Comments on: Index: How to Write a Superhero Story http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/ Writing advice for superhero, fantasy & sci-fi authors Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:01:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Lighting Man http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55045 Lighting Man Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:49:58 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55045 I apologize, Shell, I got confused because I read the posts then got to work on reformatting my computer, so when I came back to my post, my brain thought you had asked for a reason for them to want to maintain their giant forms. My brain goes a-splodey far more then it should, and I wasn't the slightest bit helpful. I apologize, Shell, I got confused because I read the posts then got to work on reformatting my computer, so when I came back to my post, my brain thought you had asked for a reason for them to want to maintain their giant forms. My brain goes a-splodey far more then it should, and I wasn’t the slightest bit helpful.

]]> By: Shell http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55040 Shell Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:04:40 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55040 Sorry, correction: "I should think that if the giants are NOT pursued by some kind of force, then it’s unrealistic." Sorry, correction: “I should think that if the giants are NOT pursued by some kind of force, then it’s unrealistic.”

]]> By: Shell http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55039 Shell Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:02:28 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55039 Lightening Man: Thank you for the input. While I recognize the emotional value in the medical dilemma, I don't think that's quite my intent. *** B.Mac: "It didn’t sound like you had much action in mind." There is, actually. Well, there is an intention for it, but I struggle with making "pursuit stories" interesting and not falling into chase-and-escape routines. That's why I felt that parody might spice that up a bit from the mundane; I feel stuck in redundancy. Any advice on "pursuit stories" would be of great help (in any plot). Unless you think there's some way I can work around that formula and avoid it; but I should think that if the giants are pursued by some kind of force, then it's unrealistic. (Any one else feel free to comment, as well.) "I think the choice would be more dramatic if they were giving up something to make the choice." Total agreement with you, there. You asked about the size of the giants. I've experimented with many size ranges, but when I got bored with 60-70 ft. giants being the max, I got daring for the creative exercise: my scientists become 108 ft. (18x the size of a 6-ft. human, or approx. 13 stories). So far, my conversions, not just on size change but in proximity to buildings and other objects and people, have been reasonably accurate, but no one's going to take the time and check my math. *** As a general statement: I'm not trying to write a dissertation supporting the science and necessity of giants. But, as a writer, I do want to establish continuity within the universe of the story. If not through the science venue, then something else (of course, like you implied, B.Mac, I may need a different science). It's more of a Gulliver's Travels, only more entertaining and fast-paced than the satire by Jonathan Swift, and peppered by political, social, and relationship issues to give it the human experience. These are humans experiencing gianthood for the first time. As characters, I think giants have a neat perspective, especially if it's the mind of a human in the body of a giant. The conflict between great power and great restraint. As to the concern "why would anyone want to be that way," perhaps that is a better question for the villains. There was an episode of Super Friends where the League of Doom intentionally turned themselves into giants in order to overcome the League of Justice. To that end, maybe giantdom is more appealing in the hands of villains than good guys; maybe the scientists should have bad intentions, but be given opportunities to do good, which they can choose to reject until something personally affects them. *** Again, I do appreciate your time in reading my thoughts and responding to my questions. Thank you both. Lightening Man:

Thank you for the input. While I recognize the emotional value in the medical dilemma, I don’t think that’s quite my intent.

***

B.Mac:

“It didn’t sound like you had much action in mind.”
There is, actually. Well, there is an intention for it, but I struggle with making “pursuit stories” interesting and not falling into chase-and-escape routines. That’s why I felt that parody might spice that up a bit from the mundane; I feel stuck in redundancy. Any advice on “pursuit stories” would be of great help (in any plot). Unless you think there’s some way I can work around that formula and avoid it; but I should think that if the giants are pursued by some kind of force, then it’s unrealistic.

(Any one else feel free to comment, as well.)

“I think the choice would be more dramatic if they were giving up something to make the choice.”
Total agreement with you, there.

You asked about the size of the giants. I’ve experimented with many size ranges, but when I got bored with 60-70 ft. giants being the max, I got daring for the creative exercise: my scientists become 108 ft. (18x the size of a 6-ft. human, or approx. 13 stories). So far, my conversions, not just on size change but in proximity to buildings and other objects and people, have been reasonably accurate, but no one’s going to take the time and check my math.

