You Can Do a Graphic Novel [Paperback]

Barbara Slate (Author), Tom DeFalco (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: 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

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

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; Original edition (January 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592579558
• ISBN-13: 978-1592579556
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,156 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. She is currently working on a graphic novel titled I got Married and other Mistakes and teaching How to do a Graphic Novel in schools, libraries, and colleges. Her website is www.youcandoagraphicnovel.com.

Customer Reviews

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

By 

Richard Levy - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Can Do a Graphic Novel (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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring!, January 10, 2010

By 

Pier Boutin "Fjörgyn" (The Berkshires) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Can Do a Graphic Novel (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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very natural and fun, January 7, 2010

By 

Emily K. Masters - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Can Do a Graphic Novel (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.