Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David (Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels) [Paperback]

Peter David (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1600616879 | ISBN-13: 978-1600616877 | Edition: 2

A must have for all comics, fantasy and sci-fi fans wanting to write their own comics or improve storytelling techniques, this revised edition focuses on comics, graphic novels and the updated market, particularly superhero and fantasy genres. Instruction is easy to follow, even for beginners.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

In the past two decades, comic writers have become superstars in the industry, and Peter David is one of them, well known for his work selling millions of publications, including recent work on the comic-book versions of Stephen King's The Dark Tower. He's been Comics Buyer's Guide's most popular columnist for 13 years. He's constantly working on new things with many major entertainment companies and publishers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: IMPACT; 2 edition (August 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600616879
• ISBN-13: 978-1600616877
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.6 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #133,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Academic & Commercial

More About the Author

Peter David is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous Star Trek novels, including the incredibly popular New Frontier series. In addition, he has also written dozens of other books, including his acclaimed original novel, Sir Apropos of Nothing, and its sequel, The Woad to Wuin. David is also well known for his comic book work, particularly his award-winning run on The Incredible Hulk. He recently authored the novelizations of both the Spider-Man and Hulk motion pictures.He lives in New York.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read, filled with excellent information. January 20, 2010

By Keith Woodruff

Format:Paperback

This book is great for everyone. It's not just about writing for comics. It's about writing. Mr. David talks about structure and how to craft each act of a three act story. The whole book is packed full of anecdotes as well as references to comic stories in which the information is exampled.

I have to admit this book did get me to buy some of the old stories that he used in his examples.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Peek Behind the Comics Curtain March 15, 2011

By Weston Locher

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The author's name, Peter David, is almost synonymous with comic books. In addition to long runs on the X-Men, Spider-Man, and The Incredible Hulk, he's also worked on numerous DC titles and has written a ton of prose books. If there's one person that I would be more than happy to take writing advice from, it's Mr. David. The icing on the cake is that he spends 187 pages dishing on writing tips specific to the art of comic books.

I've reviewed numerous books on writing for comics, but this was by far my favorite. David goes in depth on inspiration for stories, characters and their motivations, themes, story structure, and scripting. Within all of these sections he offers up highly detailed insights and tips to help you succeed in the industry, or in your self-published comics project. As with any good book on writing, these suggestions are strictly geared toward comics, and can be applied to writing just about any type of character-driven epic you can imagine.

To reinforce all of his ideas, Peter provides pages from existing comics -- sometimes entire sections so that you understand how sequential art plays into voicing your ideas. A comic book is made up of moments frozen in time and specific beats that move the story along. David provides one of the best sections on pacing in comics that I have read to date. Though you may not be familiar with all of the pages within this book (there are some odds and ends of lesser known titles) they are all prime examples of what he is preaching within the pages.

Sprinkled in throughout the chapters are different exercises that the aspiring comic writer can use to hone and develop his or her skills.... These should not be overlooked because it's his way of saying "If you can do this, you just might be able to succeed in the comics industry."

Whereas some Comic Writing books take the most basic approach possible, Peter understands that you've probably read a few hundred comics in your day and have the basic understandings. He spends more time helping the reader think about their story, their characters, and the overall moral to the story that they are trying to tell.

In addition to offering up typical writing advice, there are several appendices that detail tips for breaking into the industry as well as a section that addresses fan submitted questions. This book is currently in its second edition and is guaranteed to only get better in future releases. Pick up Peter David's Writing for Comics (or Graphic Novels, if you're afraid of the "C" word) and take your comic book aspirations to the next level. Read more ›

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive! November 19, 2010

By golgo13

Format:Paperback

If you're an aspiring comic book writer, screenwriter or novelist I highly recommend this book! It doesn't just cover comic writing but it covers the whole aspect of writing too. I guarantee you'll gain helpful advice to improve your writing skills no matter what field you're interested in.

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Only good for beginning writers September 11, 2010

By BunnyRabbits

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'd say only about 20% of this book deals with specific information relevant to writing a comic. The remaining 80% is a basic Writing 101 lesson. Very disappointing. I'm looking for a book that assumes I have knowledge of how to write a story and focuses on and elaborates on the details specific to comic writing, e.g. page breakdowns, panel layout tips, etc. Some of that is in this book, but not enough, in my opinion, to be that helpful to all but those who've never picked up a comic book before. I think I'll have better luck buying an artist's guide to creating comics.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Serviceable primer on comic writing...but leaves you wanting more. April 23, 2012

By William

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

It's nice to read a book about a side of the comic business that doesn't always get it's due, but these Impact books (this is the second one I have bought) about creating comics honestly seem a little slapped together and short. It didn't turn me off the idea of writing comics but I wanted more detailed instruction on writing different genres and styles. David essentially shows you how to write a typical Hulk or Fantastic Four story. That isn't really a bad thing but it is what it is.

5.0 out of 5 stars Even if you want to learn to write well on Facebook November 23, 2012

By Christopher Peruzzi

Format:Paperback

Peter David is one of the few comic book masters out there.

His run on the incredible Hulk, Spider-man 2099, and the continuation of Genis as the second Captain Marvel have been as good as any of his Star Trek novels and his series on the New Frontiers. Now, you can get some tips from this master that will aid you in not only novels and comic books but also in how you address posts you make on Facebook to give your posts extra punch.

I recommend this book to anyone looking to start their own novel or to put a little bit of life into their own writings.

5.0 out of 5 stars Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels with Peter David June 15, 2011

By zamcam

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am totally pleased with this purchase. Peter David has such a sense of humor, and he cuts right to the point - finds a way to unclutter the information and gives it to you. I have a hard time finishing books due to boredom, but I'm finishing this one today. Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David (Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels)

5.0 out of 5 stars A good sourcebook for GMs March 29, 2011

By N. Reed

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book had come up in a convesation about good reading resources for budding Game Masters, so I picked up a copy and read it through. It helps for those who never took a writing class to understand plot development and villian development at a fairly high-level. You will not be wirting the next war and peace, but from a GM's perspective it is a good way to understand how to structure a good adventure and perhaps even campaign (even if you are not doing a super hero campaign).