Understanding the Source Material – Chronicles of Carnells

Before transforming Chronicles of Carnells into a manga, you (the artist) need to deeply understand the
story, characters, world, and themes. This will ensure that the manga remains faithful to novel’s vision
while making it visually engaging.

1. Core Premise – What is Chronicles of Carnells About?

At its heart, Chronicles of Carnells is a rebirth and rise-to-power story in a medieval fantasy setting.
The protagonist is an old man reincarnated into a young boy, suddenly granted control over a small
territory. He must use his wisdom, experience, and strategy to survive, expand, and thrive in a
dangerous world filled with noble conflicts, politics, and war.

Key Story Elements:

✅ Reincarnation – The protagonist has past-life knowledge.​

✅ Medieval Fantasy – A world of castles, knights, and feudal lords.​
✅ Territorial Management – Growing a barony into a powerful domain.​
✅ Political Intrigue – Nobility, betrayals, alliances, and war.​
✅ Character Growth – A child slowly becoming a powerful ruler.

2. Identifying Key Themes for Manga Adaptation

To visually capture Chronicles of Carnells, the manga should emphasize these core themes:

A. The Weight of Reincarnation

●​ The protagonist is mentally an old man but physically a child.

●​ How does he balance his mature wisdom with his young body?
●​ Visual Focus:
○​ Expressions of wisdom beyond his years (mature eyes in a child's face).
○​ Moments where others underestimate him based on age.
○​ Flashback panels showing his past life influencing decisions.

B. Strategic Growth & World-Building

●​ Unlike typical action-heavy stories, this is about smart decision-making.

●​ Battles should emphasize tactics and planning over brute force.
 ●​ Visual Focus:
○​ Maps, strategy tables, war councils (showing his intelligence).
○​ Scenes of construction and governance (to depict his territory growing).

C. Medieval Fantasy Atmosphere

●​ The setting must feel realistic and immersive—a true medieval world.
●​ Visual Focus:
○​ Detailed castles, landscapes, villages.
○​ Armor, banners, and noble attire to enhance medieval authenticity.

3. Defining the Protagonist – Who is He?

The protagonist is not an average child—his past life makes him unique. To draw him properly,
consider:

A. His Mind vs. Body Conflict

●​ His inner personality is old and wise, but his body is young and growing.
●​ At times, he might look serious beyond his years (narrowed eyes, calculated expressions).
●​ Other times, his body betrays him (fatigue, lack of strength).

B. Key Visual Cues for the Character

●​ Eyes: Show intelligence and calculation (not naive like a normal child).
●​ Posture: More composed and formal, unlike other kids.
●​ Expressions:
○​ A mix of sternness, patience, and occasional weariness.
○​ Rare but impactful smirks or confident grins when he outsmarts opponents.

4. The Setting – The World of Chronicles of Carnells

A medieval fantasy world must feel authentic and detailed. The manga should bring this to life
through:

A. Architectural Design

●​ Castles & Forts: Should feel massive and imposing, with high walls, banners, and towers.
●​ Villages & Markets: Show the contrast between nobility and commoners.
 ●​ Military Camps: Depict the warlike nature of the world.

B. Clothing & Armor Styles

●​ Nobles vs. Peasants:

○​ Nobles wear rich fabrics, jewelry, and ornate robes.
○​ Peasants wear simpler tunics, aprons, and headscarves.
●​ Armor & Weapons:
○​ Knights in full plate armor for grand battles.
○​ Mercenaries with ragged leather armor for a grittier feel.
○​ The protagonist may wear a more practical, customized outfit to show his unique
status.

C. Economy & Daily Life

●​ Show the barony developing over time (farms, blacksmiths, bustling towns).
●​ Depict economic struggles (poor harvests, taxing peasants, merchant disputes).

5. The Supporting Cast – Allies & Enemies

Every good manga needs memorable side characters. The artist must make sure each character:

1.​ Looks visually distinct (different hairstyles, builds, clothing).

2.​ Reflects their personality through body language and expressions.
3.​ Has symbolic traits (e.g., a scar for a battle-hardened warrior, refined posture for a noble).

Types of Important Characters

●​ Loyal Vassals & Knights – Strong warriors who swear fealty.

●​ Cunning Nobles & Rivals – Those who want to manipulate or challenge the protagonist.
●​ Merchants & Scholars – Non-combatants who help build his domain.

6. Emotional & Dramatic Moments – Where the Manga Can

Shine
Manga is not just about dialogue—it’s about emotionally charged, powerful visuals. Some moments
that should be artistically emphasized:

A. First Moments of Reincarnation

 ●​ Shock and confusion as an old mind wakes in a child's body.
●​ A mirror reflection panel where he stares at his new self.

