How to be the Next Big Comic Book Writer/Artist
Essential Comic Library Titles for the Aspiring Writer or Artist
Oct 13, 2009
Anyone who has ever been to a comic convention has seen them. The "wannabe" artists and writers carrying their portfolios around and chasing any poor pro or editor who happens to be on the floor. The wannabes are only looking for their big break and they are certain that if someone sees their art or listens to their pitch that they will be working for Marvel, DC, or Image the next day. Careers very rarely, if ever, begin this way.
I Am the Law
Most careers begin because people follow the rules, written and unwritten, which govern the industry. The question is, how does an outsider learn the rules? One learns them the same way one learns the rules of any industry, by reading the right books.
For budding comic creators, there's no better place to begin than by learning how comics tick in the first place. The primary book for learning about comics was written by the comic book master himself, Will Eisner. Eisner's Comics & Sequential Art examines the manner in which the comic book works as a communication medium. It teaches the creator how words and images fuse to become a new language all it's own and how powerful this language can be. Eisner was as masterful with the written word as he was with art as this book is a remarkable lesson in how to use this powerful medium.
Zot!
Scott McCloud's Understanding Comics has been the industry (and educational) standard for explaining comics place and function in art and as a form of communication. McCloud uses the comic format to talk about comics which not only creates a meta-comic; but, allows him to clearly illustrate his points.
Making Comics is a follow-up work to Understanding Comics in which McCloud exposes many of the secrets of the comic greats. He addresses issues such as the elements of storytelling and the tools needed by a comic creator. Making Comics is another essential addition to your library.
Essential for Writers
Peter David is known as one of the best, and most prolific, comic book writers of his generation. When he chose to share his secrets in Writing For Comics with Peter David the book became an immediate must buy. David walks aspiring writers through the mechanics of writing professional copy for the comic industry. He also goes into great depth about the keys to telling a good story. David's advice is something every writer, not just aspiring comic writers should read.
Essential for Artists
This final work is a bit older, and you may have to search to find it; however, the effort will definitely be worth it when you get your hands on a copy of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema. This work takes the aspiring artist through the art basics, which many young artists have yet to master, all the way to page composition, blocking and inking. Filled with art by both Buscema and Jack Kirby, this book is mainly for beginners, but even experts will learn a tip or two.
With these books, you have the keys to prepare yourself to produce work which looks professional, tells a great story, and is of the caliber that will catch an editor's eye. Once you've read and mastered these five, perhaps it will be time to contact Marvel and DC to request a try-out kit (for an artist, writer, or inker) and take your shot.
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