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Graphic Novels: Thinking Inside the Box(es)

Single session on campus, Saturday 7 November 10am - 3pm

Overview

This one-day Saturday workshop will explore some of the storytelling techniques used in satirical cartoon strips and critically acclaimed graphic novels. Led by short story writer, Phil Olsen, and illustrator/designer, Chris Rodenhurst, participants will be shown examples of successful visual narratives as well as being given the opportunity to draw some panels of their own. In recent years, the graphic novel as a medium for telling stories has been taken more seriously. Nick Drnaso’s ‘Sabrina’ was longlisted for the Booker Prize, Richard McGuire’s ‘Here’ was adapted into a 2025 film starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, and Adrian Tomine has had several of his graphic novel stories with connected characters and themes adapted into two films – ‘Paris, 13th District / Les Olympiades’ (2022) and ‘Shortcomings’ (2023). We will look at some example comic strips to discover what is told through speech bubbles (and thought bubbles) and what is conveyed visually.

This introductory session aims to show how text and illustration can complement each other and work in tandem to tell stories. It seeks to demonstrate that there is more to the medium than just superhero comics, as well as enabling participants to spend some time considering what should be included or left out of each panel in order for the storyboard to have most impact.

This workshop will appeal to writers and illustrators alike, and anyone interested in exploring storytelling through visual formats. No experience is necessary and readers (who perhaps don’t do any writing or drawing themselves) are also welcome.

Syllabus

The first part of the workshop will introduce, and discuss, examples of storytelling techniques used in some contemporary graphic novels.

The second part of the workshop – and the bulk of the afternoon – will be more practical and will give participants the opportunity to have a go at drawing some comic panels – or scripting some dialogue for a short cartoon strip. Chris Rodenhurst will demonstrate some live drawing and will be on hand to help students with storyboarding and art direction.

Course lecturer

Phil Olsen is a short story writer with a Creative Writing MA from the University of Manchester’s Centre for New Writing. In 2023, he ran a Canning Dock flash fiction competition with Writing on the Wall and National Museums Liverpool, delivering free workshops across Merseyside libraries. He has also run workshops for Write Generation in Toxteth, the L20 Hub at Netherton Library, and the Community Lottery-Funded Floral Civilians project in New Brighton. Winner of the University of Liverpool’s Short Story Competition in 2022, Phil has previously won the Northern Short Story Festival, WoWFest, and Book Week Scotland flash fiction competitions. His short fiction has been published by Ad Hoc Fiction, Cōnfingō, The Liminal Residency, Storgy and Strix. He was commissioned as a writer by the Science Museum and by Manchester’s Victoria Baths. Phil’s editorial roles have included Fiction Editor at Sabotage Reviews and Contributing Editor at Vestal Review. He is a member of the European Network for Short Fiction Research (ENSFR).

Chris Rodenhurst is an illustrator and designer with over 25 years’ experience in the creative sector. He has worked in graphic design, videogame development, interactive design, animation and illustration. Clients for his work have included the BBC, Kelloggs, Unilever, Diesel and National Museums Liverpool. He has performed live drawing events at Tate Liverpool, The Bluecoat and The Walker Art Gallery. While freelancing as an illustrator, Chris collaborated with community arts organisation Re-Dock on a number of public art installations and performances including signage installations in Bootle. For five years Chris taught on the BA Graphic Design and Illustration at John Moores University, and he has run numerous drawing workshops for children and adults. He is currently a designer for the University of Liverpool.

Course fee

  • Standard fee: £55