Comic Related - John Wilson shares a "How To" review

How to Draw and Sell Comics 3rd Edition

by Alan McKenzie

Impact 2005 - ISBN 1-58180-716-3 - $22.99

At first glance, this book is not unlike the hundreds of other books on making and selling comics. The author gives a brief but informative history of the comics medium, goes over the basic tools and gives the obligatory lessons on drawing the body and basic perspective. All very well done and very informative, but we are not exactly covering new ground here.

However there are three sections where this book excels and makes it well worth the price, in my opinion. The first is an entire chapter devoted to storytelling. The author calls the script the one invisible component of any comic strip and goes on to discuss the importance of a good story line. He shows the difference between a "Marvel method" script and a full script, discusses pacing and layouts and to breakdowns. The best parts are two pages on "Understanding the Story". He believes that the story needs to say something, convincing the reader that they are reading the truth and that follows certain archetypes and themes that speak in some way to human nature.

Second is a very detailed section on inking. It is obvious that the author respects and admires the contribution of the inker in the comic creating process. Beyond his words the author also offers photographic examples of how to ink straight lines with both a brush and a pen. Being told how to do something is fine but a visual assist is always better. He also does an excellent job of discussing texture and how mastering these skills can greatly improve a piece.

Lastly, the author delivers his last chapter on selling your work. What makes this special is that he actually addresses selling yourself. He discusses how to handle your first professional job, dealing with editors and how to stay inspired and creative. He details self publishing, online publishing and makes the very true observation that breaking into comics isn’t nearly as hard as staying in.

All in all this is an excellent book that will undoubtedly have many more editions to come.