If you spend any amount of time on the internet, chances are you're familiar with "Rage Comics".
These can be a fun way to share everyday experiences and frustrations. But inspiration doesn't always strike when you are in front of the computer, and not everyone has a smart-phone with convenient apps to make rage comics whenever, wherever. Well, fret no more my friends - enter the Pocket Rage Maker! Yes, with this handy little tin, you too can experience the joy and satisfaction of making rage comics on the go!

(I suppose it should be said that rage comics often contain material that may be unsuitable for some readers, including [but ommited here] the classic "f7u12" text implying someone cursing in frustration. While it is up to you what you put in your own comics, keep this in mind when sharing your comics with others or viewing them online)

Step 1: Gather Materials...

Materials:

Mint Tin
White enamel-coated metal sheet (to act as a dry-erase board)
Magnetic sheet (I used a sheet of magnetic business cards)
Paint
Spray adhesive or glue
Black felt scrap
Black fabric scrap
Dry-erase maker
Printer paper
Fine-tip permanent marker
Masking tape
Emery cloth or sandpaper
Ruler/Straightedge
Scissors
Craft knife
Dremel tool with cutoff wheel
Metal file
Flathead screwdriver
Gluegun (not shown)

You will also need access to a computer (with internet connection) and a printer

Note: Use all necessary safety equipment and follow all saftey procedures when working with sharp objects and power tools. Always use spray paints and other aerosol products in a well ventilated area. Minors should be under the supervison of adults.

Step 2: Prepare the Tin...

I opted to paint just the top of the tin. This kept the classic look, yet gave me a blank slate to work with.

With a flathead screwdriver, I gently pried the hinges open just enough so I could remove the lid from the base.

With a peice of emery cloth, I sanded the top of the lid. Since I was painting the lid a similar color red, I didn't need to worry about sanding the edges.

After cleaning the area, I sprayed it with a few light coats of red spraypaint. The paint I used had pretty good coverage, but you may want to consider a coat of white primer first if you are concerned that your paint may not cover well.

Set this aside to dry as you continue.

Step 3: Cover the Bottom...

I did not want to paint the bottom of the tin, but I also did not want the nutritional information visible, so I decided to cover it in felt. I feel this gives it a slightly more finished appreance, and won't scratch off easily if you slide the tin around a lot.

I wrapped the sides with masking tape to prevent any overspray, and sprayed the bottom of the base with spray adhesive. I then pressed this down onto a scrap of black felt, and let it dry. After trimming the excess felt around the edge, the base was finished.

Step 4: Make the Faces...

Next I made magnets of most of the popular rage faces that I might want to use when making a comic. These magnets will stay in place while making the comic, yet be easy to reposition or remove for the next one.

I wanted to use the traditional faces you commonly see in rage comics, so I went online and grabbed screenshots of my favorite ones. I resized them to about an inch in height, arranged them in a photo editing program, and printed them out.

Since I was using a sheet of magnetic business cards, I cut out clusters of faces that fit in each card, to avoid placing any over the lines where the cards seperate. I then layed these clusters face-down, sprayed the backs of them with spray adhesive, and affixed them onto the magnetic sheet. After letting the glue dry, I cut them out, leaving me with a collection of small, magnetic rage faces.

Step 5: Shorten the Marker...

I wanted a dry-erease marker that would fit into the tin, so I trimmed one down. The one I used had a magnet to keep it from rattling around inside the tin, and a convenient eraser on the cap.

I layed it across the top on the tin to get a rough idea of how long I wanted it, and made a mark. I then made a mark about a quarter of an inch further to make an allowance for the end cap that I would be replacing after I had made the cut. I cut the marker at the second mark. (Note: Markers of this type had a felt core that is soaked with ink. While not as messy as liquid ink, care should still be taken to prevent unwanted stains)

I then popped the end cap off the piece I had removed, and tried to press it into the open end of the shortened marker. There are ribs inside the tube that prevented an easy fit, so I trimmed off the part of the cap that fit inside the tube, and hot-glued the cap on the end. I feel this still makes an acceptable seal, and if done carefully, you don't even notice that it is glued in place.

Step 6: Prepare the Panels...

Rage comics can have many panels, but classic comics have four. I used a steel griddle cover from an old stovetop to make my panels. This gave the magnetic faces something to stick to, and the enamel coating acted as a dry-erase board. You could easily purchase a magnetic dry erase board for this purpose of you do not have a suitable piece of material to work with.

I marked out four 2x3 inch panels that would fit nicely inside the tin, and cut them out with the Dremel tool and cutoff wheel. (You can use whatever method is easiest for you, but keep in mind you don't want to damage the surface or warp the metal). I then filed the egdes smooth. You may want to round the corners as well.

To arrange them in the classic four-panel layout, I used a scrap piece of black fabric. I layed the four panels face-down, and sprayed the backs with adhesive. I then placed the panels in a two column/two row layout onto the fabric, leaving a slight gap inbetween them. This will allow the four panels to be folded up together and placed inside the tin. After the glue was dry, I used a straightedge and a craft knife to trim the excess.

Step 7: Assemble...

After the lid is dry, place it back on it's hinges. Gently squeeze the hinged closed, and test the lid's action. You don't want it so tight that it won't open and close freely, yet not so loose that it will fall apart.

Fold up your panels, and place it the tin along with your rage faces and marker.

Step 8: Make Comics!

Now you can enjoy the convenience of making your very own rage comics wherever you go! The magnetic faces allow you to keep a comic until you get home to re-create it on the internet, or you can snap a picture with your cameraphone and send it to your friends for instant laughs! And the dry-erase marker and panels allow you to keep making new comics over and over!