/ic/ - Artwork/Critique

I have some general tips and advice for current and future crabs, too. Much more positive and interesting

1. While storytelling fundamentals are by far the best way of winning rounds and having fun (plot, dialogue, color/mood) , I think there are other more political creative choices that make a huge difference: including as many other characters as is appropriate/practical. There was a time when people assumed/envisioned crab tourneys as one page submissions, just comfy one shots. That isn’t the case anymore. Crab is a collaborative storytelling event. Improvisational. The more you cultivate an ensemble cast, the more excited people become—and the more interested they are in seeing your vision play out. Bernard excelled because his creator incorporated team dynamics and inter-team engagement. Bernard was never the black hole of attention. The event itself became an organic process, developing the whole organism. Bernard provided a compelling perspective of that organism’s growth.

2. Action choreography, especially anything related to fighting or competition. Much like in writing scenes, the actual play by play of a conflict is very VERY boring. It is the clash of concepts that grabs attention. I found many of the 3rd round entries to be far too long BECAUSE so much time was spent drawing shot after shot after shot of the literal fight itself. The round 1 ping pong match was interminable. Great fundamentals, all of which became meaningless after eons of back and forth panels. Nathan vs Cannongirl in round 3 had a similar issue. So many beautiful drawings… too many. Way too many. The best entries balanced literal action with subliminal conflict. Penelope vs Fernando in round 2. Balkari vs Everyone in round 3. Every M4 submission—the intrigue is in the matchup, not the action. The latter serves the former.