The Art of Writing Interesting Abilities for Manga and Comics

By Leo Edward

For enthusiasts of manga and comics who not only revel in the worlds of graphic storytelling but also harbor a passion for expressing their creativity, this book is your guide. Learn how to easily craft characters with extraordinary powers that will become the talk of the town in the manga and comic universe.

Whether you're eager to learn how to infuse relatable and cool powers into your characters or seeking practical guidance without interruptions, this book is tailored for you.

The goal is to streamline the process, ensuring you master the art of creating powers that consistently captivate readers. Once you grasp the trick, you'll never find yourself stuck pondering how to infuse your characters with compelling abilities again

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heritage Books
• Release date: Nov 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9787635786950

Book preview

DISCLAIMER

This book provides creative advice and is for educational purposes. The author and publisher are not liable for any misuse or adverse effects resulting from its application. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion and seek professional advice when needed. The author does not guarantee specific outcomes, and any references to existing works are for illustrative purposes only.

CRAFTING INTERESTING ABILITIES FOR MANGA AND COMICS

Battle shonen series have proliferated throughout time, predating most of our existences. At their core, these series thrive on a diverse range of combat methods, spanning from fundamental martial arts to the most whimsical abilities imaginable. The crux lies in the art of constructing powers that captivate audiences. When scrutinizing any ability's architecture, a pivotal metric emerges—the extent to which it empowers the character. Each ability can be situated on a spectrum, ranging from basic energy blasts and super punches on the left to god-like omnipotence on the far right.

This scale delineates abilities' capacities, from singular functionalities to boundless capabilities. Examining powers through this perspective unveils an intriguing revelation. Nestled in the middle of this spectrum lies a sweet spot, where a delicate equilibrium between versatility and limitation exists. A prime exemplar worth delving into is one of anime's most iconic powers—the Gomu Gomu no Mi from One Piece. While Luffy's ability to stretch his body isn't groundbreaking, Oda's ingenuity with the Gum Gum Fruit is unparalleled. For those unacquainted with One Piece, Luffy's Gear Second technique exploits the elasticity of his body to boost blood circulation, enhancing his physical prowess.

This technique is just one facet of a repertoire of maneuvers derived from the power of rubber. Oda has ingeniously woven a tapestry of capabilities around the Gomu Gomu no Mi, allowing Luffy to augment physical stats, extend attack range, rebound attacks, achieve flight, and assume different forms. It is a power that navigates a spectrum, affording versatility while imposing inventive constraints.

In this proverbial Goldilocks zone of powers, another recent addition stands out. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, Megumi has this cool ability called the 10 Shadows Technique. Basically, he can summon 10 different creatures from his shadow to help him fight. Unlike Luffy's straightforward power in One Piece, Megumi's familiars give him a bunch of options, like a lightning bird, a water-shooting elephant, and a bunch of frogs.

Now, what makes Megumi's power interesting is that each familiar has its own special thing it's good at. For example, one can fly and shock enemies, another is a tough tank that shoots water, and the frogs are great at tying people up. Megumi has to think strategically and choose the right familiar for each situation.

Now, let's talk about Luffy from One Piece. When he's about to face a strong opponent, there's a lot of excitement because we know how his powers work. We're wondering if he'll use his super-strong Gear Fourth move and how he'll approach the fight. What's cool is that sometimes Luffy surprises us by using his Devil Fruit powers in a way we didn't expect. Like when he first used Gear Second back in Enies Lobby – that was totally unexpected, but it worked well.

In simpler terms, both Megumi and Luffy keep their fights interesting because they have different tricks up their sleeves, and you never know exactly what move they'll pull out in a tough situation. That surprise element makes the stories more fun to read or watch.

IT IS CRUCIAL TO UNDERSTAND HOW POWERS WORK

Understanding how powers work is crucial for comic writers. Take, for example, Megumi's 10 Shadows Technique. This power offers him ten different