Making Comics

Everyone has his or her own style of storytelling and his or her own style of art - combine the two and you have comics!To improve your abilities, take some advice from the always entertaining Scott McCloud (creator of Zots, a 1980's nationally syndicated comic strip). Appropriately, Scott has written the book in comic book format, immediately grabbing the reader's attention and "drawing" them into the world he creates. He starts off slow by breaking down what comics are by discussing pictures and stories individually, then honing in on the more advanced aspects of comic-making.

One great example of the depth of this book is his explanation of facial features; he discusses "simple" facial features (features like water droplets around the face, simulating anxiety) to "real" facial features (someone with a wrinkled forehead, wide eyes, and an open mouth, showing anxiety). With this basic understanding, he goes on to show how you can combine both tactics into one exaggerated yet realistic facial expression - and thus, the essence of comics.

By discussing drawing, storytelling, and even technical tips "inside" the book (he draws himself in as a character), and using a conversational, humorous approach, you feel like the author is talking directly to you. Through funny illustrations fitting with the topic at hand, you'll begin to understand what it truly means to be a comic writer. At the end, you'll begin to feel like you actually know just about everything to do with comics- and maybe even start writing one yourself. 264 pgs, sc. ~ Stephen