How To Create A Magic System In Shonen Manga | Soft VS Hard Power System

Summary

In this informative video, the creator of 'Monitor Comics' dives into the intricacies of soft and hard magic systems in shonen manga, a concept popularized by fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. The video serves as a follow-up to a previous tutorial on creating shonen power systems. A soft magic system is characterized by its abstract and loosely guided nature, which allows for a mysterious and open-ended exploration of magical possibilities. In contrast, a hard magic system operates on a concrete set of laws, providing a structured and predictable framework for magical use within a story. The video also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each system, the importance of understanding their differences, and the potential for blending the two to create a hybrid magic system. The host emphasizes the significance of creativity and originality in crafting a memorable power system for readers, regardless of the chosen approach.

Takeaways

• 🎨 **Soft vs. Hard Magic Systems**: The video discusses the distinction between soft and hard magic systems in storytelling, which are characterized by either abstract guidelines or concrete laws governing the use of magic.
• 📚 **Brandon Sanderson's Influence**: Renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson is mentioned as a key figure in defining soft and hard magic systems, with his three laws of magic providing a framework for their understanding.
• 🧠 **Understanding Magic**: Sanderson's first law emphasizes that the effectiveness of magic in resolving conflicts is tied to the reader's understanding of how it works, advocating for clarity over arbitrary elements.
• 🚫 **Limitations and Weaknesses**: The second law highlights that the weaknesses of magic are more interesting than its powers, as they drive the story's conflict and force characters to be more resourceful.
• 🌱 **Expansion Over Addition**: The third law encourages expanding on existing powers rather than adding new ones without reason, suggesting that a smaller number of well-defined elements is preferable.
• 📐 **Hard Magic Systems**: These systems have strict rules that define how magic is used and produced, offering advantages in plot development, world-building, and reader comprehension.
• 🌫️ **Soft Magic Systems**: They are more ambiguous, offering a sense of mystery and flexibility in storytelling, but can risk plot conveniences and difficulty in conveying abstract concepts.
• 🔄 **Hybrid Magic Systems**: It's rare for a story to be purely soft or hard magic; most blend elements of both, offering a mix of concrete and abstract rules governing magic.
• 🌐 **Magic System Backstories**: A common element in all magic systems is a backstory explaining the origin of magic, which helps to deepen the world and establish its history.
• ⚖️ **Harmful Effects of Magic**: It's important to include the potential negative consequences of using magic to prevent characters from appearing invincible and to create conflict.
• 👤 **Definitive Magical Users**: Stories should clearly define who can and cannot use magic to establish a precedent and avoid confusion during pivotal moments.
• 🔗 **Relationship with Magic**: The interaction between the user and magic is often explored, with some stories examining how users can influence magic or suffer consequences from its use.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing soft and hard magic systems in shonen manga and how to create them for comics, manga, and webtoon projects.

Who coined the terms 'soft magic system' and 'hard magic system'?

The terms 'soft magic system' and 'hard magic system' were coined by renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson.

What are the three laws of magic as established by Brandon Sanderson?

The three laws of magic are: 1) The author's ability to resolve conflicts with magic is proportional to the reader's understanding of it; 2) Weaknesses are more interesting than powers; 3) Expand on pre-existing powers rather than adding new ones without reason.

What is a hard magic system?

A hard magic system is a set of established laws that regulate how magic is used and produced within a fictional universe, with concrete rules that make it easier to develop plot, world-building, and characters.

What is a soft magic system?

A soft magic system is a system that lacks a precise set of guidelines, being more vague and open to interpretation, which can add an extra layer of mystery to a story.

What is a hybrid magic system?

A hybrid magic system is a blend of concrete and abstract elements, where the rules overseeing the use and creation of magic combine features of both hard and soft magic systems.

What are some common characteristics of all magic systems?

Common characteristics include a history of the magic system, potential harmful effects of magic, definitive magical users, and a relationship between the user and the magic itself.

What is the main advantage of a hard magic system?

The main advantage of a hard magic system is the concrete rules make it easier to develop the plot, world-building, and characters, and it allows the reader to have a firm grasp on the magic system.

What is a disadvantage of a hard magic system?

A disadvantage of a hard magic system is that the specified overarching rules can limit magical possibilities and may straighten the reader by closing their mind off to seeking the bounds of the magic system.

What is the main advantage of a soft magic system?

The main advantage of a soft magic system is that the vagueness adds an extra layer of mystery to the story and encourages the reader to explore the potential of the magic system on their own.

What is a disadvantage of a soft magic system?

A disadvantage of a soft magic system is that it can lead to lazily resolving complicated plot developments using cop-outs and it is more difficult to communicate abstract concepts to the reader.

How can a writer choose between a soft and hard magic system for their story?

A writer should choose a magic system that fits with their unique story and personal interest, considering the pros and cons of both systems, and focusing on creativity and original ideas that will be memorable to readers.