This document provides an overview of the history of comics, beginning with their origins in the early 19th century. It discusses how Rodolphe Töpffer created early comic strips and graphic novels in 1827. In the early 20th century, comic strips began to be regularly published in newspapers and were known as "the funnies." Notable developments discussed include the first comic strip written by a woman in 1940 and the start of MAD Magazine in 1952. The rise of superhero comics in the late 1930s and 1940s during World War 2 is also summarized, along with how comics and superhero movies remain popular today. The document concludes by providing assignments for students to practice basic drawing skills necessary for comics.

1. Comics! Introduction.....Here we go!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/330454/the-new-yorker-animated-cartoons-evolve-at-your-own-risk
http://www.hulu.com/watch/255084/the-new-yorker-animated-cartoons-art-direction
http://www.hulu.com/watch/330452/the-new-yorker-animated-cartoons-global-whining
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2. When did comics begin?
• In 1827, Switzerland's Rudolphe Töpffer created a comic strip and continued on
to publish seven graphic novels.
• Rodolphe was initially unable to pursue a career in the visual arts like his father. Instead, he
devoted himself to literature
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3. Are Comic Books Funny?
Around 1900, the terms
"comics" and "comic strip"
came into common use in the
United States.
The strips of pictures being
printed in magazines and
newspapers at that time were
all funny or comic.
At first newspaper comic
strips were called "the
funnies" and later the term
comics became more popular.
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4. Brenda Starr
• In 1940, the first cartoon strip written by a woman
was published in Chicago.
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5. MAD Magazine
1952
• American publisher, William Gaines started Mad magazine
in 1952, a popular and satirical monthly comic book.
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6. SUPERHERO’s?
When and Why?
-Superheroes became
popular in the late 1930s
and early 1940s. DC Comics
emerged.
-During World War II they
became stars.
-Superman had arrived and
become the first comic-book
character to have powers
much greater than any
human being.
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7. The superheroes in this century continue to be more
popular than ever. Movies that star characters such as
Spider-Man have become blockbusters
Let’s watch the history in action!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqvJ0UHFaug
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8. So, Where do we start?
Learn how to draw
forms/shapes, people,
objects, places,
expressions!
Start with
manipulating the basic
forms: squares,
triangles, rectagles,
ovals
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=yvjKtMji6Rk Sketchbook Assignment #1:
Due Friday, 3/15
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9. Video-Showing basic shape drawings
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OOZxt1yoRA
Sketchbook Assignment #2:
Due Friday, 3/15
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10. Breaking humans into shapes!
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=1618qH7KojU Sketchbook Assignment #3:
Due Friday, 3/15
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11. Practicing eyes!
Sketchbook Assignment #4: Choose 5 sets of eyes to draw.
Due Tuesday, 3/19 at beginning of class.
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12. Eyes - Part 2
Focusing on expressions
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=GxGWEnB1F1s
Sketchbook Assignment #4:
Choose 5 sets of eyes to draw.
Due Tuesday, 3/19
at beginning of class.
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13. Drawing hands - Part 1
Sketchbook Assignment #6:
Complete steps A - D
Due Tuesday, 3/19
at beginning of class.
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14. Hands - Part 2: Gestures
Sketchbook Assignment #7:
Choose 10 hands
Due Tuesday, 3/19
at beginning of class.
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15. Breaking down animals into shapes
Sketchbook Assignment #8:
Draw # 1 - #3
Due Thursday, 3/21
at beginning of class.
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16. Lastly, Drawing the head & Expressions
Sketchbook Assignment #9:
Draw # 1 - #12
Due Thursday, 3/21
at beginning of class.
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17. Remember... Practicing helps
improve your drawing skills!
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