How to Draw & Sell Comic Strip [Paperback]

Alan McKenzie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 1998

This guide to creating comic strips and getting them published, includes advice on: what equipment to buy; how to write a script and break it down into panels; how to draw the human figure in convincing poses; pencilling, inking, lettering and colouring processes; and how to present and pitch work to publishers. It also provides an appendix of US and UK comic publishers and syndicates, complete with addresses, giving the contacts needed to get started.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Titan; 2nd edition (January 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852868996
• ISBN-13: 978-1852868994
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,870,124 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unfair criticism, in my view, December 1, 2004

By 

A. M. Mckenzie "A M McKenzie" (London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Draw & Sell Comic Strip (Paperback)

I have to take issue with "A Reader's" comments about my book. To begin with, the title of my book is "How to Draw and Sell Comic Strips", not "How to Draw". There are already dozens of books on the subject of drawing, so I concentrated more on the techniques used by professionals (who already know how to draw) when they draw comics. In fact, in the book I state, "In learning to draw comics there are two distinct stages: first you must learn how to draw; second, you must learn how to draw comics. Obviously, this book is concerned with the second stage."

Contrary to "A Reader's" assertions, "How to Draw and Sell Comics" does cover drawing, but it also spends some time on the vital aspect of storytelling, inking techniques, lettering techniques and colouring techniques. Too many aspiring comic strip artists spend all their efforts on the mechanics of pencilling without thinking about the story they're telling. "How to Draw and Sell Comics" attempts to give the reader a balanced and comprehensive tuition in the entire comic-making process.

The new edition - due out early next year - will also include more extensive coverage of creating comics digitally.

By all means criticise my work for the quality of the writing, for the subject matter covered or even for the spelling - but don't criticise the book for not being "How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way" ...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, January 23, 2005

By 

Yeoy (NZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Draw & Sell Comic Strip (Paperback)

I first read this book in 1989 when I was 15...It was without doubt one of the most influential books of my life.

As a kid I'd already read tons of `how to draw' books but this one put me on the right track.

I've found that with some so called "how to" books they're often made by people out to make a quick buck, or they fall into the category of "if you cant do; teach."

Not here, this books the real deal.

Beautifully laid out and easy to follow with real advice that will help the budding artist or comic writer. The step by step process from script to final inked page of a short story about a samurai bodyguard was a highlight.

Also not only did it contain great tips and techniques it was full of inspirational artwork from some of the best artists in the medium.

Two years after discovering this book I was getting my work published.

I now work as a Cartoonist/ Graphic Artist and I owe a debt of gratitude to Alan McKenzie for writing this book.

I understand there is an updated version due out. I will definitely be purchasing a copy as sadly the version I originally read was stolen from my public library some years ago.

I look forward to reacquainting myself with this great book

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning the art of comics, December 10, 2004

By 

Philip Looney - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Draw & Sell Comic Strip (Paperback)

This book is fantastic for helping you to learn how to make comics, from start to finish. It goes over methods of inking, lettering, coloring, and more. The book also features ideas on storytelling and style, how to create mood and more. It also includes helpful information on how to submit your final product to publishers for consideration.

Overall, this is a great book for someone who wants an overview on how to make their own comics.