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| Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels | Jeff Harris, July 12, 2008 |
Format: History/Information/Humor Graphic Novel
Author: Scott McCloud Publisher: Harper Format: Paperback The Skinny: A celebration and explanation of the creative process of making comics, how they got to that point, and how they can evolve beyond the traditional medium. Think: A comic-themed Cosmos-like documentary in a graphic novel form.
Pros: Everything you wanted to know about the aesthetics of comics, from what makes them enjoyable to you to why you like them.
My Take:
It doesn't teach you how to draw characters. It doesn't teach you how to plot stories. It doesn't even tell you how to color or publish your book. However, it's probably one of the greatest, if not THE greatest tome about creating comics. Let me explain. Meet Scott McCloud. A talented comic book writer/artist who has made a lot of quirky, yet entertaining stories like Zot!, but two of his many, many major contributions to the field of comics (including his Creators' Bill of Rights that every comic creator should read and aspire to live by) are a pair of comics history books, Understanding Comics (one of the few tomes that explains why comics are an artform) and its follow-up, Reinventing Comics (which showcases the new era of comics beyond the printed page, which major publishers are just NOW getting). This third book looks at comics through a historical lense as well as through a creative one. Mr. McCloud explains, in his trademark graphic novel storytelling mode, basic elements used in comics, including clarity of choice, understanding dramatic contrast, character interaction and emotion (the fact that there are actually six basic emotons rocked me to my core, because the way Mr. McCloud explained it made so much sense), the power of words, worldbuilding, tools of the trade, and figuring out where you stand when it comes to creating and making comics (I've learned I'm an animist, a literal creator of worlds and those that dwell in them). This book goes after my own heart. Mr. McCloud explains EVERYTHING through a historical perspective with research, field study, and his own life experiences factoring in every chapter. Looking at the references and inspirations in the bibliography and suggested reading page, you can telll he learned from the best, especially Will Eisner, the master comic artist who had been a part of the industry for over 80 years creating and perfecting many techniques comic creators take for granted these days (i.e. he created the graphic novel, among other innovations) and who was still active in the industry by the time he died in 2005. Mr. McCloud also talks about the tools of the trade from memory-heavy Macs and touchpads to Bristol and brushes to regular copy paper and a $2 pen, the impact of webcomics (which he expands online at his official site), and the influence manga has on the worldwide comics industry (loved how he ended that chapter, which may ruffle otakus everywhere).
If you're looking for design techniques, anatomy lessons, or how to draw your favorite manga, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for something that'll inspire you to be a better creator and help you understand comcs more than the physical aspect of them, then pick up the book. This book is essential for ALL comic creators, those that love comics, and those that want to truly understand comics.
FINAL JUDGEMENT: 5 out of 5
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Making Comics is probably one of the greatest comics instruction books ever written. It's probably THE best.