***

As a general statement: I’m not trying to write a dissertation supporting the science and necessity of giants. But, as a writer, I do want to establish continuity within the universe of the story. If not through the science venue, then something else (of course, like you implied, B.Mac, I may need a different science). It’s more of a Gulliver’s Travels, only more entertaining and fast-paced than the satire by Jonathan Swift, and peppered by political, social, and relationship issues to give it the human experience. These are humans experiencing gianthood for the first time. As characters, I think giants have a neat perspective, especially if it’s the mind of a human in the body of a giant. The conflict between great power and great restraint.
As to the concern “why would anyone want to be that way,” perhaps that is a better question for the villains. There was an episode of Super Friends where the League of Doom intentionally turned themselves into giants in order to overcome the League of Justice. To that end, maybe giantdom is more appealing in the hands of villains than good guys; maybe the scientists should have bad intentions, but be given opportunities to do good, which they can choose to reject until something personally affects them.

***

Again, I do appreciate your time in reading my thoughts and responding to my questions. Thank you both.

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55027 B. Mac Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:43:57 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55027 "For brevity's sake in my last question, I did leave out the fact that in place of a cure what the scientists find (with the help of smaller allies who can actually be in the lab) is that they can manipulate their state, enabling them to be size-changers…like Apache Chief. " Hmm, okay. If their two options are "giant all the time" and "the ability to shift between giant size and regular size," why would anybody choose the first option? I think the choice would be more dramatic if they were giving up something to make the choice. (Then again, it's a parody, so I think the plot is less important than whether you execute it in a funny way). <br /> "I was just curious to see if I could do anything interesting with the scientist aspect." This stretches the definition of scientist quite a bit, but you could have them investigate scientifically interesting phenomena that would be better-suited to giant scientists than regular ones. For example, attacks by Godzilla-esque creatures. Of course, that would probably entail a fair bit of action. It didn't sound like you had much action in mind. <br /> ... <br /> How tall are the giants? I assumed they were 20+ feet, which would probably be unmitigatedly awful for them. However, if they were merely 10 feet tall, I could sort of see the appeal of staying a giant even though they'd still be far too tall to fit into society comfortably. (Stairs would be a major hassle, they probably couldn't fit into a driver's seat, all clothes would have to be custom-made, any romantic relationships would get hilariously awkward, etc). “For brevity’s sake in my last question, I did leave out the fact that in place of a cure what the scientists find (with the help of smaller allies who can actually be in the lab) is that they can manipulate their state, enabling them to be size-changers…like Apache Chief. ” Hmm, okay. If their two options are “giant all the time” and “the ability to shift between giant size and regular size,” why would anybody choose the first option? I think the choice would be more dramatic if they were giving up something to make the choice. (Then again, it’s a parody, so I think the plot is less important than whether you execute it in a funny way).

“I was just curious to see if I could do anything interesting with the scientist aspect.” This stretches the definition of scientist quite a bit, but you could have them investigate scientifically interesting phenomena that would be better-suited to giant scientists than regular ones. For example, attacks by Godzilla-esque creatures. Of course, that would probably entail a fair bit of action. It didn’t sound like you had much action in mind.

…

How tall are the giants? I assumed they were 20+ feet, which would probably be unmitigatedly awful for them. However, if they were merely 10 feet tall, I could sort of see the appeal of staying a giant even though they’d still be far too tall to fit into society comfortably. (Stairs would be a major hassle, they probably couldn’t fit into a driver’s seat, all clothes would have to be custom-made, any romantic relationships would get hilariously awkward, etc).

]]> By: Lighting Man http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55023 Lighting Man Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:14:13 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55023 If you want to get really far into it, you could expound on B. Mac's idea of one of the giants being short, you could research genuine dwarfism, it is actually an extraordinarily painful condition, they have too big of organs and muscles, their insides don't fit right inside their bodies. Perhaps your protagonist is the son of two such afflicted people, but he or she happens to be regularly sized (a common enough thing) they could have siblings afflicted as well. This could have placed a heavy weight on their shoulders, driving them to medical school, driving them to get into medical research, and then once the accident occurs, driving them to keep the form and convince the others to as well, since he could believe that a modified version might be able to cure his family's affliction. This would also work for an antagonistic force, if you require one, since they could easily force the others to maintain their full-grown size through violence, or manipulation. If you want to get really far into it, you could expound on B. Mac’s idea of one of the giants being short, you could research genuine dwarfism, it is actually an extraordinarily painful condition, they have too big of organs and muscles, their insides don’t fit right inside their bodies.

Perhaps your protagonist is the son of two such afflicted people, but he or she happens to be regularly sized (a common enough thing) they could have siblings afflicted as well. This could have placed a heavy weight on their shoulders, driving them to medical school, driving them to get into medical research, and then once the accident occurs, driving them to keep the form and convince the others to as well, since he could believe that a modified version might be able to cure his family’s affliction. This would also work for an antagonistic force, if you require one, since they could easily force the others to maintain their full-grown size through violence, or manipulation.

]]> By: Shell http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55017 Shell Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:02:56 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-55017 Thank you for your speedy reply, B. Mac. By the way, I find that I keep gravitating toward the advice on this web site, both from articles and members, so I had to join last night. "I’m having trouble coming up reasons why someone would want to remain a giant rather than return to a normal height." That's good feedback, to know someone could and would point that out. For brevity sake in my last question, I did leave out the fact that in place of a cure what the scientists find (with the help of smaller allies who can actually be in the lab) is that they can manipulate their state, enabling them to be size-changers...like Apache Chief. A compromise. So, the more specific question should be what they can do as size-changers (sequel), not permanent giants. To be fair, I didn't ask that before, but I'd like to change my question based on your response, if you feel differently. "The only thing I can think of is that giants MAY be better-suited for working in a disaster area..." I have thought of that. That's the best running idea I have, but I was just curious to see if I could do anything interesting with the scientist aspect. Which brings me to the next point... "I’m not sure how giants would practice medicine with regular people." Well, I concur. Then perhaps that should not be my focus? It is a character-oriented story, the original intent of which was meant to be an entertaining "mad scientist" parody (making fun of the cliches rather than try to pass it off as serious or otherwise bend over backwards to reinvent the subject), via sarcasm and even optimism through the eyes of said characters. (Though, it's not constant parody; it's peppered by realistic struggles they're facing [hence your Transformation article]). So I don't feel really any loyalty to making a realistic case. Having said that, what would you say to making the situation humorous, rather than realistically applicable? Or, can you point me to any writing experiments other people have done with the "eccentric scientist" subject? "Or maybe one of them was disabled or otherwise felt inadequate about his body." Hmm. Not a bad idea. A healing effect...it is regeneration, after all; that could work. I might play with that. It might give some incentive back to the "why would they want to stay/have access to being giant" issue. Again, thanks, B. Mac Thank you for your speedy reply, B. Mac. By the way, I find that I keep gravitating toward the advice on this web site, both from articles and members, so I had to join last night.

“I’m having trouble coming up reasons why someone would want to remain a giant rather than return to a normal height.”
That’s good feedback, to know someone could and would point that out. For brevity sake in my last question, I did leave out the fact that in place of a cure what the scientists find (with the help of smaller allies who can actually be in the lab) is that they can manipulate their state, enabling them to be size-changers…like Apache Chief. A compromise. So, the more specific question should be what they can do as size-changers (sequel), not permanent giants. To be fair, I didn’t ask that before, but I’d like to change my question based on your response, if you feel differently.

“The only thing I can think of is that giants MAY be better-suited for working in a disaster area…”
I have thought of that. That’s the best running idea I have, but I was just curious to see if I could do anything interesting with the scientist aspect. Which brings me to the next point…

“I’m not sure how giants would practice medicine with regular people.”
Well, I concur. Then perhaps that should not be my focus? It is a character-oriented story, the original intent of which was meant to be an entertaining “mad scientist” parody (making fun of the cliches rather than try to pass it off as serious or otherwise bend over backwards to reinvent the subject), via sarcasm and even optimism through the eyes of said characters. (Though, it’s not constant parody; it’s peppered by realistic struggles they’re facing [hence your Transformation article]). So I don’t feel really any loyalty to making a realistic case. Having said that, what would you say to making the situation humorous, rather than realistically applicable?
Or, can you point me to any writing experiments other people have done with the “eccentric scientist” subject?

“Or maybe one of them was disabled or otherwise felt inadequate about his body.”
Hmm. Not a bad idea. A healing effect…it is regeneration, after all; that could work. I might play with that. It might give some incentive back to the “why would they want to stay/have access to being giant” issue.

