Comics, Comic Strips, & Avatars in the Library

As the popularity of Graphic Novels rises, we as media specialist librarians should use the format of comics to our advantage.  Students already are drawn to them (no pun intended) and using comics, avatars, and graphic novel styles to present information is bound to get their attention.

I used several sites and apps to create some that I thought would be helpful for me in my library.  Here are some questions I was able to answer about each.

1. Pixton

• Evaluation of the site
• Google Sign-in
• Teachers can create classes and students can join in class.
• Not a huge variety of backgrounds on the free version.

• Were the comics easy to create? 
• Had to learn their set up, but it was not bad.
• Could change facial expressions of the characters.
• Can change poses of each character individually
• “Words” are easy to add, can choose from different formats-speech, shout, whisper, thought

• Easy to save? 
• Can download, print, or share.
• Different formats available when downloading and printing.

• Did you have enough variety to make an interesting comic? 
• Not enough backgrounds for the students to have variety
• The paid version (about $100/year) seems to be the best bet if wanting to use this a lot in a class.

• Would students be able to use it? 
• YES! The menus above the workspace are great to move through the process.
• Tutorials and printables available for when teaching how to use the program

• My creation:
• Graphic Novel Form when printed or saved as a PDF

• When Saved vertically

• When saved in square format

2. Toontastic

• evaluation of the APP
• Android & iOs
• FREE app
• Works offline
• No login required
• Free downloads
• Record own voice
• Sounds library
• Background library
• Character/Image library
• Can create own character
• Can create a short story with 3 parts, classic story with 5 parts, or science report with 5 parts.

• Were the comics easy to create? 
• YES!
• Easy to create your own character if selected. Pre Created characters may be edited. 
• Creator can record their story once characters are placed. 
• Characters can be moved as recording is happening to show character movement.
• Scenes are created individually.
• More story parts may be added once the initial 3 (or 5 are created).
• As the creator goes to make the scenes, the app reminds the creator what should be happening. (“The middle, where something happens, like a problem”)
• This would be a great way for students to “act out” their comic or stories they have previously written. It could also be used as an “end in mind” assignment, where students first create the comic story on the app, and then write it out on paper as a story. 

• Easy to save? 
• Once the story is completed it is given a title and a director name.
• It then plays to view their comic movie, & may then make edits or export it to the photo library.  
• Once in the photo library students may upload to their drive or send to the teacher via email, seesaw, google classroom, etc. 

• Did you have enough variety to make an interesting comic? 
• Yes. The variety of backgrounds, sound effects, and customization of characters is great to work with.

• Would students be able to use it? 
• Students would really like this as it would allow them to have their comic come to “life” in form of a movie.  
• My creation:

Creative Story about Ms Mancini (principal) who has no Dr. Pepper.

3. https://www.toon-books.com/ “Cartoon Maker”

• evaluation of the site
• Has a free way to create with preselected books & their characters & scenes.
• May register to “Comics Lab” to save and print previous comics

• Were the comics easy to create? 
• Yes.
• This online application only creates single frame comics/images.

• Easy to save? 
• Comics could be saved, printed or emailed.

• Did you have enough variety to make an interesting comic? 
• Small amount of variety since students choose a story and it’s characters to create. Would be great for a primary student, or a student creating for the 1st time.

• Would students be able to use it? 
• Very user friendly for students. 
• Not overwhelming with too many options to choose from once they select their preferred story.

• My creation:

My comic is an example of my 2 own kids arguing while in quarantine. 

4. MakeBeliefsComix http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/  

• Evaluation of the site. 
• Does not require registration 
• Easy to save
• Image library to choose characters from 

• Were the comics easy to create? 
• Yes. Creators can add up to 18 panels.
• There are many backgrounds, characters, props and dialogue boxes to choose from.
• Editing the items to fit the creator's vision is easy. 

• Easy to save? 
• Yes. Different options-can print, save to a drive, “sign-in to save” to save to the website. Can also choose to email it.

• Did you have enough variety to make an interesting comic? 
• Yes. I really like the amount of available images to create.

• Would students be able to use it? 

• Yes. Would be great for a comic creator of any skill level-beginner to expert. 

• My creation:

I created this with the intent of printing it out and placing it by my circulation desk for my students when I have open circulation time. 

 5. My School Avatar

• evaluation of the APP
• iOs only
• Paid ($1.99) app
• Customize to look like self
• Record own voice

• Were the comics easy to create? 
• Avatars can be customized or choose from a preselected items.

• Easy to save? 
• Saved onto camera roll

• Did you have enough variety to make an interesting comic? 
• This platform is best when making videos.
• Will be great for the shy students who don't like to talk in front of the class or to an audience.

• Would students be able to use it? 
• Yes! 
• I think that the shy students who don’t like being on camera will really like this.

• My creation:

Book Trailer for Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan (Click for video)

Uses in the library &/or classroom:

• Create comics to explain simple tasks or things (ie: book drop)
• Retell or summarize a story
• Students explain/teach others about a concept learned
• Practice using a new language
• As a way to exchange ideas
• Creative writing
• Grammar lessons
• Give writing an authentic audience for the students’ writing