Summer Enrichment students create their own graphic novels

The Warwick Valley Central School District Summer Enrichment Program gives students the chance to explore a wide variety of interests, offering fun and challenging classes across a wide range of subjects. Last week, students in Krystie Gilmore’s Create a Graphic Novel class learned what goes into creating a graphic novel, including the fundamentals of effective storytelling — such as introductions, settings, and character building — as well as the multi-panel format that largely defines the graphic novel genre.

Park Avenue student Carmine Spadaccini explained that the process began with basic plot points, then moved into character development before shaping those elements into the graphic novel panel format. The students learned how to effectively use the panel format by choosing appropriate colors and utilizing space and scale to convey the action in their stories. 

“First, we came up with ideas to make the books; after that we came up with the main characters,” said Carmine. “And then we learned about the thumbnails and panels.”

The class was geared toward students with an interest in graphic novels and/or illustration and writing, and they definitely drew inspiration for their art and stories from some of their own favorite titles. Some students drew inspiration from superhero titles, some from titles like the popular comedy series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Captain Underpants, and many others. Carmine said that it was his dad who first got him interested in graphic novels.

“He has these Marvel graphic novels that he used to read to me. My favorite one was Venom.”

Sanfordville Elementary student and graphic novel class participant James House added, “The one I really like is Dog Man!”

Ms. Gilmore said her approach to the week-long class was to introduce the students to the How-To of writing a graphic novel “bit by bit.” Her approach afforded students the time to gain an understanding of such finer points of storytelling as taking their time to let their stories unfold, and to carefully consider each section of their plot’s arc. 

The Create a Graphic Novel class was just one week long, and its goal was for each student to complete their own graphic novel. That is… ONE graphic novel.

“But they exceeded my expectations,” said Ms. Gilmore, adding that the class came in on day one of the class with tons of creative ideas and enthusiasm for the topic. “I only expected us to do one volume, but we all did two! They all came ready with great ideas, and it has been great to experience the creativity that came out of this.”

On Friday, the students all went home with two graphic novels of their own making!