Objective

By the end of this lesson, Mason will have a better understanding of Manga art styles and techniques. He will create his own Manga character and a short comic strip, allowing him to express his creativity and storytelling skills.

Materials and Prep

• Plain paper or sketchbook
• Pencil and eraser
• Black pen or marker for outlining
• Colored pencils or markers (if available)
• Reference images of Manga characters (optional)

Before the lesson, it would be helpful to gather some examples of popular Manga styles and characters to inspire Mason. You can also encourage him to think about what kind of character he would like to create.

Activities

• Character Design: Mason will start by sketching his own Manga character. He can think about the character's personality, special abilities, and appearance. Encourage him to experiment with different hairstyles, outfits, and facial expressions.

• Story Development: After designing his character, Mason will create a simple backstory. What is the character's name? What do they like? What adventures do they go on? This will help him think about the character's motivation and actions.

• Comic Strip Creation: Finally, Mason will create a short 3-4 panel comic strip featuring his character. He can illustrate a small scene or a funny moment, using dialogue bubbles to convey the story. Encourage him to keep it simple and fun!

Talking Points

• "Manga is a unique style of comic that comes from Japan, and it has its own special way of telling stories!"
• "Think about what makes your character special. What are their strengths and weaknesses?"
• "Facial expressions are really important in Manga. They can show how a character feels without using words!"
• "When creating a comic strip, remember that each panel tells part of the story. How can you make each moment exciting?"
• "Don't be afraid to be creative! Manga is all about expressing your ideas in fun and interesting ways!"