This is not a list of comics I want to read, though that is
also a thing.
As I started seeing more story ideas as comics, and wanted
to be able to draw them, I also started building up a list of books that I
believed would be helpful. I started reading them, and then I realized it was
too soon to get to many of them. This was disappointing, but every phase has
its own charms, and I can adjust to that.
I did start worrying that at some point when I do read the
others, and it is time to put it all together and evaluate it, that these first
few read would be lost. If I write about them now then I have done some of the
analysis, and I will have a record of it, so hey, as a little diversion from
the heavy stuff, here are some books I read on a topic that I am not done
studying!
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema
I'm not sure how much adherence to the Marvel style is still
expected of current Marvel artists, but I think the book provides a good
perspective on comic art in general and an understanding of the historic look. It
combines basic drawing principles like lines of sight and proportions, but also
the face shapes and the poses that were specific to Marvel. It's a pretty easy
read, and kind of fun too. If you are not interested in drawing but a fan of
classic comics I think you will still find it entertaining.
Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe:
Once upon a time I would say that anyone who wanted to work
in comics should read the How to Draw book. If you wish to work in
comics anywhere, there's a lot to be said for reading The Untold Story
too.
There is a lot of interesting information, though the
telling is unfortunately dry. However, if you are interested in the industry it
is worth reading it anyway to be aware of some of the types of people you will
encounter, the frustrations that are likely, and it would be wise to take note
of the many early deaths that seem to be a result of the horrible stress and
pressures. I'm not saying not to work in comics - just enter informed so you
can have some guards and escape valves in place.
Figure Drawing For All It's Worth by Andrew Loomis
Professional artists love his books, and I have a few more
of his on my list. This particular one is just what the title says. It is
focusing on drawing the human figure and focusing on it specifically for
commercial purposes, like advertising and magazine illustrations. That industry
has probably changed too, but the basic ideas on proportions and making poses dynamic
is certainly still relevant. He does use very idealized figures, but if you
take that information and still attend life drawing sessions on a regular basis
where you are seeing other types of bodies, it should work out.
FYI, everyone is mostly naked, including on the cover. It's
not salacious, but yeah, lots of nudity. My sister picked up the copy I had on
hold, and she was embarrassed.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
This was my absolute favorite. You learn so much about the
brain, and how it perceives. So yes, there is drawing information but it is not
only that. I have not ruled out buying the book, or taking one of the live
sessions if an opportunity comes up. One thing you will see is that drawing is
a good thing to do, and using the right side of the brain to do it is a good
thing, regardless of your livelihood. That was fascinating. I read the 4th
edition which has updates as science learns more about brain function, so while
I am sure the older versions have a lot of the information, look for the newer
version.
There were nine books total, so I am not quite halfway
through, and I'm not sure when I will get back to them, but there's always
something interesting going on, and I guess it can't all happen at once.
For anyone interested, the unread drawing books are listed
below:
The Art of Comic Book Inking by Gary Martin
Draw 50 Famous Cartoons by Lee Ames
Creative Illustrations by Andrew Loomis
Successful Drawing by Andrew Loomis
Words for Pictures by Brian Michael Bendis
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