Comics are everywhere! In this block lecture, we explore the vast landscape of visual storytelling, graphic novels and image-based narration.

We will build a deeper understanding of what comic is, what it can do and how far it’s boundaries can be pushed. From writing to drawing this course will cover all the basics in the conceptualisation and production of a comic. Over the course of two semesters every participant will create a comic and present it in the group.

The first date is mandatory! Discussion, active participation and communication in the group is as important as your motivation for drawing and experimenting during sessions.

Bonus:

As part of this seminar, a small collaboration with two other courses is planned. This will take up approximately one day of the course. The courses by Marina Rauchenbacher ("Affects and Axes. Violence and Rage in Comics" – Link: https://base.uni-ak.ac.at/courses/2025W/S05738) and Barbara Zwiefelhofer ("Media, Experimental, and Interdisciplinary Forms of Language Art" – Link: https://base.uni-ak.ac.at/courses/2025W/S05639) also focus on comics. Together, over the course of the semester, we will explore the question of what role the gutter/the blank space in comics plays in conveying violence and emotion. The plan is to work on a shared research question and present the results in January.

Topics

The course will consist of 3 main parts:

• Drawing | Analog & digital tools
• Theory & inspirational Input
• Discussions & feedback in the group

Main topics over the course of two semesters:

• Drawing techniques
• Tools & materials knowledge
• Writing, planning, storyboarding
• Sketching & Inking
• Scanning & post production
• Digital drawing, colouring & editing
• Exposition & printing
• Publishing

Who should take part in this course:

• Beginners & Intermediates!
• This course is perfect if are deeply interested in comics and want to learn how to make one!
• You should be experienced in drawing, yet willing to learn something new.
• We will cover the basics of comics in class, so if you are already really advanced in the field of comics or have published your own comic book already, you could be bored.

BASIS FOR THE ASSESSMENT:

The grade results from the combination of the following points:

1) Attendance and participation during the course.

2) An attendance of 70% is mandatory for a grade.

3) Presentation of the drawings at the end of the semester.

4) Participation in the group show.

ATTENDANCE:

Students' attendance is recorded by signing the attendance list.

COURSE LANGUAGE:

English & German