B. His First Major Victory

●​ A double-page spread of him standing on a battlefield, victorious.

●​ Close-up of his smirk as his enemies realize they underestimated him.

C. Betrayals & Setbacks

●​ A panel where a trusted ally turns against him—shadows over their face, cold expression.
●​ A destroyed village or castle, showing the cost of war.

Final Thoughts

✅
For this adaptation to succeed, the artist must:​

✅
Capture the protagonist’s duality – a wise old mind in a young body.​

✅
Make the medieval setting feel immersive and realistic.​
Use visual storytelling – letting emotions and actions carry the story, not just dialogue.

By fully understanding Chronicles of Carnells, the manga will remain faithful to the novel’s vision while
enhancing it through powerful visuals.
Adapting Chronicles of Carnells into a Manga Script

Now that the artist has a deep understanding of the novel, the next step is converting the story into a
manga-friendly format. Unlike novels, manga relies on visual storytelling, pacing, and structured
dialogue to engage readers. This section will guide the artist on how to break down Chronicles of
Carnells into a well-paced, readable manga script.

1. Understanding the Manga Script Format

A manga script is different from a novel manuscript. It looks more like a movie script and is broken
into:

📌 Page Number – How many pages this scene will take.​

📌 Panel Number – Each panel's specific action.​
📌 Description – What happens in the panel (setting, emotions, movement).​
📌 Dialogue – What characters say (shorter than novel dialogue).​
📌 SFX (Sound Effects) – Added for atmosphere.
Example Format:

**Page 1**
[Panel 1]
(Description) The protagonist opens his eyes. He sees a wooden ceiling. His breathing is heavy.
(Dialogue) **MC (thinking):** "Where… am I?"
(SFX) *haa… haa…* (heavy breathing)

[Panel 2]
(Description) He sits up suddenly, eyes wide in shock. The room is unfamiliar.
(Dialogue) **MC:** "This isn’t my house… what is this place?"
(SFX) *rustle* (clothes moving as he sits up)

This structure helps visualize each page before drawing.

2. Breaking Down the Novel into Chapters

Manga follows chapter-based storytelling instead of continuous narration like a novel.

Steps to Convert the Novel into Manga Chapters:​

1️⃣ Identify key story beats – Where does one scene end and another begin?​
2️⃣ Decide chapter length – Usually 20-40 pages per chapter.​
3️⃣ Create cliffhangers – Every chapter should end on a moment of tension to keep readers hooked.

Example Breakdown for Chronicles of Carnells:

●​ Chapter 1: The protagonist awakens in his new body (establishing reincarnation).

●​ Chapter 2: He discovers his small territory and meets his people.
●​ Chapter 3: He faces his first political challenge (a noble underestimating him).
●​ Chapter 4: He starts strategizing growth, setting up his first plan.

Each chapter should have a clear purpose and avoid excessive exposition.

3. Condensing Novel Dialogue for Manga

In novels, characters can speak in long paragraphs. In manga, dialogue must be short, sharp, and
impactful.

📌 Example (Novel Version):​

"I do not know what has happened to me, but I must gather my wits. This situation is strange, and if my
assumptions are correct, I am no longer in my old body. But whose body is this? And why am I here?"

📌 Manga Version (Condensed):​

MC (thinking): "This… isn’t my body. Where am I?"

By cutting unnecessary words, the dialogue stays punchy and engaging.

4. Structuring Panels for Maximum Impact

Since a novel has no panel restrictions, it's easy to overload manga pages with too much text. Instead,
scenes should be visually paced.

A. Choosing Panel Layouts Based on Emotion

●​ Fast action? Use small, dynamic panels to increase speed.

●​ Dramatic moment? Use large panels or full-page spreads.
●​ Inner thoughts? Use black backgrounds or close-ups.

📌 Example – First Awakening Scene

 Panel Content Effect

1 (small) A close-up of the protagonist's closed eyes Builds tension

2 (medium) His eyes snap open, confused expression Sudden realization

3 (large) The full view of his surroundings (wooden ceiling, candlelight) Sets atmosphere

4 (medium) He sits up, holding his chest, breathing heavily Expresses shock

Instead of explaining emotions in text, show them visually.

5. Handling Flashbacks & Internal Monologues

Since the protagonist is a reincarnated old man, he often remembers things from his past life.

✅
Techniques to Show Flashbacks in Manga:​

✅
Faded or blurred panels – To indicate memories.​

✅
Black borders – To separate past from present.​
Minimal dialogue – Let emotions carry the scene.

This technique helps distinguish past from present.

6. Creating Emotional & Impactful Scenes

Great manga balances dialogue with strong visuals. Certain scenes should be silent but powerful, using
only expressions and body language.

