I’m presently conceptualizing my entry for the 2007 International Christian Comics competition. Most of it is happening in my head for now, with very few sketches being generated. Good writing notwithstanding, much of the story limitations and parameters I’ve raised seem to be dictating the DOs and DON’Ts. Hence, it is a wrestling match just to get the story down.
1 A big consideration is that the comic should fall within Christian discipleship and/or evangelism. This is actually mentioned in the contest rules. More often than not this would be to espouse Christian values and promote salvation through Christ. Practical application of these is always a winner. Pretty simple concept.
2 But I’m trying to avoid having those simple (yet essential) concepts dull the plot. That’s my second consideration. I don’t want to preach. I want to share what I have experienced in light of God’s truths. Experience alone is just a single-edged sword. Experience in light of God’s truths is a double-edged sword that has the potential to become a killer story.
3 Another parameter of mine is keeping a sense of wonder. Being the fantasy fan that I am, I will tell my story on comics taking whole advantage of the medium’s unlimited special effects budget!
And in terms of Christian themes, wonder comes in many ways. One could be the revelation of something new that you didn’t know before or had forgotten. Another could be exploring Bible themes & trivia in an exciting way - one that will catch the imagination and reasoning of your readers.
4 I would have to say however, that while miracles can happen, the mature Christian knows these follow obedience to Christ - and at times miracles don’t come at all!! Throwing a miracle into the plot (even in an Alice-in-Wonderland fantasy) can quickly rip your readers from the pages. They don’t have to be non-believers to balk at an unexplainable & irrational plot device. Miracles should not be dispensed haphazardly, they are pretty explosive. So I tell myself to hold the physics-defying miracles until I can convince the reader to expect them. (And I find it hard to do in 4 pages)
5 Perhaps the most obvious parameter in writing my Christian comic is that I have to be walking with God. I have to be in constant fellowship with him. If this story I am bleeding my brains out to create is going to be worth all the trouble, I have to know why I’m doing it (beyond the 1st- place-only prize money).
These are but 5 of the limitations & parameters I’ve assigned. I wish I had more experience in writing fiction, but what little I have - I put to work!
May 8th, 2007 - 5:52 pm
hi Joel. about # 2: I agree, straight up preaching wouldn’t be very original. hmm. maybe if you could capture Him, or His essence in a character’s expression, that character wouldn’t have to say a word at all.