Again, thanks, B. Mac

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-54983 B. Mac Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:23:59 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-54983 Perhaps being a giant affects their physiology in some much-appreciated way. For example, if they're really go-getters, maybe they really like that suddenly they don't have to sleep or something. Or maybe one of them was disabled or otherwise felt inadequate about his body. Maybe one felt like a total wallflower and sort of hated being a nobody. Maybe one of them was freakishly short (dwarfish). <br /> ... <br /> "It may have a great impact on their reasons for wanting to remain giants instead of taking the cure they’ve been longing for since the accident." Ouch, good luck with that. I'm having trouble coming up reasons why someone would want to remain a giant rather than return to a normal height. What would they gain by being 20+ feet tall? There would be considerable costs, like being unable to go into most buildings. Any sort of social outings with their old friends would be at best extremely awkward. The only thing I can think of (besides them being REALLY dissatisfied with the way things were before) is that perhaps the cure is extremely dangerous. <br /> I'm not sure how giants would practice medicine with regular people. The only thing I can think of is that giants MAY be better-suited for working in a disaster area, like Haiti or a war-zone or somewhere torn up by some natural catastrophe. (They could deal with rubble more easily, cover more ground by foot, and wouldn't need to be worried about getting robbed by looters). Closer to home, I can't think of any reason that patients would rather see them rather than their regular doctors. Perhaps they are RIDICULOUSLY good at medical practice. Or perhaps they're willing to move to an area where people don't have much access to good doctors? (Like an inner city, a dying town in the Rust Belt, deep in the boondocks, etc). <br /> ... <br /> Also, perhaps the giant accident somehow improves their ability to conduct research or serve as doctors in some way. For example, perhaps they only need to sleep 2-3 hours a night instead of 7-8 and now they can work that much harder at whatever it is they're doing. I think I mentioned that before, though. I'm really drawing a blank on why a giant might be a better doctor than a regular-sized person. Perhaps being a giant affects their physiology in some much-appreciated way. For example, if they’re really go-getters, maybe they really like that suddenly they don’t have to sleep or something. Or maybe one of them was disabled or otherwise felt inadequate about his body. Maybe one felt like a total wallflower and sort of hated being a nobody. Maybe one of them was freakishly short (dwarfish).

…

“It may have a great impact on their reasons for wanting to remain giants instead of taking the cure they’ve been longing for since the accident.” Ouch, good luck with that. I’m having trouble coming up reasons why someone would want to remain a giant rather than return to a normal height. What would they gain by being 20+ feet tall? There would be considerable costs, like being unable to go into most buildings. Any sort of social outings with their old friends would be at best extremely awkward. The only thing I can think of (besides them being REALLY dissatisfied with the way things were before) is that perhaps the cure is extremely dangerous.

I’m not sure how giants would practice medicine with regular people. The only thing I can think of is that giants MAY be better-suited for working in a disaster area, like Haiti or a war-zone or somewhere torn up by some natural catastrophe. (They could deal with rubble more easily, cover more ground by foot, and wouldn’t need to be worried about getting robbed by looters). Closer to home, I can’t think of any reason that patients would rather see them rather than their regular doctors. Perhaps they are RIDICULOUSLY good at medical practice. Or perhaps they’re willing to move to an area where people don’t have much access to good doctors? (Like an inner city, a dying town in the Rust Belt, deep in the boondocks, etc).

…

Also, perhaps the giant accident somehow improves their ability to conduct research or serve as doctors in some way. For example, perhaps they only need to sleep 2-3 hours a night instead of 7-8 and now they can work that much harder at whatever it is they’re doing. I think I mentioned that before, though. I’m really drawing a blank on why a giant might be a better doctor than a regular-sized person.

]]> By: Shell http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-54970 Shell Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:42:57 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-54970 Hi, guys. I could really use your help with some brainstorming because I'm having a bit of "writers' overload." My characters are not superheroes per se, but they're involved in a scientific mutation that seems to be very prevalent in superhero/villain back stories, so I thought you might have some insight as to how those type of things are generally handled. I have some stem cell scientists that become giants via a lab accident, but I'm having trouble coming up with ways for their professional backgrounds to manifest in their giant lives...because I don't have the life of a scientist. Besides being a miraculous specimen of regenerative research unto himself, what venues could there be for a giant medical scientist to continue practice (preferably among the people)? Depending on what it is, it may have a great impact on their reasons for wanting to remain giants instead of taking the cure they've been longing for since the accident. So, in short, my question is: How can I incorporate their science careers into their activities as giants, directly or indirectly-- even on the run? Any other relevant insight unto the subject matter is also very welcome. Thanks so much! Hi, guys. I could really use your help with some brainstorming because I’m having a bit of “writers’ overload.” My characters are not superheroes per se, but they’re involved in a scientific mutation that seems to be very prevalent in superhero/villain back stories, so I thought you might have some insight as to how those type of things are generally handled.
I have some stem cell scientists that become giants via a lab accident, but I’m having trouble coming up with ways for their professional backgrounds to manifest in their giant lives…because I don’t have the life of a scientist. Besides being a miraculous specimen of regenerative research unto himself, what venues could there be for a giant medical scientist to continue practice (preferably among the people)? Depending on what it is, it may have a great impact on their reasons for wanting to remain giants instead of taking the cure they’ve been longing for since the accident. So, in short, my question is: How can I incorporate their science careers into their activities as giants, directly or indirectly– even on the run?

