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Draw Manga: How to Draw Manga In Your Own Unique Style
Bruce Lewis, one of the first professional cartoonists to bring the manga-style to the United States, takes an entirely fresh approach to the subject that's perfect for beginners.
Manga is all the rage, the hippest and most popular form of comic book drawing today. That's why so many aspiring illustrators long to master the style. But too many of the available how-to manuals don't offer the appropriate help for the westerner-or understand which products are available to artists here. Bruce Lewis, an American who's stepped in manga culture, offers something an excitingly visual from-the-ground-up explanation of manga and its roots, the conventions of manga illustrations, and advice on developing an individual style. His handbook builds skills, from drawing the basic figure to creating believable characters, from setting the scene to developing the story. There's even information on creating dramatic lettering. By the time artists have worked their way through this essential guide, they'll feel confident drawing their own manga works and know how to get them published too.
Manga is all the rage, the hippest and most popular form of comic book drawing today. That's why so many aspiring illustrators long to master the style. But too many of the available how-to manuals don't offer the appropriate help for the westerner-or understand which products are available to artists here. Bruce Lewis, an American who's stepped in manga culture, offers something an excitingly visual from-the-ground-up explanation of manga and its roots, the conventions of manga illustrations, and advice on developing an individual style. His handbook builds skills, from drawing the basic figure to creating believable characters, from setting the scene to developing the story. There's even information on creating dramatic lettering. By the time artists have worked their way through this essential guide, they'll feel confident drawing their own manga works and know how to get them published too.
- GenresNonfictionArt
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2005
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65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 6, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised to see that this book is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and St Luke.
Very informative read, where the author breaks down not only the history of manga (with its possible feudal precursors) but many of the technical aspects behind drawing and producing it. He doesn't shy away from showing the traditional method, but does include the more modern (usually digital) methods of today. The author must have been fascinated with how xerox machines and other replicating devices work, but their inclusion added to the overall quality of the book.
Minimal time is spent showing how to draw, with most devoted to the idea or airs behind manga. Lewis does recommend getting involved in an artist's circle to exchange drawings and ideas, which is a good idea if available.
Lastly, the artist warns against excessive "cheesecake," saying that "it can kill your creativity, as energy that should be devoted to storytelling and originality becomes diverted into the creation of ever-more-sexual-images." That is a keen observation and if it were the only advice in the book it would validated my purchase of it. Unfortunately, advice is sometimes hard to follow even if plainspoken.
Very informative read, where the author breaks down not only the history of manga (with its possible feudal precursors) but many of the technical aspects behind drawing and producing it. He doesn't shy away from showing the traditional method, but does include the more modern (usually digital) methods of today. The author must have been fascinated with how xerox machines and other replicating devices work, but their inclusion added to the overall quality of the book.
Minimal time is spent showing how to draw, with most devoted to the idea or airs behind manga. Lewis does recommend getting involved in an artist's circle to exchange drawings and ideas, which is a good idea if available.
Lastly, the artist warns against excessive "cheesecake," saying that "it can kill your creativity, as energy that should be devoted to storytelling and originality becomes diverted into the creation of ever-more-sexual-images." That is a keen observation and if it were the only advice in the book it would validated my purchase of it. Unfortunately, advice is sometimes hard to follow even if plainspoken.
April 1, 2024
I have a copy of this. This book was nothing like I was expecting when I first bought in the mid 2000's. I was actually pleased when I sat down an read it. I was quite blind sighted as I was expecting more of a how to draw kind of book, but honestly this panned out to be way better because it broke down the history, paneling, and a bunch of technical stuff I was not expecting. I would definitely recommend this book for comic artists of any stripe especially webcomic artists.
July 7, 2020
Offers some interesting and insightful information. Not your typical how to draw book. Worth a look.
May 9, 2016
I picked this up when I happened to see it in a clearance bin. I wasn't looking for any art help, but was attracted by the cheap price and the number of pages about how to draw people (in a cartoon/manga style). I'm not an artist by any means, but I enjoy doodling on occasion and have never really worked out how to draw realistic-looking people. There are some good tips in here and my skills have greatly improved already.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section is the history of Manga. It's interesting, but probably not why you're here.
The second section is "how to draw". This is the bit I was interested in. I skipped the life-drawing classes as I'm not actually trying to become a decent artist. How to pose people, get the proportions right, and some pages about drapery, hands and hair I found useful, and have helped me draw people who aren't deformed or have birds nesting on top of their heads.
The third section is about constructing comic strips and publishing books of manga. There were some drawing tips here about perspective and which pens to use, but I skimmed the entire section as I'm not trying to write a comic or get into the industry.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section is the history of Manga. It's interesting, but probably not why you're here.
The second section is "how to draw". This is the bit I was interested in. I skipped the life-drawing classes as I'm not actually trying to become a decent artist. How to pose people, get the proportions right, and some pages about drapery, hands and hair I found useful, and have helped me draw people who aren't deformed or have birds nesting on top of their heads.
The third section is about constructing comic strips and publishing books of manga. There were some drawing tips here about perspective and which pens to use, but I skimmed the entire section as I'm not trying to write a comic or get into the industry.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews