Cartoons and Comics Cartoons and Comics

Comics have gotten a bad reputation over the years, but more and more research is pointing to the fact that comics can be read and created as a way to understand the world- just like any other type of media. I tried out three comic-creator websites that are free and safe to use. Here is what I learned:

Fotojet (https://www.fotojet.com/features/misc/photo-comic.html)

This site was a bit confusing to use- took some orienting to the editing tool. One click made a huge menu pop up, which got in the way of seeing the design. It was also a little tricky without an undo button. I accidentally deleted an entire frame, and I couldn’t get it back, which is why the last pane doesn’t have a border around the picture. Also, when I was finished creating, I clicked the wrong button (though I’m not sure which it was) and the site thought I was trying to leave. I could see this being a source of potential confusion and frustration for students, but I am also sure they would figure out how to navigate these difficulties if given enough time. 

Photos were limited within the frame, so you couldn’t move them around too much after the site autofit them into the comic panes. Still was a really cute product! The finished comic was really easy to download and save, which makes it easy for students to share when they are complete. I could see this being great for students to use to show their learning within a particular unit of study, or a quick way to assess the day’s learning goal.

Pixton (https://www.pixton.com/)

Very easy and fun to use. You can start a comic from scratch, or use a template and edit it for your own needs. Lots of great diversity in character options, skin tones, hairstyles, clothes, etc. that can be added to characters- could be great for history projects or presentations. Students could easily learn how to use this site, as it paces out the learning for the user. 

My only negative about this site is that you have to be a paid member to download or save your comics. I screen-shotted my product for the purpose of this assignment, but that was kind of a let down. Although I do understand, because the site is really engaging and accessible. Users can also get by this by copying and pasting the URL for the image, and then saving it that way. 

MakeBeliefs Comix (https://makebeliefscomix.com/)

This site is also very easy to use, and BONUS, no registration is required to build comics. Users do need to sign in to a free account to share and download the comics they use. Like the other two sites, this tool has many options for students to get started. Users are given the options to add many things to their comics, like backgrounds, characters, speech bubbles, and more. It was very easy to build a quick comic! The only part I found confusing was how to delete objects- I learned you must first click the delete button and then click what you want to delete, as opposed to the traditional way of clicking and deleting. 

Overall, comics are a great way for students to express themselves socially, emotionally, and educationally. I plan to share these comic makers in the weekly library newsletter, as well as telling students about it when they visit the library. My hope is that teachers use the sites as a way to assess students and promote creativity in their classrooms.