STAR WARS VS STAR TREK - TOOLS TO CREATE A DIGITAL COMIC BOOK

In the world of comics, shared universes bring legends together in ways movies and novels can't. "Batman v Superman," which originated in the comic world, is on its way to the big screen, so it's only natural for fans of science fiction to ponder a "Star Wars" versus "Star Trek" merger. As an artist, however, you can make it come true and explore both universes you've come to know and love. Here are the collaborative tools you need for the production of your own "Star Wars" versus "Star Trek" comic.

The Writer's Task

Whether you're an illustrator, writer, or both, you need a good story to bring the worlds of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" together. For this you need collaborative writing software that enables other artists to view what's been written, comment on plot points, and edit grammar and developmental issues within the text.

While services like Google Docs are commonly used for simple collaborations, programs such as Draft make it easier for team members to review older drafts. Comments made don't change the original text for the author, and comments can be hidden, erased, and addressed in a comprehensive manner. In addition, Draft provides a copy editor for you; a click of a button gets you professional help with the mechanics of the script. It's the Uber of copy editing.

Cloud Storage

While the script is in production, illustrators on the team should get a head start on concept art. In the production of a graphic novel or comic, much of the illustrations aren't used but are essential for all team members because they give everyone an idea of what the frames will look like. A cloud storage service such as Just Cloud not only lets team members access images anywhere, it also provides all the data storage you need without a large investment in hardware.

Illustration Tools

Many illustration and graphic design tools flood the market, not least of which is Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Freehand. But these classic illustration programs aren't for everyone. Programs like Sketchbook Pro, Mudbox, and Painter X3 provide much of the same functionality, although with different payment methods and interfaces.

While Adobe, Sketchbook Pro, and Mudbox are a subscription service, you can buy Painter X3 outright. While it may have a high price point, you pay less in the long run. These illustration tools give artists free range of motion while they draft concept art and focus on the final product.

Illustration Apps

While illustration apps come with less functionality than full computer programs such as the ones above, they come at a greatly reduced price point. Apps such as Procreate and Autodesk Sketchbook Pro run from 6 to 10 dollars. While apps like these maybe slimmed down, there's no reason they can't be used for concept art. While illustrators have more freedom with more expensive programs, these are more practical for semi-pros.