The Secret Ingredient That Creates Hit Manga
Direct Answers
What is the Kishotenketsu storytelling framework?
Kishotenketsu is the standard four part storytelling framework used by nearly every mangaka to write Japanese comics. Unlike Western storytelling which relies on conflict to drive the plot, this method focuses on contrast and surprise.
- Ki: The introduction where you establish the world and main characters.
- Sho: The development where you add narrative layers and expand the world without major conflict.
- Ten: The twist that introduces an unexpected turn to reframe the story.
- Ketsu: The conclusion that resolves the story with a satisfying ending.
What are the steps in Dan Harmon's Story Circle?
Dan Harmon's Story Circle is a simplified, eight step take on the Hero's Journey designed for modern audiences. It emphasizes that stories are about transformation and returning to the starting point with newfound knowledge.
- You, Need, and Go: Establish the protagonist, highlight what they are missing, and push them out of their comfort zone.
- Search and Find: Have them face obstacles to search for solutions and discover the answer to their quest.
- Take: Illustrate the consequences or sacrifices they must make for what they found.
- Return and Change: They head back to where they started and return transformed for better or worse.
How do you use the Snowflake Method for storytelling?
The Snowflake method is a highly structured framework for designing complex stories and long running series. You start small like the center of a snowflake and expand outward into a detailed manuscript by following a ten step process.
- Write a one sentence summary, a one paragraph summary, and a one page synopsis.
- Create brief character summaries and expand them into detailed character profiles.
- Break the story into scenes and turn the scene list into multi paragraph descriptions.
- Refine dialogue and action within each scene.
- Finalize the plot structure and tweak the manuscript.
What are the beats in the Save the Cat storytelling framework?
Developed by Blake Snyder, Save the Cat combines the Western three act structure and the Hero's Journey into fifteen specific beats. It is a well paced, beginner friendly framework that works perfectly for humorous yet action packed stories.
- Opening Image, Theme Stated, Setup, and Catalyst.
- Debate, Break into Act Two, B Story, Fun and Games, and Midpoint.
- Bad Guys Close In, All Is Lost, and The Dark Night of the Soul.
- Break into Act Three, Finale, and Final Image.
Why You Need a Storytelling Framework
You have an amazing idea with cool battle scenes, characters, and a world in your head. However, you might feel stuck when it is time to turn that idea into a compelling story.
The secret to finishing your manga is using a storytelling framework. A framework is a predefined model or set of steps that guides you through the storytelling process from scratch.
Kishotenketsu and The Hero's Journey
Kishotenketsu is the cornerstone of Japanese storytelling and the method nearly every mangaka uses. It keeps readers hooked with unexpected shifts in perspective and is ideal for stories where the setting is as important as the characters.
The Hero's Journey is another iconic framework that has shaped countless manga and anime series. Originally conceptualized by Joseph Campbell, this twelve step process draws on centuries of mythological storytelling from around the world.
The protagonist starts in an ordinary world before receiving a call to adventure and crossing a threshold into the unknown. They eventually face a major ordeal, achieve a victory, and return home with an elixir that benefits their community.
Dan Harmon's Story Circle
The Story Circle is a simplified, eight step framework offering a faster and more relatable way to structure stories. It focuses heavily on the cyclical nature of storytelling and personal transformation.
This framework was originally designed for short, character driven television episodes. Because of this pacing, it translates incredibly well into individual chapters or small sections of your manga.
The Snowflake Method
The Snowflake Method is a highly detailed and structured way to design your story from the ground up. If you are a world builder planning a massive series with complex plots and tons of side stories, this is the framework you need.
You begin by summarizing your entire story in one concise sentence. From there, you slowly expand outward into detailed character profiles, scene lists, and a fully structured manuscript.
Save the Cat
Save the Cat was developed by screenwriter Blake Snyder and is built around fifteen specific story beats. The name comes from the idea that early in the story, the hero should perform an action that immediately wins the favor of the audience.
This framework lacks deep world building tools, but it is extremely beginner friendly and well paced. It is highly effective if you want to create a humorous, action packed story with a strong character focus.