Graphic Narratives
Graphic Narratives from Asia
Benjamin Abston
Jasmine Alina
Roman Azzolino
Amanda Balinskas
Ericka Carranza
Griffin Davis
Brian Gaffney
Benjamin Giammattei
Neo Gomes
Nathan Greene
Gavin May
Nayelli Rodriguez
Jimena Santos
Aiden Sosnovich
Paola Torres
Malik Watson
Nehemiah Wilson
Benjamin Abston
Roman Azzolino
Feathers and Scales
Amanda Balinskas Journey
Ericka Carranza Rabbit Eyes
Griffin Davis
Nathan Greene Snake Oil
Gavin May
Liu Haichan- a mysterious frog that lives on the moon
Nayelli Rodriguez
Jimena Santos Magical Moon Angel Stella
Paola Torres Betrayal: Legend of Nang Tani
Nehemiah Wilson
“students will master the professional processes of storyboarding, character creation, panel composition, and establishing a unique style.”
ART 357 Graphic Narratives from Asia: Manga to Webtoon is an exciting exploration of the history, cultural significance, and creative processes behind Japanese manga and Korean webtoons. This course examines how these art forms evolved, how they’ve influenced global popular culture and the entertainment industry, and how they continue to inspire other art forms.
Through the lenses of cultural exchange and media transformation, students will analyze the interplay of text and imagery, metaphor, point of view, and the distinct styles that define manga and webtoons. In class discussions, students will share insights from their own readings and reflect on the ways these graphic narratives shape and reflect cultural identities.
The course also provides hands-on opportunities for students to develop their own comic works. Through biweekly tutorials and exerci-
ses, students will master the professional processes of storyboarding, character creation, panel composition, and establishing a unique style. Their creative journey will culminate in a final project: a digital-format comic that incorporates both traditional and digital techniques.
Whether students are avid fans, aspiring creators, or simply curious about the artistry of manga and webtoons, Graphic Narratives from Asia offers the opportunity to discover, discuss, and create within this dynamic storytelling tradition.
“Graphic Narratives from Asia is a testament to the power of cultural exchange, creativity, and storytelling. ”
Graphic Narratives from Asia is a collaborative anthology showcasing the creative talents of students as they reimagine and reinterpret folklore from across Asia through the art of manga. This project is the culmination of a course dedicated to exploring the rich storytelling traditions of Japanese manga and Korean webtoons, alongside the cultural and historical narratives that inspire them.
Each student has crafted a one-spread manga inspired by the diverse myths, legends, and folktales of Asia. These stories, passed down through generations, reflect the cultural values, beliefs, and imaginative spirit of their origins. Students were challenged to not only honor the essence of these tales but also to adapt them through their own artistic styles and narrative voices, creating a fresh and personal perspective on timeless stories.
Through this project, students applied skills
developed in class, including storyboarding, character creation, panel composition, and visual storytelling. Their work demonstrates a deep understanding of how manga communicates through the interplay of text and imagery, and how the unique pacing and layout of comics can guide readers through compelling narratives.
Graphic Narratives from Asia is more than a collection of student work—it is a testament to the power of cultural exchange, creativity, and storytelling. We hope that readers will enjoy this vibrant anthology, gaining new appreciation for the folklore of Asia and the artistic possibilities of graphic narratives.
Back Cover Art by Brian Gaffney