Toonlet

The Journey To Comic Making by drezbee

Registration: To use Toonlet and read other Toonlet comics does not require registration and an extensive exploration of their selections is provided. A registration is needed to post comics to the Toonlet social network.

Background: Backgrounds are limited to a diverse selection of color but no landscapes of any sort are provided.

Body Language: Body language is limited to the upper proportions of the body.  Users can pick a character by clicking a button labeled "random" which is body parts generated randomly or choose body parts from the 15 groupings called "packs." Although the body is limited to the upper portion, a user can find plenty to create different facial expression and there are multiple arm and hand gestures to compensate for the lack of a lower body. Every body part can be scaled (made larger or smaller).

Clothing: Clothing and accessories are quite abundant in Toonlet. Hats, jewelry and glasses have an excellent selection. Clothing can be scaled along with jewelry, glasses and props.

Devices: Toonlet has an unbelievable amount of devices.  Shapes and sizes of action lines and sound words can found and used.

Lettering: Lettering is limited to one font size and style.

Speech Balloons: Speech balloons are limited to a regular speech balloon and a narrative bar. The speech balloon or narrative bar cannot be placed anywhere in the panel but are always positioned at the top of the panel. If there is too much lettering in the speech balloon, it will overlap onto the head of the speaking character.

Gutters:  Gutters are typical thin white lines that appear to give no significance to the story.

Panels: The selection of panels is numerous. Any number of panels can be used however, panels are a regular square shape and come in no other sizes.

Focus: Focus is mainly on the characters. This is created through the rich uses of texture and design in the clothing. The character can be moved from side to side and scaled. Focus can also be applied to the facial structure since there are exaggerated noses, eyes and mouths to bring attention to the character as they speak.

Stereotypes: Since the focus of Toonlet is its characters, any stereotypes will be found.

Accessibility: Other users or guests to the site can bookmark their favorite comic strip to their favorite bookmarking social network. The embedded coding is accessibly and can provide access to numerous avenues.

Intended User: Users would be from the teen and/or adult category. Children may find this style boring. This style of art seems to cater towards an older audience, especially with the limited background, limited panel size, and the black and white coloring of the characters, clothes and props. High school teachers would be able to use this comic creator in their classrooms. Due to its unique style, Librarians would have to search for an appropriate user group.

Summary: Toonlet has its pros and cons. It has no environmental backgrounds, one speech balloon, half body characters, black and white as its primary colors are a few of its cons. However, with rich patterns/textures and multiple styles and genres of clothes, props, facial expressions, gestures, and upper portion bodies, Toonlet is incredibly diverse. Easy to navigate, accessible to all and offering a palette of creativity, a user could spend hours reading and creating comics.