Customer Reviews

How to Draw and sell Comics

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

McKenzie's book is excellent and thorough, and belongs on the shortlist of good "how to draw comics" books, alongside COMICS AND SEQUENTIAL ART, MAKING COMICS, and the underrated HOW TO DRAW COMICS THE MARVEL WAY. I'm not sure why it hasn't garnered more attention; perhaps it's because McKenzie isn't well-known on the American side of the pond. The nuts-and-bolts, hands-on advice is especially useful as a supplement to the more theoretical advice often found in other books. Good tips from a seasoned artist. I learned from this book as a teen, and now I draw comics professionally.

(Note: I haven't read the updated 2005 edition, with advice about computers and examples by American cartoonists like Todd McFarlane, so I couldn't say how it stacks up against the first edition.)

I bought two books with this title: McKenzie's original (used, hardcover); and McKenzie's third edition (new, paperback). Either would be a very good resource for an aspiring cartoonist (or manga-ka). The third edition includes an expanded history of comics section, covering what happened since the first publication date. The newer book also has a new layout. For me, the best feature of the newer edition was the updated graphics, particularly the illustration of a typical 32-page American comic. The older book appeals to me more, probably because I remember quite a few of the historical comics used as examples. The older of the two editions also focuses on the black-on-white styles of older American comics: making it a source of information and inspiration for manga-ka wannabes like me, who want to fuse Eastern and Western graphic styles (think Cowboy BeeBop meets Flash Gordon).

Both books introduce traditional pigment-on-paper graphic techniques and materials, and give a survey of the culture and economics of the comics culture.

I don't know why this book on comic art is not more popular than it is. For anyone who wants to enjoy drawing comic art, I can't think of another title I would rather have.

I bought the first edition several years ago, and thought it was excellent at the time. I recently came across the third edition in the library -- at first I didn't recognize it because of the new cover and format -- and was blown away. It is even better then the original version.

It includes discussions of subjects that are rarely seen in other, more basic titles -- script writing, the pacing of a single issue (which I've never read anywhere else), and the creation of memorable, likable characters.

All in all, highly recommended.

I've ordered several books on creating graphic novels, comic book techniques, etc., but this one is top rate. A truly gorgeous book with lavish color illustrations on high-quality stock. An amazing buy these days, going cheaply. I got mine for 75 cents plus ship, and I would rank this as a $25 value book easily. I'm a fairly accomplished artist and would recommend it for the art libraries of those who have some established talent and confidence in their work. Bravo to Alan McKenzie for this super art instruction book.