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Just being able to draw the figurę is only half the job. When you’re drawing comicbook superhero sagas, you’ve got to be able to move it— to animate it—to put it in action!

Using what you’ve learned in stick-figure drawing, take a character running, walking, playing bali, or throwing a punch. Draw a series of stick figures, as on the facing page, depicting as many different stages of that action as possible. Familiarize yourself with moving the body; work from one figurę into another, slowly, loosely, casually, using as many scribble lines as you wish. Don’t try to do a finished drawing, just loosen up, try to feel the action.

Notice how the first drawing and the last one in that particular sequence seem to have the most impact—the most action. In a Marvel story, the artist would use either of those shots rather than the tamer ones in between.

Remember, in these sketches all you need is three or four lines to establish the action. See the two sketches on the bottom of the page? Notice how Johnny caught all the action he wanted in just the fewest of lines—and see how skillfully he was able to build on it. You’ll be doing this, too, onceyou’ve had enough practice.

T ry to exaggerate your action—keep the figurę loose, supple, always in motion.

Notice how three or four lines establish the action for you. Once you’ve got the swing of it, the feel of it, then build upon the figurę.

WEAK