STANDARDS
Core Art Standards: VA1, VA2, VA8
CCSS: R1, R2, R9
Comics: A Visual Style for Everyone
How do artists use different techniques to support the narrative?
Graphic novels and comics can be about anything, and artists can illustrate them in any style. But a few styles are quite common. We asked former Scholastic intern, recent art school graduate, and aspiring cartoonist Austin Johnson to create four illustrations showing a student driver in action, each in a different style. Which example is your favorite? And which narrative is closest to your real-life experience?
Illustrated by Austin Johnson
What is most relatable about this scene?
Relatable Realism
The first scene shows a teen and an adult parked safely along the curb. They are focused on the car, probably discussing what to do first. The setting, colors, and perspective are realistic. Although Johnson includes the side of a building and some plants in the background, he directs the viewer’s eye to the car’s interior. The figures’ bright shirts pop against the gray road and muted blue car. This is probably a big moment for the student driver, but everything about this scene is calm and deliberate.
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Illustrated by Austin Johnson
What techniques does Johnson use to convey a narrative?
Classic Comic
In this example, the driving lesson has gone awry. Johnson presents the moment after the action in this scene. The bright colors and generic suburban street place us in Anytown, USA, making the situation feel familiar. Both characters have exaggerated facial expressions and body language as they observe the damage. In a dialogue bubble, the young girl hesitantly suggests she deserves a do-over, adding a note of humor.
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Illustrated by Austin Johnson
Which details create excitement in this scene?
Superhero Stunts
The student driving the car in this scene might just fancy himself a superhero; his terrified-looking teacher seems to disagree. Johnson uses dramatic perspective to create the illusion of speed. He exaggerates the width of the front of the car, which makes it appear to lurch out of the panel toward the viewer. To add to the scene’s intensity, Johnson depicts a gust of wind rushing through a woman’s hair and nearly blowing off a man’s hat. Red flames race after the car down the street. Johnson uses converging lines to show extreme depth, creating the sense that the driver has a long straightaway to hit the gas. Meanwhile, sound effects make it clear that the cars in the background had to slam on the breaks as the determined student driver roared past.
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Illustrated by Austin Johnson
How does Johnson add drama to this scene?
Manga Moment
Johnson uses black and white for this scene, which is typical for manga. The monochromatic palette makes the image appear serious and dramatic. The artist places the viewer inside the car. The driving instructor wears her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, has her shirt buttoned all the way to her neck, and frowns as she takes notes. This contrasts with the student, who wears rumpled shorts and a T-shirt. The student’s body language shows how nervous they are, with tense shoulders, wide eyes, and exaggerated sweat. Do you think the student will pass the driving test? Why or why not?
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