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

MONITOR COMICS

1 Nov 202111:33

Summary

TLDRIn 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.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Soft and Hard Magic Systems

The video begins by welcoming viewers to Monitor Comics, a channel dedicated to creating comics and manga. The host introduces the topic of soft and hard magic systems in shonen manga, continuing from a previous video on creating shonen power systems. The video is sponsored by Squarespace, which allows the host to present their work professionally. The discussion then delves into defining power systems and their importance in storytelling, mentioning popular examples from manga. Renowned fantasy author Brandon Sanderson's three laws of magic are introduced to clarify the concepts of soft and hard magic systems. The video outlines the differences between these systems, focusing on the strictness and clarity of the magical rules within a story.

05:00

🔮 Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of Soft and Hard Magic Systems

The second paragraph explores the pros and cons of soft and hard magic systems. Hard magic systems are characterized by concrete rules, which can facilitate plot development and character understanding but may limit creative possibilities. Soft magic systems, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and mystery but can be challenging to communicate to the reader and may lead to plot conveniences. The concept of a hybrid magic system is introduced, which combines elements of both hard and soft magic systems. The paragraph also discusses the similarities between the two systems, such as the history of magic, potential harmful effects, definitive magical users, and the relationship between the user and magic. Differences are highlighted, particularly in the explicitness of the rules and the reasoning behind magic use.

10:01

🌟 Choosing the Right Magic System for Your Story

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of choosing a magic system that aligns with the unique story and personal interests of the creator. It acknowledges that both soft and hard magic systems have their merits and drawbacks, and the decision should be based on what best serves the narrative. The host encourages viewers to consider the impact of their choice on the story's development and the reader's experience. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and comment on their favorite power systems. The host also promotes their published works and thanks the audience for their support, ending with a motivational message to continue creating.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Soft Magic Systems

Soft Magic Systems refer to a type of magic system in fiction that lacks a precise set of guidelines. It is more abstract and open-ended, allowing for a wider range of magical possibilities. In the context of the video, soft magic systems are contrasted with hard magic systems, emphasizing the flexibility and mystery they add to a story. An example from the script is that soft magic systems can introduce new magical powers without needing to adhere to a strict set of rules.

💡Hard Magic Systems

Hard Magic Systems are those that conform to a concrete set of laws within a fictional universe. They provide clear rules for how magic is used and produced, making the system easier to understand and predict. The video explains that hard magic systems offer advantages in plot development and world-building due to their explicit supernatural laws. However, they can limit magical possibilities and reader engagement due to their rigidity.

💡Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is a renowned fantasy author known for series such as 'The Wheel of Time,' 'The Mistborn Trilogy,' and 'The Stormlight Archive.' He is considered an expert on magic systems and has coined the terms 'soft' and 'hard' magic systems. In the video, Sanderson's theories are discussed in the context of creating engaging and logical magic systems for storytelling.

💡Three Laws of Magic

The Three Laws of Magic, as formulated by Brandon Sanderson, are guidelines for creating a satisfying magic system in fiction. Rule 1 emphasizes the importance of reader understanding for resolving conflicts with magic. Rule 2 suggests that weaknesses in magic are more interesting than powers, driving character development. Rule 3 advises against adding new powers without reason, promoting the expansion of existing powers. These laws are integral to the video's discussion on creating effective magic systems.

💡Shonen Manga

Shonen Manga refers to a category of manga that is targeted towards young male readers and often features themes of action, adventure, and coming-of-age. The video discusses the application of soft and hard magic systems within the context of shonen manga, which typically involves characters with extraordinary powers and abilities. Examples given include 'One Piece,' 'Hunter x Hunter,' and 'My Hero Academia,' all of which have unique power systems that drive their narratives.

💡Power Systems

A power system in fiction is an in-universe framework that explains the extraordinary abilities of characters. It should have defined rules, be creative, and include strengths, drawbacks, and limits. The video emphasizes the importance of power systems in creating engaging stories, as they set the stage for conflicts and character development. Power systems are central to the discussion on soft and hard magic systems.

💡World Building

World building is the process of constructing an imaginary world, which includes its geography, history, culture, and rules, especially in the context of fiction. The video mentions world building in relation to establishing the history of a magic system, which helps to deepen the narrative and make the fictional world feel more real and extensive. Good world building can enhance reader immersion and understanding of the story's setting.

💡Hybrid Magic System

A Hybrid Magic System is a blend of concrete and abstract elements of magic, combining aspects of both hard and soft magic systems. The video suggests that it is rare for a story to be strictly one or the other and that most works of fiction with magical elements incorporate a hybrid approach. This allows for a balance between the strict rules of hard magic and the flexibility of soft magic, enriching the narrative possibilities.

💡Squarespace

Squarespace is mentioned in the video as a sponsor and is described as an all-in-one platform for building websites and online stores. It is highlighted for its professional portfolio and gallery designs, which the speaker uses to present their work. The platform's features, such as connected social media interfaces and password-protected pages, are discussed as beneficial for creators looking to showcase their work and manage their online presence.

💡Creativity

Creativity is a key aspect when developing magic systems or power systems in fiction. The video emphasizes that regardless of whether a soft or hard magic system is used, it is the creator's original ideas and creativity that will be remembered by readers. Creativity allows for the development of unique and engaging power systems that drive the narrative and captivate the audience.

💡Definitive Magical Users

Definitive Magical Users are characters in a story who are clearly identified as capable of using magic. The video stresses the importance of establishing who can and cannot use magic to avoid confusion and to set a precedent for magical interactions within the story. This clarity helps to structure the narrative and plot twists involving the use of magic.

Highlights

The video discusses the creation of soft and hard magic systems in shonen manga, which are crucial for explaining the extraordinary powers and abilities of characters.

Soft and hard magic systems were defined by fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, known for his works like 'The Wheel of Time' and 'The Mistborn Trilogy'.

Sanderson's three laws of magic emphasize understanding, weaknesses over powers, and expanding on existing powers rather than adding new ones.

Hard magic systems have a concrete set of laws that regulate magic use, making it easier for world-building and character development.

Soft magic systems are more abstract, allowing for greater flexibility and mystery, but can be prone to plot conveniences if not well-managed.

Hybrid magic systems blend concrete and abstract elements, offering a balance between the two approaches.

All magic systems should have a backstory that explains the origin of magic in the fictional world.

The potential harmful effects of magic should be defined to create conflict and prevent characters from appearing invincible.

The story should clearly define who can and cannot use magic to avoid confusion and enhance plot development.

The relationship between the magic user and the magic itself is a common theme, affecting the narrative and character dynamics.

Hard magic systems are explicit with their rules, providing a clear framework for the reader to understand the magic's capabilities.

Soft magic systems offer more freedom for introducing new magical powers without the need for strict justification.

The choice between soft and hard magic systems depends on the writer's preference and the unique requirements of the story.

The video encourages creators to choose a magic system that aligns with their story and personal interests.

The presenter shares their personal experience using Squarespace to build a professional portfolio and gallery for their work.

Squarespace offers various gallery options and the ability to create password-protected pages for client sharing.

The video provides a discount code for Squarespace, offering 10% off the first purchase of a website or domain.