A. Key Emotional Scenes & How to Adapt Them

Scene Type How to Show It Visually

Shock/Realization Close-up of wide eyes, sweat drops, shaky breath

Determination Low-angle shot, shadowed face, strong posture

Betrayal A trusted ally turning away, darkened background

 Victory Hero standing on a hill or battlefield, wind blowing

The less text, the more impact the scene has.

7. Storyboarding – Sketching Before Final Drawings

Before starting full illustrations, a storyboard (rough sketch version of pages) is crucial.

📌 Steps for Storyboarding:​

1️⃣ Thumbnail Sketching – Draw rough page layouts.​
2️⃣ Decide Panel Order – Ensure smooth visual flow.​
3️⃣ Mark Key Scenes – Highlight emotional & action moments.​
4️⃣ Refine Over Time – Adjust dialogue and pacing before final drawing.

Final Steps Before Drawing

📌 Step 1: Convert the novel into chapter-based manga scripts.​
📌 Step 2: Adjust dialogue to be short & effective.​
📌 Step 3: Use visual storytelling rather than relying on text.​
📌 Step 4: Experiment with panel layouts for best pacing.​
📌 Step 5: Start with storyboards before finalizing pages.
By following this structure, Chronicles of Carnells can smoothly transition from novel to manga while
keeping the essence of the story intact.
Creating Storyboards & Panel Layouts
What is a Storyboard?
A storyboard is a rough draft of your manga, helping you plan page layouts, panel arrangement, and
pacing before finalizing the art. It’s like the blueprint for the manga, ensuring flow, clarity, and impact.

Why Storyboarding is Important

✅ Saves time – Prevents unnecessary redrawing later.​

✅ Helps with pacing – Balances slow and fast moments.​
✅ Improves composition – Ensures each scene is visually engaging.

How to Start a Storyboard for Chronicles of Carnells

Step 1: Choose the Key Scenes

Start by deciding which scenes go into each chapter.

📌 Example for Chapter 1 (MC Awakens in a New Body)

●​ Scene 1: Close-up of protagonist's confused expression.
●​ Scene 2: He realizes he is in an unfamiliar room.
●​ Scene 3: Tries to move but feels weak.
●​ Scene 4: Flashback of his past life before reincarnation.

Each scene will then be divided into panels.

Step 2: Page & Panel Planning

Manga pages usually have 4-7 panels per page depending on pacing.

📌 Basic Page Layout Types:​

🔹 Fast-paced action → Many small panels.​
🔹 Emotional/dramatic moments → Few large panels.​
🔹 Mystery/suspense → One large panel with minimal dialogue.
📌 Example: Storyboard for Page 1
 Panel # Description Size Reason

Panel 1 Close-up of MC’s half-open eyes, blurry vision. Small Builds suspense.

Panel 2 MC sees a wooden ceiling, confused. Medium Establishes setting.

Panel 3 MC tries to move, body feels heavy. Large Shows struggle.

Panel 4 MC whispers, “Where am I?” Small Highlights confusion.

Each panel’s size affects the mood and impact of the scene.

Step 3: Sketching the Storyboard (Thumbnails)

1️⃣ Use a simple sketchbook or A4 paper.​

2️⃣ Draw rough boxes for panels (no need for details).​
3️⃣ Place characters and text within panels.​
4️⃣ Check if the flow makes sense before proceeding.

🔹 Pro Tip: Read the page from right to left (Japanese manga format).

Step 4: Balancing Action & Dialogue

Manga is visual storytelling—don’t overload panels with text!

📌 Example (Overloaded Panel 👎)​

❌ MC (thinking): “This must be a medieval world. I don’t recognize anything, and my body feels
strange. Could this be a dream? No… it feels too real.”

📌 Revised (Better Flow 👍)​

✅ Panel 1: (MC’s eyes open)​
MC (thinking): “This place…”

✅ Panel 2: (View of wooden ceiling)​

MC: “Not my home.”

✅ Panel 3: (MC sits up, gripping his chest)​

MC: “...This isn’t a dream.”

By spreading dialogue across panels, it keeps the reading experience smooth.

Step 5: Review & Adjust

🔹 Does each panel lead naturally to the next?​

🔹 Are key moments emphasized with larger panels?​
🔹 Is there enough variety in panel sizes & angles?
Once the storyboard is clear and polished, move on to the final drawing phase.
Drawing the Manga (Step-by-Step Process)
Required Materials
📌 Basic Stationery:​
✔ A4 sketchbook or manga paper (120-135 GSM)​
✔ Pencils (HB for sketching, 2B for shading)​
✔ Fine liners (0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm) for inking​
✔ Eraser & ruler

📌 Optional Tools:​
✔ G-pens & dip pens for line variation​
✔ Screen tones (for shading effects)​
✔ White gel pen (for highlights)

Step-by-Step Manga Drawing Process

Step 1: Sketching the Rough Layout

1️⃣ Lightly pencil in the panel borders using a ruler.​

2️⃣ Draw rough character poses (stick figures work here).​
3️⃣ Block in background elements.​
4️⃣ Adjust panel compositions if needed.

