Mastering Anime & Manga - The Writer's Toolbox
In this 4-week course, students will learn the elements and themes that go into designing their favorite animes and mangas and work to craft their own epic tale.
Michael Lang
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(374)
What's included
4 live meetings
4 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be assigned homework each week in regards to the lesson of the session. This will entail continuing to create characters, build upon the world and story, as well as organize their thoughts in for presentation for the final class.Assessment
There is no formal assessment, but I will be providing suggestions and additional guidance for any students that may be struggling with creating on their own.Class Experience
Hello and welcome to Mastering Anime & Manga. In this 4-week course, we will learn the secrets of the genre formed and popularized in Japan. Not only will we learn the history of anime & manga and what makes them unique from other cartoons and comics, but we'll take these elements and infuse them into our own stories and worlds or create characters within your favorite anime or mangas. It doesn't matter what type of animes you're into, whether it's shonen, shouju, a slice of life, mecha, or even an Isekai. We'll go through all and any subgenres that make up the large pool of anime for use of our own stories. Here's how: Week 1: A brief history of Anime & the "Heroes" that fill them. In our very first week, we'll get to know each other our favorite animes and mangas and talk about what makes an anime an anime outside of it coming from Japan. We'll then transition to character creation and begin thinking and creating the main characters in our world. Week 2: World Building and Power Systems Next, we'll go over the important elements of world-building and power systems. Anime is notorious for its well-defined power/magic systems as well as its unique, strange worlds. We'll talk about themes, see how powerful our magic systems can go and learn some secrets when it comes to populating special world's with history and lore. Week 3: Story and Plot Now that we have the import down we focus on the actual story that we want to tell. Now obviously we might not be able to create a whole story in just an hour, but we can figure out the "meaning" of your character's story. What it is they learn to fight or live for. What happens when they lose this motivation, and what it takes to get them back on the right path. What makes anime so special are the epic journeys they'll take not just out in the world they live in, but also the ones deep within their own heart and soul. Week 4: Final thoughts and Sharing In this final session, we'll clean up and organize our thoughts and share the characters we've created and the adventures they'll be going on. By the end, each student will have a small story bible they'll be able to take with them to continue to expand their universe and story.
Learning Goals
Not only will we be learning a lot about anime in general, but students will gain a strong foundation in story development.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Not all anime are made equal. Some series and shows depict graphic and cruel violence as well as strong sexual undertones that may not be suitable for all ages. Because this is a part of anime in general we will discuss these topics very briefly. Mainly in why they're so prevalent in anime as well as their problematic nature and how we can evolve or even avoid these elements.
When it comes to students' stories, they are given to create freely without any censorship, however, I will work to ensure that everything is done tastefully and is not harmful or offensive in its foundation.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2019
4.9
374reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Not only have I been a professional writer for almost two decades and a huge fan of anime, but the stories I tend to produce and publish are highly anime-inspired. So this just happens to my personal specialty when it comes to genres and styles.Reviews
Live Group Class
$45
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
1-5 learners per class
