CG Graphic Novel

#1

Hey all.

      I am thinking about making a graphic novel, and mixing traditional pencil work with 3D.

Thinking about getting a classical black and white ink look for my comic.

   I'm now trying to figure out a workflow, no luck so far, Just frustration. 
           I have thought about

Draw a basic concept & thumbnail.
Model sets and characters in 3D.
Rig Pose then render using Mental ray Toon Shader.
Use Photoshop to composite some scanned images from my pencil work, with the 3D render.

Definitely need to get my technique figured out, and plan ahead before getting started.  I don’t know much about Inking and how that is done traditionally. 

  What are the techniques that some people have used to create work like this? 

  What I worry about is the 3D look could that be a turn off for a serious comic reader? 

  You might wonder why go through all this pain, just draw the damn thing right!! I have major handicap and that is drawing, I am working on my Anatomy and Figure drawing.  I feel more confident working in 3D. 


Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
#2

HI
It’s great that you planning to do a graphic novel,I think ,first you decide about the style .And that you can acheive by studying the style of the other graphic novels I personally like “Frank Miller” work. or may be try to create your own style.
and Now about the steps you have written ,they are perfectly fine .you just have to execute them.Just play with your compositing software to get great look.

Try doing some experiments with the available plugins for your compositing software if you are worried about the 3d look.I am sure when you complete just one image you can easily know is it right way or wrong way.

#3

Thanks, you are right, I should just start making images to see what works and what doesn’t, and keep improving them until happy.

I was looking through http://lambiek.net/ archive of comic art, it’s a great source for finding info on almost any major comic artist. Not a single one of the works looks alike, maybe that’s the key I have been missing, I should not try to replicate anything just find my way of doing it.

It’s funny, when ever I talk to others, I always use these famous lines “find your voice or do things your way”. Guess forgot to tell that one to myself.

#4

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