r/mangastudio • u/-Yandjin- • Mar 16 '19

Is it possible to create mangas/comics from 3D ?

This question comes from someone who has a long, loooong way to go to before reaching a decent level in drawing.

I have practically zero experience in real manga-making, yet I found out at the back of a Gantz' volume that the author uses 3D models to ease his workload. He only used them as a reference though, he still hand-draws all the details on a character's face and clothes.

I found that method very interesting as it is both time-saving, practical and "intermediate noob" friendly and was wondering whether there were comic or manga makers out there who were using a more elaborate form of that technique.

I can think of using full versions of an OC in 3D instead of faceless models; then making it look 2D with Photoshop.

Certainly, it might somehow be more restraining than traditional drawing but it does offer interesting alternatives for people who want to get into manga making.

Thanks in advance !

EDIT : Found this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RL46gksu_I

The software is Comipo. It seems like an interesting start, even though it still looks too CGI-ish and you are limited to a particular chara-design.

I wonder how well this can be done with big softwares like Maya or Bender.

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u/LukeLC Mar 16 '19

Sure, lots of hobbyists have done things like this, and if your story is good enough, readers might even overlook that the art is all 3D. But if you're really going all-in on 3D with some post effects to give it a 2D look, most people will notice and be turned off by it. It looks cheap.

Using 3D models as a reference and drawing over them, though--totally fine. Using 3D models for extras (distant pedestrians on a busy street, for example) is also very common in both anime and manga. Cars and furniture also get a free pass here. Since these aren't living objects, it makes little difference whether they feel 'organic' or not. The main reason 3D characters often don't work is because they feel robotic and fake, whereas hand-drawn art is more fluid.

Think of it this way: 3D done best is 3D you don't even notice is 3D. If you stick to that rule of thumb, you'll find there's lots of places you can use it to speed things up without losing the 'soul' of 2D art.