From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up—Once readers get past the grammatically questionable title, they'll find that this is a practical book for those who aspire to create their own graphic novels. Slate brings a lot of experience to the table. She is fair handed with the advice she gives to writers as well as artists. The assumption is that readers will try to do both, but she recommends collaborating with someone so that writers and artists can complement one another's talents. Some of Slate's most helpful advice applies to the general creative process, such as dealing with "Creative Block," going outside your circle of friends and family members for honest feedback, and eavesdropping on conversations for dialogue ideas. She also includes nuts-and-bolts advice that will be helpful for readers who are looking for more structure, like demonstrating how to create a "bible" for each character. One of the best practical tips entails using index cards and sticky notes for plotting, as well as color-coding for each character. The instructions and illustrations are easy to follow, and the format is colorful and eye-catching. Slate's examples of completed panels are excellent, but the chapter of teens' work will be even more enticing to a young audience.—
Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
"I shudder at the thought of having to compete with a whole new gaggle of graphic novel creators! I tremble because if anyone can bring out the writer and artist hidden within society's somnambulant psyche it's the titanically talented Barbara Slate. So please don't read this book. I have a family to support!"
-Stan Lee, Chairmain, POW! Entertainment and Chairman Emeritus, Marvel Entertainment
"Along with all your art supplies, favorite chair, and a good light over your drawing board, you must keep a copy of Barbara Slate's new book
You Can Do a Graphic Novel close by. Every chapter is a little gem to help any young (or old) artist/writer. Barabara and I have been friends and co-workers on hundreds of stories and other art projects. I congratulate her on this terrific book and watch out for all my new competition coming into the business after they read Barbara's book.
-Stan Goldberg, legendary
Archie artist
"Barbara Slate has captured the creative process with all its tortures and delights, and produced a great guidebook to anyone who wants to unleash their inner creativity."
-Paul Levitz, President and Publisher, DC Comics
"Get ready! Barbara will get your creative juices flowing."
-Victor Gorelick
"Attention, hopeful comic writers: Barbara Slate has given you a helping hand with
You Can Do a Graphic Novel, a colorful, funny, and user-friendly way to attain your goal. With Slate's perfect combination of brightly illustrated tips and no-nonsense rules, you'll find that
You Can Do a Graphic Novel!"
-Trina Robbins, Writer/Historian, Comics Creator (Author of
A Century of Women Cartoonists)
