How to Write a Comic Book Review

As an experienced comic book reviewer (AKA critic), I am always amazed at how popular this medium is. I have dreams of writing comic books, and if you do too, read on. I will elate my personal experiences in the field, and provide a bare bones tutorial on how to write the basic comic book review for print or online.

Perhaps the initial reason I wrote comic books was a deep love of them. I encountered talented writing in this art form, and it led me to writing comic book scripts (I cannot draw a stick figure).

Having published on several sites, I learned a few things. Here is what every comic book review should.

Characterization: This is the foremost reason people read comic books: They want to see the character of Batman or Spider Man on the printed page; they want to see the characters change as they battle villains or question certain of mankind's decisions (like making war). In the beginning of the comic book review, bring up the often storied past of the character, and compare it to the present state of him or her.

Conflict: Who is fighting Batman or Spider Man? What do you know of the past of this villain? You don't have to be an expert on comic books here, but any history or background of the villain is good. Conflicts are not always with villains: You will see them with their friends, loved ones, or any other people they deal with. There is a reason Nightwing (who was Robin) left Gotham to fight his own war on crime, and it had to do with his relationship with Batman-there was a conflict there.

Illustrations: This is perhaps the easiest part to describe, though the history of the character could trouble certain writers. An illustrator usually hides things in the background of a comic book panel, or uses themes of color-like using red to symbolize death or blood. How does the artist draw the protagonist? What is this depiction comparable too?

Final Thoughts On Story: Each comic has to have a quality story to engage readers. If it was plotless, or the characters dialogue was unrealistic, then it is your job to report it. If it is a comic comparable to "Watchmen" then you will have to spend a good fifty to a hundred words explaining why. You can't just say "This comic is as great as Watchmen," you have to explain why its like "Watchmen."