🔹 Pro Tip: Keep the sketch loose! Don’t focus on details yet.

Step 2: Refining Character Poses & Expressions

✅ Focus on facial expressions – emotions must be clear.​

✅ Ensure body proportions – heads should not be too big/small.​
✅ Refine clothing folds & details – medieval setting needs proper textures.
📌 Example: Facial Expressions for Chronicles of Carnells
●​ Surprise → Wide eyes, slightly open mouth.
●​ Determination → Furrowed brows, tight lips.
●​ Sadness → Downcast eyes, slight slouch.
Step 3: Inking the Final Lines

1️⃣ Use thin pens (0.1mm) for details (eyes, hair strands).​
2️⃣ Use thicker pens (0.5mm) for outlines (jawlines, clothing).​
3️⃣ Vary line weights → Thin for distant objects, thick for foreground.​
4️⃣ Erase pencil lines only after the ink dries.

🔹 Pro Tip: Use a ruler for straight lines (panel borders, buildings).

Step 4: Adding Shading & Depth

✅ Cross-hatching → For shadows & depth.​

✅ Screen tones → Use black & gray for contrast.​
✅ White gel pen → Highlights (eyes, shiny surfaces).
📌 Example: Adding Shadows in Chronicles of Carnells
●​ Dramatic scenes → Dark shading with bold contrast.
●​ Soft lighting → Gentle gradients with light hatching.

Step 5: Final Touches & Background Details

✔ Add small textures (wood grain, stone walls).​

✔ Use speed lines for action & movement.​
✔ Check page balance (not too empty or cluttered).

🔹 Pro Tip: If a panel feels "empty," add background elements!

Step 6: Scanning & Editing (Optional)

✅
Since this is a hand-drawn manga, scanning can help with minor adjustments.​

✅
Scan in 600 DPI for clarity.​

✅
Adjust brightness/contrast in editing software (if available).​
Clean up smudges or mistakes.
Final Checklist Before Publishing
✅ Are panels clear & easy to read?​
✅ Do characters’ emotions match the dialogue?​
✅ Is the flow natural from panel to panel?​
✅ Are backgrounds detailed but not overpowering?
Formatting for Publishing & Online Sharing
Since you already have a good reader base, you have an advantage in promoting your manga. Now, let’s
go step by step on how to format your manga for publication and sharing.

1. Preparing the Final Pages for Publishing

Once your manga pages are complete, they need to be formatted properly to ensure they look professional
and are easy to read.

●​ Page Size & Resolution:​

○​ Standard manga pages are around 5.5 x 7.75 inches (B6 size) or A5 size for digital
publication.
○​ If scanning, use at least 600 DPI for high-quality images.
○​ If you plan to print in the future, use black-and-white or grayscale (for traditional
manga style).
●​ Page Order & Arrangement:​

○​ Manga is typically read right to left.

○​ Ensure your pages follow the correct order before exporting.
●​ Text & Speech Bubbles:​

○​ If you're adding text manually, use neat handwriting or stencils for clarity.
○​ If using digital tools for lettering (even if scanned), pick a clean and readable font like
Anime Ace, Wild Words, or similar manga fonts.
●​ File Format for Publishing:​

○​ For print, save files as TIFF (lossless quality) or high-resolution PNG/JPEG.

○​ For web sharing, PNG or JPEG at 72 DPI is fine.
○​ If creating a PDF for digital distribution, ensure pages are arranged in reading order.

2. Publishing on Online Platforms

Since you don’t have money for paid publishing, start with free web manga platforms and social media.

Manga/Comic Hosting Sites (Free)

●​ Webtoon Canvas (For vertical scrolling format)

●​ Tapas (Best for webcomic-style publishing)
●​ MangaDex (More traditional manga format)
 ●​ GlobalComix (For reaching international readers)
●​ Medibang (Supports traditional right-to-left manga style)

Social Media & Forums

●​ Instagram & Twitter (X) → Great for posting single panels, teasers, and engaging fans.
●​ Reddit (r/manga, r/webcomics) → A good place to gain early feedback.
●​ Discord servers & Manga forums → Find indie manga communities and share your work.
●​ Facebook Groups → Many dedicated to manga creation and promotion.

3. Preparing for Print (Optional)

If you ever want to self-publish a physical manga, consider:

●​ Print-on-demand services (Amazon KDP, Lulu, Blurb)

●​ Crowdfunding options (Kickstarter, Patreon for long-term)
●​ Local Printing Services (If you can gather funds over time)