Exercise 11: Lights, Camera, ACTION LINES! - Using Gesture

Manga characters are not stiff mannequins. Just like real people, manga characters “move” in their stories on the page. How is this achieved? The use of a gesture line or a dynamic line of action dictates the character’s expression. This line follows the spine of characters.

Here’s a female pirate getting ready for action with a sword and gun. See how the stick figure is stiff compared to the one next to it? The line of action is not a dramatic change, but it’s enough to convey the pirate’s call to arms. What else is different? The body weight is shifted, so the legs have a larger stance to compensate. The arms are also extended.

(click here to compare with the unmarked pirate drawing)

The comic panel below has multiple drawings of the same two boys. Depending on what the boys are doing, the action lines vary to show movement. Notice how the boys move in and around the puddles, hardly stopping. There are no straight lines in sight!

(click here to compare with the unmarked “boys” drawing”)

Let’s look more at two characters interacting with less movement. Less movement does not equal stiffness! The action lines here are subdued, but they lean towards each other making the viewer interested in what they are saying.

(click here to compare with the unmarked “mermaid” drawing)

Remember, action lines are dynamic, not straight lines! For more inspiration, check out http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1250/2135/1600/page3.1.jpg courtesy of Mark Kennedy. His blog is http://sevencamels.blogspot.com/ Temple of the Seven Camels.

Need to warm up on your wiggly lines? Check out Exercise 01: Warming Up!