So, You Wanna Be A Comic Book Artist?: How To Break Into Comics! The Ultimate Guide For Kids [Paperback]

Philip / Mhan, Pop (Illustrator) Amara (Author)

Book Description

So, You Wanna Be a Comic Book Artist? is a hip how-to book that helps aspiring young comic book artists realize their dreams. Using a lively, informative style, Phil Amara shows kids how to create their own superheroes, write storylines, get their comics published, and possibly become famous. The book features precise techniques for creating a superhero or villain, advice on how and where to submit work and how to navigate the minefield of self-publishing a comic or zine, interviews with current artists, and biographies of the founders of the most popular comics. The book also profiles ten young comic book artists who are publishing their work.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grades 4-8--A fast-paced and practical introduction to the creative and production aspects of working in the cartoon-art field. Offering advice on materials, drawing practice, story development, self-promotion, and submitting work to publishers, the text is direct and accessible. Interspersed with interviews with such comic-book artists as Chynna Clugston-Major (Blue Monday) and Craig Thompson (Good-bye, Chunkie Rice [Top Shelf, 1999]) and factual blurbs that provide definitions and interesting trivia, the narrative also pays ample attention to young (ages 9 to 20) comic-book writers. Interviews include samples of artwork done by the subjects, a real motivator for young readers who have aspirations in the field. Final chapters offer sources for more information, art contests, and schools, although they are far from exhaustive. A particular strength of this book is its inclusion of assorted genres and popular styles of comic-book art. Some of the important comic books noted (such as Will Eisner's Contract with God) have little appeal to the audience that this volume best serves, but erring on the side of inclusiveness seems a happy mistake from which some special readers will prosper.
Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. The breezy, conversational approach and cartoon-style artwork will draw aspiring comic-book artists to this appealing paperback. Fully illustrated with line drawings and reproductions of comics in many styles, chapters introduce topics such as studio supplies, illustration tips, character creation, telling stories through pictures, layout, zines, publicity, portfolios, and comics-related jobs. One-to three-page illustrated profiles of some of the young artists offer advice and inspiration as well as a practical take on the process of making a career. The last two chapters include a basic glossary and fully annotated lists of recommended books, magazines, and art contests and a list of Web sites for art schools with courses in sequential art or illustration and for comics companies and comics conventions. Amara's expertise, practical tips, and entertaining style make this a rewarding read for any young person with a playful or professional interest in the field. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 139 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse/Beyond Words; Original edition (September 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582700583
• ISBN-13: 978-1582700588
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #620,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Careers > Vocational Guidance
  • #30 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Art > Cartooning
  • #34 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Pop Culture

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Written in a kid-friendly, chatty tone, March 20, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So, You Wanna Be A Comic Book Artist?: How To Break Into Comics! The Ultimate Guide For Kids (Paperback)

Comic book fans of all ages who want to create some memorable works of their own receive basic tips on everything from starting a cartoon studio and choosing characters and plots to honing drawing skills and submitting work to comics companies. A kid-friendly, chatty tone makes it easy for younger artists to become involved.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars well done, December 1, 2001

By 

Michael Dubisch (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So, You Wanna Be A Comic Book Artist?: How To Break Into Comics! The Ultimate Guide For Kids (Paperback)

This is a great book for kids who are interested in cartooning and comics. Any kid who thinks they might want to draw or write comics will love this book- I know I would have! I have taught several comic-book art classes in the upstate NY area, and I would recomend it to any art teacher who wanted to do a comic book project. The design, layout of the book, and illustrations (Some by teen cartoonists and younger!) are very fun and exciting. Well done!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, May 26, 2006

By 

Bob Lepine - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So, You Wanna Be A Comic Book Artist?: How To Break Into Comics! The Ultimate Guide For Kids (Paperback)

I've checked this book out from the library at least five times. It always helps to inspire me and either remind me of old ideas or give me fresh ones. This book doesn't actually teach you how to draw. For that, I'd suggest "How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way." This book teaches you how to develop plot ideas, create your own studio, do drawing exercises, create characters, etc... It has interviews with famous comic artists and kid artists. It has drawing book suggestions and ways to promote your work. It's a really helpful book that I would definately recommend.