WW1 Con 📖🇨🇦

My last project in PLP 9 was definitely one to remember. We were tasked with a challenge. We were to create a 20 panel graphic novel with hand drawn images and a unique storyline. In this post I will talk about my process of creating my graphic novel and the things I learned along the way. Lets get started!

Prior to creating our comic, we had to learn about WW1 and proper comic formatting. During this process we watched many videos and read many articles teaching us about the events in WW1. We were specifically looking at Canada’s involvement in the war and I learned so many amazing things about the county I live in. I was specifically fascinated by Canada’s involvement and the events that took place during the battle of vimy ridge. Learning about vimy ridge gave me inspiration for my comic and made me excited to learn more about the battle. While learning the history behind the war, we were also learning the autonomy of a comic book. During this time I learned many things about how comic books are formatted and different types of panels. It was very interesting learning about the different panel construction techniques I could include in my comic book, as I was able to relate it to previous comic books I have read. We also read a comic book about WW1 to draw inspiration from. I learned how different styles of drawing and the way you construct you panel can heavily impact the emotion you comic displays. 

After learning all the necessary things to a create comic accurately depicting an event in WW1, I started thinking about what I wanted my comic to be about. My favourite genre of book to read is a romance book so I got to thinking, Could I make a WW1 romance comic? And the answer was yes! I immediately started thinking of ways to format the story until I landed on the perfect option. A love story between a nurse and a soldier told by the nurse as a grandma. I wont tell you any more so I don’t spoil it, but it will be linked below. When i first started drawing my comic I was drawing every single panel, which meant I was re-drawing multiple panels that were relatively the same. Once I came to the realization I could use copy and paste, it would be my best friend! With my problem solving, and ability to pivot I was able to finish this project on time. This project taught me the importance of adaptability and perseverance. 

On Thursday June 13th we had our annual spring exhibition, where we showcased our comic books. Prior to the event, we spent the morning preparing the decorations. Our plan was to transform one of the hallways in the school into a trench. And it worked! We built panels out of cardboard and painted them a dark brown. Then came the chaos. This exhibition lacked a lot of communication. As a student it was very unclear where we were supposed to set up, or what we were supposed to do. We finally rallied as a team and got working to set up. After our teacher finished franically printing our the comics due to printing errors, we got our final copies. We finished setting up and making decorations to make our table more approachable. Once the exhibition started people came around and started to read my comic.  It was really rewarding to get lots of positive feedback from the community. Its very important to have good communication to pull off an event this big, and I think this is something that really needs to improve for next year. Even though quite chaotic at the begging, PLP 9 as a team rallied together and we pulled it off! Through this exhibition I learned to stay patient and calm. When everyone around is racing around, it is important to stay as cool as a cucumber. 

I would say this was one of my favourite projects we did this year in PLP 9. It was such a hands on, creative project that everyone put their own unique spin on. This project challenged me but I am proud to say I did not give up and I kept finding way I could adapt to make the process easier on myself. I am so proud of all the hard work and effort I put into my project. I am glad I ended my Gr. 9 year in PLP on a good note! 

My Story:

Syddy giddy out ✌️