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You Can Do a Graphic Novel [Paperback]

Barbara Slate
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)

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Book Description

January 5, 2010
Get that story out of your head and onto paper!

A guide to creating graphic novels- presented in the form of a graphic novel- from a veteran in the field!

In You Can Do a Graphic Novel, Barbara Slate guides aspiring graphic novelists through the same process she learned in her early days working for Marvel and DC Comics-a process she has simplified for the classes she teaches and for the syndicated column she writes. Written in the form of a graphic novel itself, the book covers all the components and shows readers how to:

•Find their own drawing style regardless of ability

•Create memorable characters, compelling plots and subplots, and engaging dialog

•Traverse the graphic novel business


Frequently Bought Together

You Can Do a Graphic Novel + Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels
Price for both: $31.98

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Editorial Reviews

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)

Product Details

  • Age Range: 12 and up
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: ALPHA; Original edition (January 5, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1592579558
  • ISBN-13: 978-1592579556
  • Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.4 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #746,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara Slate has created, written and drawn over 300 comic books and graphic novels, including Angel Love, Yuppies from Hell, Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas. She is profiled in the seminal work A Century of Women Cartoonists. Her current graphic novel is Getting Married and Other Mistakes (Other Press, 2012).

Barbara teaches the art of the graphic novel in schools, libraries and colleges using her critically acclaimed book You Can Do A Graphic Novel (Alpha Books/Penguin). To follow her workshops go to www.youcandoagraphicnovel.com

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
(23)
4.9 out of 5 stars
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Barbara Slate's, YOU CAN DO A GRAPHIC NOVEL, is complete, efficient and fun fun fun. Joanne M. Quattrochi  |  17 reviewers made a similar statement
Here's a fun, easy to read book and Barbara builds encouragement on every page that you can do it. W. Terry Whalin  |  11 reviewers made a similar statement
I strongly recommend this fun book to anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to write a graphic novel. Richard Grosbard  |  6 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars BEATS ALL OTHER BOOKS ON THE TOPIC TO THE DRAW January 6, 2010
Format:Paperback
Barbara is clearly an exceptional educator and a creative force whose pedagogy and vivid artwork grab the reader by the brain. I have seen many other books on the same subject and YOU CAN DO A GRAPHIC NOVEL leaves them in the dust. YOU CAN DO A GRAPHIC NOVEL serves up a tasty smorgasbord of "insider" tips and field tested rules that will benefit not only the student, but teachers of the genre as well. I can think of no higher praise than I'd want Barbara to teach my daughter.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring! January 10, 2010
Format:Paperback
I just received the "you can do a graphic novel" book as a gift. I love it. The author gives such great creative tips. She breaks down every step of the process of making a graphic novel. Her approach is clear, organized and simple. I feel inspired to make a graphic novel with my daughter. This book is great for both kids and adults.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars very natural and fun January 7, 2010
Format:Paperback
[[ASIN:1592579558 You Can Do a Graphic Novel]

I thought the book was so natural and fun that I know the author was having a good time writing the book. She decided to write the book after giving
classes to teenagers and I bet they really learned how to do a graphic novel because they were so enthusiastic. Very easy to look at and read and to learn from this book. Great either way.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Gets You Going April 14, 2010
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a nice light-weight well-rounded book, covering all the stuff needed to get started on your very own Graphic Novel.

When someone reads a book like this they obviously have the intent to create their own graphic novel, but surely haven't done it yet. It appears that there are an endless number of things one needs to know and master before one can actually craete a graphic novel. Writing and Drawing of course would be top on that list.

In reality learning and mastering to write and draw are life time pursuits, there is no such thing as a time when you are declared "ready". The simple fact that you want to create something is the signal that you are "ready". This book helps us believe in ourself, and encourages to go ahead with the project, with the attitude of being as you are.

This book covers the processes that go into creating the graphic novel, such as a story, characters, developing them, plot, script, layouts, panels to name a few. All of these are covered at a depth enough to understand and grasp the essential.

Each one is a dsicpline in itself and the book does not attempt to teach how to draw, or write etc. But more importantly it teaches how to put together all of what you got, as you are, and yet be able to accomplish the goal of creating a graphic novel.