Any other relevant insight unto the subject matter is also very welcome.

Thanks so much!

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-52029 B. Mac Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:53:19 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-52029 Hmm, thanks for your interest, Michael. I'll check out your portfolio, but I doubt I'll be adding on new teammates soon. Definitely not before getting published, which will take at least a few months. Hmm, thanks for your interest, Michael. I’ll check out your portfolio, but I doubt I’ll be adding on new teammates soon. Definitely not before getting published, which will take at least a few months.

]]> By: michael http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-52019 michael Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:15:07 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-52019 Hi, I've got my own web comic here: http://komodo-comic.blogspot.com/ and in that blog, you can see my artwork samples, such as pin ups and one page comic panel. and this is my artworks in realism style: http://angelmichael.deviantart.com/gallery/ contact me if you overload & need more freelancer comic artist (^_^) thanks Hi,

I’ve got my own web comic here:

http://komodo-comic.blogspot.com/

and in that blog, you can see my artwork
samples, such as pin ups and one page
comic panel.

and this is my artworks in realism style:

http://angelmichael.deviantart.com/gallery/

contact me if you overload & need more
freelancer comic artist (^_^)

thanks

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-51202 B. Mac Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:37:10 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-51202 Hmm. I'm not familiar with the Sentinels series yet, but here are a few opening impressions. <br /> --I'd like to take it seriously, but the picture of the girl with the see-through clothes and preposterously large breasts makes it a bit harder for me to do so. <br /> --The costumes strike me as a bit dated and gawdy. Like the shirts split into multiple colors at arbitrary points, etc. It makes the lineup look weird. Still, it probably doesn't matter too much, because the comics themselves are black-and-white, I think. <br /> --The execution on the graphics work (like the shading and anatomy) generally look professional. Some of the backgrounds are very uneven, though. <br /> --I like a lot of the poses and layouts. For example, <a href=http://www.whiterocketbooks.com/sentinels/1vanp2a.jpg rel="nofollow">this panel</a> of a guy directing his troops to fire at the heroes makes no sense whatsoever, but is still pretty stylish. I love the expression. <br /> --I haven't gotten into the writing yet, but some of what I've seen looks encouraging. Also... Ron Fortier, one of the authors that endorsed the series, strikes me as a writer that generally knows what's going on. Also, anyone that has written for Rambo and Terminator commands my respect. ;-) Hmm. I’m not familiar with the Sentinels series yet, but here are a few opening impressions.

–I’d like to take it seriously, but the picture of the girl with the see-through clothes and preposterously large breasts makes it a bit harder for me to do so.

–The costumes strike me as a bit dated and gawdy. Like the shirts split into multiple colors at arbitrary points, etc. It makes the lineup look weird. Still, it probably doesn’t matter too much, because the comics themselves are black-and-white, I think.

–The execution on the graphics work (like the shading and anatomy) generally look professional. Some of the backgrounds are very uneven, though.

–I like a lot of the poses and layouts. For example, this panel of a guy directing his troops to fire at the heroes makes no sense whatsoever, but is still pretty stylish. I love the expression.

–I haven’t gotten into the writing yet, but some of what I’ve seen looks encouraging. Also… Ron Fortier, one of the authors that endorsed the series, strikes me as a writer that generally knows what’s going on. Also, anyone that has written for Rambo and Terminator commands my respect. ;-)

]]> By: Van http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-51196 Van Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:44:35 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-51196 I find that many who write superhero novels make the same mistake that television studios make when trying to produce superhero TV shows: They dumb the material down, revert to cliches, camp it up, and make it all generally unlikeable. I don't know why superhero novels can't be more like actual superhero comics. In other words, not dumbed down and more serious. For example: http://www.whiterocketbooks.com/sentinels/index.htm I find that many who write superhero novels make the same mistake that television studios make when trying to produce superhero TV shows: They dumb the material down, revert to cliches, camp it up, and make it all generally unlikeable.

