Comics & Cartoons
MakeBeliefsComix (Free)
This is THE simplest comic strip creator to use in the calssroom. No login is required- simply print out the comic or email it to yourself. Bill Zimmerman is a veteran of interactive multimedia. MakeBeliefsComix is an effective literacy tool allowing children (or adults) to create comic strips in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Latin. Select from 15 fun characters with different moods and write words write in the conversation or thoughts. The teacher's resources and writing prompts blog add to the value of this resource. As recommended by Geekdad
GoAnimate
A very flexible animation tool that enables you to easy design and create an animated film strip. Basic available free with more options on paid version. Well suited to use by students. Requires login.
Strip Designer (iPad App) ($)
Create your own personal comic book strips using photos from your photo album or iPhone camera or draw your own sketches. Apply simple image filters to increase the impact of photos, and add speech balloons and text-boxes. This is a simple to use app with fast results. See also Lifecards from the same designer.
Comic Creator - ReadWriteThink
The Comic Creator is simple to use for students of all ages. No login required. It iinvites students to compose their own comic strips (1-6 frames) for a variety of contexts (prewriting, pre- and postreading activities, response to literature, and so on). Resources are limited and finished product must be printed, however, this is an effective tool.
Pixton
Login is required for this comic making site. Free for individual users, you can create and remix comics, rate comics, post comments, enter and vote in contests. Contains safety mechanisms to make it suitable for younger age groups, e.g. language filter: Flagged words are automatically turned into grawlixes like #$@! in all comics, comments, and messages. Use the age specific filter to see more comics intended for that age group.
Comic Life
Comic Life was originally Mac only software but it's now available for Windows or Mac, individual or network licenses. It's not free but it's fabulous. Students are familiar with it as it's used in most primary schools. It's my preferred cartoon creating software and I've used it for many, many years. For the value it provides, flexibility and ease of use, it's not expensive. Highly recommended.