There is a very natural flow that is very easy to follow and enjoy, and inspires to get started.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for teaching Graphic arts to Gifted and Talented September 6, 2011
Format:Paperback
Ms. Slate's book allows children to combine humor and artistic skills in an organized manner. Students can follow her clear steps on purpose for writing and combine them with their own creativity. Her book is serious yet lighthearted; is bold yet full of subtleties and is structured yet sets a stage for free thinking. I tested it on all 4 of my grandchildren who all said,"Yes, I can do a graphic novel." I believe that's about the best compliment an author can receive.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Barbara Slate Makes Creating A Graphic Novel Fun August 16, 2011
Format:Paperback
I've read a few graphic novels yet because I have not tried to draw anything for years and I had not considered writing a graphic novel until I read YOU CAN DO A GRAPHIC NOVEL.

Here's a fun, easy to read book and Barbara builds encouragement on every page that you can do it.

From the opening story, she scatters her own experiences throughout this book with her own fascinating illustrations. As she writes in the first pages, "My life really began when I did my first comic book, Angel Love, for DC comics. Since then I have written, drawn, or created more than 300 comic books and graphic novels for Marvel, DC, Disney, Harvey, and Archie Comics. Three years ago, I was invited by my local library in upstate New York, to teach teenagers how to do a graphic novel. I jumped at the chance!...By reading this book, you will develop your characters and plot, write dialogue, get to know your creative process, create a layout, and learn about the comic book business, but it is up to you to do your graphic novel." The insight and steps are in this book. I loved it and recommend it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars but this for your children and grandchildren January 13, 2010
Format:Paperback
This is a terrific inspirational guide. The knowledge and skill set conveyed is both fun and practical. It would be wonderful to use this book in an art class for kids. This is an art form applicable to an actual real world vocation.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy the book, not the Kindle version January 12, 2010
Format:Paperback
Barbara Slate's "You Can Do a Graphic Novel" is a visual treat--with rich, vibrant colors that span across the double page spread. It is a jewel of a book that deserves to be read and re-read and enjoyed as a work of art. Buy the book, not the Kindle version, which will limit you to a single screen page in black and white.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars awesome book
I got this book because I wanted some extra graphic novel tips and boy do they have them, if you are just anxious to get started writing and drawing this is the book for you. Read more
Published 2 months ago by B. George
4.0 out of 5 stars A fine addition to any creative person's library
A great book on creating a Graphic Novel. The book gives many helpful suggestions and uses many images to illustrate these ideas. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Christopher P. Obert
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Great book, great author! I teach a Graphic Novel class and this book is very instrumental! I needed the teacher's guide and Barbara Slate sent me a copy! She is awesome!
Published 5 months ago by Cindy J. Mcdannel
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need!
Now even though I am not interested in comics or graphic novels, this book really is neat. It would be a perfect book for anyone (child or adult) who is interested in starting... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Cherise Kachelmuss
5.0 out of 5 stars teach me like i'm a kid and i will learn.
Such a great book. The tone is so kind and approachable. The advice is right on. Best title ever. I'm going to go "do" a graphic novel. thanks for havin my back.
Published on May 13, 2011 by stilly
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful "How to Do Book" for the Graphic Novel
I have been a big fan of Barbara Slate's work for a long time, starting with "Yuppies from Hell". I have often wondered how she created such great characters that come to life on... Read more
Published on August 28, 2010 by Richard Grosbard
4.0 out of 5 stars Full of Useful Information
So, are you sitting a great graphic novel idea? Prove it by putting your idea into motion. That's what Barbara Slate (herself a published comics author) challenges you to do in You... Read more
Published on June 23, 2010 by GraphicNovelReporter.com
5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering!
I loved reading this book! The concept and illustrations are amazing...Barbara Slate is a talented motivator and artist. Read more
Published on April 21, 2010 by Lewis Green
5.0 out of 5 stars jewels from the inner sanctum of comicbookdom
As soon as I saw the testimonial on the front cover -- by Stan Lee! -- I kind of got that Barbara Slate really does bring jewels from the inner sanctum of comicbookdom. Read more
Published on April 5, 2010 by mike h
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for adults and kids
I came across this book by chance and was so excited as my 2 kids love comics, drawing, and writing. Read more
Published on March 13, 2010 by N. Rebold
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