candidly explores the awkward truths of a comic career. Through humorous, cringeworthy moments and sketchbook-style illustrations, he reflects on fame, fulfillment, marriage, fatherhood and the unexpected joys of life.
https://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg/search/card?recordId=2053756568. The right way to make Jump!. volume 1
Author: Takeshi Sakurai
Format: eBook
Publisher: VIZMedia
In The Right Way to Make Jump!,Takeshi Sakurai offers a quirky, behind-the-scenes look at Weekly Shonen Jump. Guided by his editor, this self-proclaimed “inept” artist explores the magazine’s editorial offices and creators' studios, uncovering the secrets behind its success.
https://nlb.overdrive.com/media/FCCE2D71-904A-4302-A9E1-8205DEEC9594 -
Videos
1. 10 DON'TS of Making Comics as an ART CAREER
Thinking about turning comics into a career? This video offers real-world advice on avoiding common mistakes, from time management to balancing art and storytelling. Packed with practical tips, it's perfect for anyone starting out or looking to level up in the comic world.
2. "Flood" by Eric Drooker & "The Arrival" by Shaun Tan: two wordless comics
Curious about the power of visual storytelling? This video explores two wordless comics—Drooker’s Flood and Tan’s The Arrival—showing how art alone conveys deep emotions and complex narratives. It’s an insightful look at how imagery speaks volumes about human connection and survival.
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Articles
1. Designing Lives and Building Stories, Chris Ware’s Comic Book Epic
This article offers an insightful exploration of Chris Ware’s life and work, examining his complex storytelling and intricate comic designs. It delves into his ability to combine deep emotional narratives with visually stunning artwork, highlighting his influence on 21st-century graphic novels.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/designing-lives-and-building-stories-chris-wares-comic-book-epic-81172688/
2. Deconstructing Comics
If you're passionate about comics, Deconstructing Comics is your go-to podcast for in-depth discussions on all things comics—manga, graphic novels, webcomics and more. With creator interviews, thoughtful reviews and expert insights, it’s perfect for both readers and creators seeking fresh perspectives.
https://deconstructingcomics.com/
3. Behind the Scenes: Animated Comic with Grease Pencil
Curious about how comics transform into animation? Behind the Scenes: Animated Comic with Grease Pencil reveals how Blender’s Grease Pencil tool brings static comic art to life with dynamic, hand-drawn animation. This behind-the-scenes look blends traditional drawing with modern tech, offering cool insights for aspiring animators and comic fans alike.
https://www.blendernation.com/2020/02/26/behind-the-scenes-animated-comic-with-grease-pencil/
