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entry: 10/24/02
FIVE RULES FOR A SUCCESSFUL ROMANCE COMIC!
When was the last time you read a romance comic book? Since there haven't been a mainstream romance series since the 70s, chances are you’ve NEVER read one. If that is the case, you are missing some great entertainment! I’ve been collecting old romance comics for years, digging through collections at dusty old comic stores and at conventions. Classic romance comics like Our Love Story, Heart Throbs and Young Love may look dated and irrelevant, but when you study them as I have, you can see that the legacy of these books survive in today's trendiest women’s magazines. Think about it: besides following the romantic lives of celebrities, these magazines include features like the 'Question/Advice column' and the 'Send in your fashion designs' section. My old romance comics have all those things!
I refuse to believe that the romance comic book is corny and out of place in the lives of the modern teenager. I hereby cast my vote that this long-dead art form be resurrected and I know just how to do it! I’ve “cracked the code,” as they say. Following my five rules listed below, anyone can create a romance story that will capture the hearts of the same people who read People Magazine. This is obvious when you see a People Magazine cover story that says, "J.Lo and Ben and other couples that keep fans guessing." I can imagine the same copy on the cover of Teenage Love!
So how do you create a successful Romance Comic book? Here are 5 Rules!
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• Make ALL The Characters BEAUTIFUL!
The girl and guy are a great looking couple, sure. But EVERY character has to look like an undiscovered supermodel. The mailman? Gorgeous! The hot dog vendor? Beautiful!
Even the ‘ugly duckling’ character must go through a makeover where she starts out like Tanya Harding and end up like Pamela Anderson.
• No Old People!
These are stories about young people travelling the rocky road of love. Your parents are not invited! There is nothing worst than to include some authority figure in your stupid romance. Show the Best Friend or the worst enemy, but never a clueless Mom or Dad.
What would they know about romance?
• Bad Start, Perfect Finish
The Man has to have a serious flaw or big problem at the beginning of the story. He only becomes perfect at the last panel. It shows that patience is rewarded and it makes great melodrama. By the way, EVERY problem must be resolved. There is a story in "Our Love" that shows a Vietnam Vet coming home from the war on one crutch. It looks like just a harmless prop, like he might have slipped on the snow or something.
Shell-shocked? Leg blown off? No chance! Your love will keep me whole!
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• Money Gets In The Way!
There are thousands of stories where a waitress falls in love with the busboy, but leaves him to date the rotten son of the restaurant owner. The rich kid mistreats her and she runs back to the busboy. Poor but happy! But wait! The busboys parents own the Bank of England! See rule 3!
• The Unhappy Ending
Too many happy endings can make your book boring! It's okay to show a female character making a rare mistake. The men in every romance book follow a standard type, handsome, charming etc. and the women make the important decisions. Sometimes women fumble the ball. Example: "I loved the busboy but I broke up with him! I didn't know his family owned half of England!" Everyone can relate. You had love but you threw it away.
If you follow these simple rules you will have either a best selling romance comic or the latest issue of Seventeen Magazine. Thank you!
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