WGP for other comic genres

[Per Fischer]

I am slowly peparing myself for a playtest of the WGP preview edition, and I really, really like the mechanics, especially for conflict resolution. I am still a bit shaky on the Enrichment scenes, mostly because they are so loose.

I was wondering how easy it would be to transfer the game to other comic genres - I am not a hardnosed superhero fan, but read other comics as well. I am thinking of the panel approach to storytelling, which should work with most stories that can be boiled down to a struggle.

I can't see why not, but why not? ;)

Per

[Michael S. Miller]

I am slowly peparing myself for a playtest of the WGP preview edition, and I really, really like the mechanics, especially for conflict resolution. I am still a bit shaky on the Enrichment scenes, mostly because they are so loose.

I'm glad to hear it, Per! As for the Enrichment scenes being too loose, that has been bothering me, too. I'll likely have revised Enrichment rules in the next few weeks.

I was wondering how easy it would be to transfer the game to other comic genres - I am not a hardnosed superhero fan, but read other comics as well. I am thinking of the panel approach to storytelling, which should work with most stories that can be boiled down to a struggle.

I also think other comics genres could certainly be done with the system. I just haven't investigated them myself. The key feature of the WGP... conflict system is that it rewards players for letting bad things happen (voluntarily increasing Suffering, and getting to play to the Story Arc for yeilding a conflict). If the genre you're playing in has lots of melodramatic Bad Things happening, then it should fit.

For instance, I don't think much tweaking would be required for a Strangers in Paradise-inspired game a'tall. Ironically, I think much of Alan Moore's work would be harder to fit in the WGP... framework than something like SiP.

May I ask what particular genre you're looking at?

[Per Fischer]

I'm glad to hear it, Per! As for the Enrichment scenes being too loose, that has been bothering me, too. I'll likely have revised Enrichment rules in the next few weeks.

I thought so, and I look forward to seing it :)

For instance, I don't think much tweaking would be required for a Strangers in Paradise-inspired game a'tall. Ironically, I think much of Alan Moore's work would be harder to fit in the WGP... framework than something like SiP.
May I ask what particular genre you're looking at?

He, I knew you would ask me that. I was kind of trying to avoid a discussion of comics and how good they are - that could easily derail everything ;) I thought perhaps more along the lines of telling the story in panels and pages (I write comic scripts on the side, so it's also a kind of a personal interest for me)

But since you asked, I was considering darker hero stuff such as Watchmen, Dark Knight or The Maxx. And Transmetropolitan, Akira, and stuff like that.

Per

[Michael S. Miller]

He, I knew you would ask me that. I was kind of trying to avoid a discussion of comics and how good they are - that could easily derail everything ;) I thought perhaps more along the lines of telling the story in panels and pages (I write comic scripts on the side, so it's also a kind of a personal interest for me)

Chatting about comics may be a no-no in the General Forge Forums, but it's perfectly legit down here in the Incarnadine Press Forum. I will have need of some in-depth advice with someone who knows his way around a comics script in a few weeks, as I prepare directions for artists. I'll PM you with specific questions, if you don't mind.

But since you asked, I was considering darker hero stuff such as Watchmen, Dark Knight or The Maxx. And Transmetropolitan, Akira, and stuff like that.

I think Dark Knight Returns would likely work fine in WGP... exactly as written. When explaining the game in person, I often use Crime Alley as an example Aspect of Batman. In the climax of Dark Knight, it's very important to the story that his battle w/ Superman is taking place right there. In the game, this translates as more cards.

I haven't read Transmetropolitan since the issues first came out, but IIRC, Spider's battle against the Smiler could be seen as one long, slow Story Arc--or perhaps several. Perhaps you could place a limit like "only one card may be played to the Story Arc per conflict scene, period" to get that long, slow burn feel of Transmet. Hmmm, maybe I'll polish up that idea for my long-term pacing issues.

Specifically, Watchmen is least like a superhero story of those you mentioned (not familiar w/ The Maxx and have only seen the Akira anime), but I don't have time to get into that right now.

[Per Fischer]

Chatting about comics may be a no-no in the General Forge Forums, but it's perfectly legit down here in the Incarnadine Press Forum. I will have need of some in-depth advice with someone who knows his way around a comics script in a few weeks, as I prepare directions for artists. I'll PM you with specific questions, if you don't mind.

Glad to hear that. If I can be of any help, great, but I suppose you are already closely reading your copy of McClouds Understanding Comics?

I think Dark Knight Returns would likely work fine in WGP... exactly as written. When explaining the game in person, I often use Crime Alley as an example Aspect of Batman. In the climax of Dark Knight, it's very important to the story that his battle w/ Superman is taking place right there. In the game, this translates as more cards.

Exactly! I'm with you 100%.

Specifically, Watchmen is least like a superhero story of those you mentioned (not familiar w/ The Maxx and have only seen the Akira anime), but I don't have time to get into that right now.

I can't even begin to describe The Maxx, but it's basically about this loser guy, who also lives in a woman's fantasy world, which she created after she was raped. He is only a superhero in his own imagination and a rabbit in the woman's fantasy. I know it sounds weird, and it is.

Per