ToonDoo

ToonDoo is an online comic-creating tool. You can sign up for free, or pay for an educational version.

To create comics in foreign languages, simply choose the text bubble that looks like this:

Find these and other great manga style characters under the 'special' tab (indicated by stars) in the ToonDoo maker.

This site also has the option to create your own cartoon characters, called TraitR. What a fun way to explore describing what people look like in other languages. Students could create their own characters, then describe what they look like, or create a character from the description the teacher provides. Students could use it for self decsription too, as you can upload a photo as a reference - I had lots of fun creating a cartoon of myself!

Kerpoof

Kerpoof is a suite of online multimedia software to create original artwork, animated movies, stories, greeting cards and more. It is owned by the Walt Disney company and has a section dedicated for educators. Check out the teachers’ guide, provided lesson plans or dive straight in at http://www.kerpoof.com/

Scripted languages work in Make a movie and Make a picture but not in the other sections. However, you can use the pencil in Tell a story to draw the script and use the text box below to enter the meaning – a nice way for students to build their own kanji/hanzi reference book. You can also use script by using Create a doodle in Make a card to draw your message using the pen.

Strip generator

www.stripgenerator.com
Students create their own comic strips. No sign-in required – just click on ‘Create new strip’. Students can type in script.

Pixton

Another fun little website:
www.pixton.com

Pixton provides a visual writing tool. From fully posable characters to dynamic panels, props, and speech bubbles, every aspect of a comic can be controlled in an intuitive click-n-drag motion. Comics can be published and shared, enabling classmates to view and comment.

Go Animate!

A great tool for encouraging student writing skills and embedding ICT. Students make their own animations, choosing characters, props, scenes, sounds and special FX. Unfortunately it doesn't take scripted languages, but European characters can be inserted using the ALT codes. Sign-in required.
Take a look at the sample I created...
GoAnimate.com: German David's house by elisabeth_robertson

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!