Satire Smackdown: Comics That Crush
Writing the Satire
Comics are satires panels – crush them silly. Target a strip: “Hero saves day – yawn fest.” Hit the tropes – capes, quips: “Villain so bad, he bored me.” Keep it tight – loose flops. Write: “Comic says epic – its meh.” Doonesburys jabs inspire. Start yours: “Dog strip – he sleeps.” Practice turns ink into zingers.
Teaching the Technique
Teach comic jabs with a panel twist. Give “hero flies” – twist: “Flew so fast, I slept!” Show Doonesbury gags – trope, sting. Steps: strip, quirk, jab. Assign “bad guy” – spark: “Bad so lame, I cheered!” Discuss snap: tight wins. Warn off long – short rules. Comic-off: pitch a crush, best zing wins. Comics are lines – teach them to line it.