Article: untitled, episode 2, 1st scene.
Medium: Manga
Drawing style: Version 1.1 drawing style, Dual-chromatic shadings
Length: 4 panels, 1 page.
Plot: Arbitrary scene.
One of the most intuitive reactions when this composition is presented is a sense of achievement and awe. Yes, there are certain breakthroughs with this manga article- in terms of plot, drawing and characterizations. Some of these achievements include:
1) Harmonizing of standard manga eye styles and poses into personal drawings, accentuating on the cuteness factor.
2) Acquisition of complex posing techniques- i.e. back shots, top down, bottom up shots.
3) Sequential portrayal of pictures systematic enough to form a simple dialogue- rather than on-the-spot scenic poses.
However, much as I would wish to rest on my laurels and commend ourselves for such an achievement, I would also wish to state that such a composition is far from ideal standards. The reasons for such are as follows:
1) The panels are not planned properly before hand, and suit the drawing rather than the other way. This results in some miscalculations in scene depiction, and certain panels have to be shifted to accommodate drawings.
2) Also, panels are too sparely planned. Each page should consist of at least 4-7 panels on the average unless there is a need to depict 'epic shots' i.e. character shots or scenery.
3) The T1.1 character drawings are captivating, but there is little detail on objects such as clothing, furniture and background.
4) The drawing feels objectified. That is- there is not enough focus on the facial expressions of the character. This is probably because each shot is a mid-range shot of the character and at least half of her body.
5) The drawing is slipshod. Although this page was not planned for a manga depiction initially, lines for tables, windows, and their perspective were poorly planned. In panel 3 the tables are all listed to the left, and the windows nearly unrecognizable.
6) The shadings are non-standard and done in pencil. This gives a sense of monotony and lifelessness to the background scenes, since light-dynamics are greatly compromised.
Possible areas of improvement are as follows:
1) Introduction of more complex posing- in some scenes we want the eyes of the character to look at each other, and not around the reader's direction, other times we have to content with near-side shots or back shots with head looking front.
2) Proper planning of panels. Draw in the panels and their positions, with appropriate places and sizes for conversation. Also, panels must stand out and reflect undertones.
3) Up the level of detail on clothing and furniture. Although it is T1.1 the targeted level of detail should be at least T1.4. This includes shadowing and light dynamics.
4) Different combination of posing can be incorporated, for dialogue centric panels, close ups on the face only may be used, so that facial expressions may be more freely depicted. In other shots, a full body pose may suffice.
5) A precise note of perspective. Rulers and other instruments should be employed decisively, and concept lines need to be kept to a minimum from now on.
6) Shadings need to be more contrasting, and hatching could be considered as replacement to some of the soft shadings. Shadowing needs to be more precise and detailed, and illumination need to be portrayed with greater realism.
Currently, the standard of this article still does not meet the requirements of a standard manga, but serves as a good indicator and prototype to future panels. Till then, there is still much room for improvement. But nevertheless, it was still a good start. Congratulations =)
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