I don’t know why superhero novels can’t be more like actual superhero comics. In other words, not dumbed down and more serious. For example:

http://www.whiterocketbooks.com/sentinels/index.htm

]]> By: BlaqueSaber http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-43610 BlaqueSaber Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:27:10 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-43610 No, I have other characters, several and plenty of voice actors, i just don't have a character that will ALWAYS be with the protag such as Robin is nearly always with Batman. I don't really want to have a side kick or assistant, I guess I just really need to tie this down a bit more before I move forward on it. Thank you for all your advice... No, I have other characters, several and plenty of voice actors, i just don’t have a character that will ALWAYS be with the protag such as Robin is nearly always with Batman.

I don’t really want to have a side kick or assistant, I guess I just really need to tie this down a bit more before I move forward on it.

Thank you for all your advice…

]]> By: B. Mac http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-43573 B. Mac Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:27:31 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-43573 "If I chose this do you think I could use this storytelling tool for a half dozen epps until I can come up with a supporting cast for him to talk with?" Personally, I think my interest would wane a lot more quickly than six episodes without any other castmates to talk with. I understand that there might be logistical concerns to bringing in new characters (like the difficulty of finding voice actors), but I think it would really help to bring in at least one by episode 2. (How long are your episodes, by the way?) Otherwise, I fear that it will feel like just an extended monologue. <br /> If you're really attached to the audio-recording journal setup, maybe you could have him play back a tape of a recorded conversation. <br /> Hitchcock was sometimes called the Master of Suspense. <a href=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/tours/hitch/tour9.html rel="nofollow">He was expert</a> at setting up quiet tension, scenes that were scary even though we couldn't see the threat. Likewise, the first half of Signs did that very well. We don't see the aliens, but we see some pieces and we have to surmise what else is going on. (For example, the family leaves its dog outside and we hear it barking, then whimpering in fear, and then nothing). The movie went totally downhill after the characters confronted the aliens face-to-face. “If I chose this do you think I could use this storytelling tool for a half dozen epps until I can come up with a supporting cast for him to talk with?” Personally, I think my interest would wane a lot more quickly than six episodes without any other castmates to talk with. I understand that there might be logistical concerns to bringing in new characters (like the difficulty of finding voice actors), but I think it would really help to bring in at least one by episode 2. (How long are your episodes, by the way?) Otherwise, I fear that it will feel like just an extended monologue.

If you’re really attached to the audio-recording journal setup, maybe you could have him play back a tape of a recorded conversation.

Hitchcock was sometimes called the Master of Suspense. He was expert at setting up quiet tension, scenes that were scary even though we couldn’t see the threat. Likewise, the first half of Signs did that very well. We don’t see the aliens, but we see some pieces and we have to surmise what else is going on. (For example, the family leaves its dog outside and we hear it barking, then whimpering in fear, and then nothing). The movie went totally downhill after the characters confronted the aliens face-to-face.

]]> By: BlaqueSaber http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-43567 BlaqueSaber Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:18:28 +0000 http://www.superheronation.com/2008/02/24/index-writing-about-superheroes/#comment-43567 Thank you so much for replying! Can you give me a link that points out what you mean by "Hitchcockian suspense"? I of course know who Hitchcock is, I'm just not sure of the flavor of suspense that you're talking about... Also I don't plan on leaving the protag alone too often (I want to minimize the use of narration) but he will be alone. What do you think of him creating an audio recording journal? Much like Jon Creighton in the beginning of Farscape? My protag is far from home as well so this fits as far as story goes. If I chose this do you think I could use this storytelling tool for a half dozen epps until I can come up with a supporting cast for him to talk with? Thank you so much for replying and your helpful thoughts... Thank you so much for replying!

Can you give me a link that points out what you mean by “Hitchcockian suspense”? I of course know who Hitchcock is, I’m just not sure of the flavor of suspense that you’re talking about…

Also

I don’t plan on leaving the protag alone too often (I want to minimize the use of narration) but he will be alone. What do you think of him creating an audio recording journal? Much like Jon Creighton in the beginning of Farscape? My protag is far from home as well so this fits as far as story goes.

If I chose this do you think I could use this storytelling tool for a half dozen epps until I can come up with a supporting cast for him to talk with?

Thank you so much for replying and your helpful thoughts…

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