The art of drawing comics can be very demanding, and any attempt to create a how-to that can teach all of its elements in equal depth is doomed to imperfection. That being said, this is a good starting point for young artists who think they may have some skill and need to know what to do with it.This was one of the first real "how to draw comics" books and has become a classic over the years. The book describes the tools of the trade, the terms used, and the "Marvel" creation process, covers the basics of anatomy, form, perspective, layout, and the use of black, gives techniques on inking and lettering, and shows examples of how the art can make a story more exciting. Stan Lee's prose is fun to read and John Buscema's art is very clear in illustrating the principles being taught.If Buscema's art looks a little dated today, it may be because first off, this book was made to be simple and easy to understand, and the art is done likewise, not cluttered up with intense detail and crosshatching. It may also be because he has a solid foundation of a knowledge of anatomy and how to compose a picture for maximum clarity and effect which, unfortunately, certain influential contemporary artists don't have.This book does not have the room to go into depth on the deeper concepts of comic theory (how to lay out a page, for instance, or how words and images can be used together to heighten mood). For that I would reccomend Will Eisner's "Comics and Sequential Art." For giving a good, basic overall foundation, however, this book does, however, deserve a place on the shelf of any comic artist. How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way
I think every serious or aspiring artist should own this book. I've had a copy since the early '80s, andit became so dog-eared from frequentuse, that I had to buy another. John Buscema is an excellent teacher. After all, if you're goingto learn to draw, you might as well learn from the best; and John IS the best, IMO. Among other things, the book contains vital rules for drawing in perspective, and drawing lifelike human faces and figures. This is not just a book for comic fans, or kids, it's for everyone!
This is not only the best and most comprehensive book in learning to draw comic book style art, this has some of the most basic, yet most critical drawing techniques, techniques such as the vanishing point, character swatches, layouts and breaking figures down into shapes, for example... I did not have this advantage when I was learning to draw. When I started out as a child, I discovered all of these techniques the difficult way, through trial & error...A process that regrettably takes years. I wish I knew about this book when I was a kid. If I had, I would have advanced so much more as an artist, I couldn't even imagine where I'd be today. Anyways, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning how to draw, period. This really is THE book, people. Search no more. It LITERALLY contains everything I know on drawing techniques (& I've been drawing since I've been old enough to hold a pencil). And not only is it informative, it's extremely fun! The way they present thier lessons, reading & practicing along with it makes you feel like you're goofing off with a comic book, as if you weren't learning anything (although you are). Ideal for those with a 30 sec.(or less) attn. span. The only thing that keeps me from rating it 5 stars, however, is that they should encourage readers to take up more of an interest in drawing real life, things around you, as well as comics. Because it's real life elements that serves as inspiration for the true comic book artist. Real life drawing is the foundation for comic book style art.
I received this book over 20 years ago, and I can't begin to tell you how it ignited a fire within me to draw. This is a great book for those who wish to draw superhoroes, but don't have a clue where to start. There are very few books that we remember as we age, but for me this is one of them.
A bestseller for people of beginning-to-intermediate ability, this book has been an inspiration to many, many people...
Its real popularity and genius lie in its effective use of exciting, pencil-drawn Marvel characters to give us a basic understanding of Marvel comic-making in general. It's *still* one of the BEST introductions to comicbook making available today.
My favorite things here: Stan Lee's writing- he keeps things lively & entertaining; John Buscema's drawing- his pencil drawings in this book compare favorably with even *today's* newest professionals (at least in my opinion...); the *entire* chapter on drawing the human head; the crisp pencils & teaching in chapters 9 & 10- on composition & penciling the actual professional comics page; *every* Jack Kirby drawing; and then maybe most inspirational & influential of all- this book's semi-*famous* Bibliography (???)...
It's true- The reason this part is semi-famous is because it successfully recommends to us some of the BEST how-to-draw type teachers ever: George Bridgman, Burne Hogarth, Ernest Watson, Jack Hamm, etc. Personally, I prefer *different* titles than what's recommended here (e.g. My favorites= The Book of a Hundred Hands; Dynamic Figure Drawing; and The Art of Pencil Drawing), but mentioning these authors effectively steers a person in the right direction. In this sense- this Bibliography *itself* is worth the entire price of the book(!). Many professionals *today* have picked up skills from these great teachers. In conclusion: Highly Recommended!
I'll start off by admitting that this book is a bit on the begginers level. However, the first time I picked up this book was when I was seven. Over the years I kept checking it out of the library over and over just to draw the pictures in the book. I didn't even read it until I bought the book at the age of 16. Any time since then that a person has asked me how they can learn to draw super heroes, I always reference this book. I tell them to skip the reading, draw everything, and then go back to read it, then draw everything after they do that.
It's an easy read and was truely inspirational to me in developing my own style of comic art. One of my top favorite books ever.
-Matt - Comics - Marvel Comics - Art - Cartooning'
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