Today, we’re doing “name” check point number

5: Are the character’s emotions clearly expressed?

  Sometimes, even with a great story, a well-thought out plot, and good panel layout, we still end up with a boring “name”, that somehow just doesn’t click! Why is this? It’s because the character’s emotions aren’t expressed clearly! When the readers are reading your manga, which parts will really leave an impression? The parts where the characters have a change of emotion! For example…

-A depressed character picks himself up, and moves forward

-A loner character opens himself up to his friends

-A usually emotionless character bursts into tears 

-A dark character smiles…

When you have an emotionally charged moment, make sure you use the right amount of panels to properly express the change! Take your time, and show the character’s feelings over several panels. This emotional expression, of emotions, may be the very reason for manga’s worldwide popularity! So when you’re making your name, you must vigorously check, to ensure that the character’s emotions are done right, make sense, and feel agreeable. Would the character laugh at a time like this? Would they be angry? Would they cry? Would they be afraid? When you check, compare the situation with your character’s personality and emotional state. If it feels in any way, strange, you really should correct it until it makes sense! The important thing here is to be reasonable, but at the same time go beyond readers’ expectations. Then super exaggerate your character’s expressions. Unlike anime and movies, manga doesn’t move, there are no voices, and no music. So to get through to the readers, you characters need to act, and often overly act like a stage actor. Built up tension… and explode! Like volcanoes! They need buildup pressure, and then finally explode in an eruption of emotion! Look back on some of your favourite manga series, and try to find the parts where the characters have “Explosion of emotions”. I think this will be a good reference for creating names in the future. 2828 GOT IT? Next time, we’re going to look at the name of Forest Warrior Bonolon, and give you some tips! See you next time!