Stan Lee's How to Write Comics: From the Legendary Co-Creator of Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Iron Man

by Stan Lee

Comics icon Stan Lee, creator of the Mighty Marvel Universe, has set about to teach everything he knows about writing and creating comic book characters. In these pages, aspiring comics writers will learn everything they need to know about how to write their own comic book stories, complete with easy to understand instruction, tips of the trade, and invaluable advice even for more advance writers. From the secrets to creating concepts, plots, to writing the script, the man with no peer — Stan Lee—is your guide to the world of writing and creating comics.

Genres: Writing, Comics, Nonfiction, Art, Graphic Novels, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.

Reviews

[Action · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I will be the first to admit Stan Lee does enjoy talking about himself (Self-promoting) in this book I will also step up and say that he quotes all the big names, past, present and the up and coming as well.(He even gives the reader quotes from editors and artist that have passed away leaving only their knowledge and creations behind for us mere mortals) I have been reading comics since the 5th grade and have written a few things as well, but I can honestly say that I learned a few things from this entertaining and difficult to put down book.

The artwork used to that has been pulled from the pages of great comics and used to illustrate Stan's teaching points are well chosen and beautifully drawn.

I'm sure stan could have easily written a much longer and larger book going into dizzying depths on his life long love(Comics) however, he stays on track and to the point with a writing style that keeps you reading and enjoying.

Well Done Mr. Stan Lee.

[Atef Attia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le livre vaut surtout pour les anecdotes personnelles du légendaire (et controversé) Stan Lee ainsi que pour ses illustrations sublimes. Pour ce qui est de la technique, il vaudrait peut-être mieux creuser plus la question en allant voir ailleurs.
How to write comics est surtout un livre de vulgarisation du jargon Comics et qui, à mon sens, est plus orienté vers les néophytes (vous me direz, normal pour un How To...) mais il est dommage qu'il n'essaie jamais de dépasser son statut d'Article Wikipédia de luxe pour chercher à être un vrai bon manuel d'écriture comics.

[Brianna Silva]

The information in this book is very beginners level, I think, but that was exactly what I need when it came to writing for comics, specifically!

I learned a lot of practical things (and took notes!) about the style, format, and approach of writing for comics as opposed to other mediums... all stuff that was entirely new to me.

Exactly what I needed!

(Also, look, for some reason the cover of this book is finally appearing in Goodreads xD Yay!)

[Lourvens Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has inspired me beyond words

[Michael Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stan Lee's How to Write Comics is an easy read about the industry of comics writing: how to prepare, how to write, how to connect to the industry. Overall, I found the book wordy and less than original, so less than useful for anyone but beginners such as myself.

Stan Lee has been the main creative force behind the Marvel universe, including the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and X-men. Paraphrasing Stan Lee from Stan Lee's book about Stand Lee's writing skills (see the following for more on self-praise), at some point it seemed that Stan Lee was the producer for over half of the comics in the (US) market.

Content-wise, I found in this book the topics to be excellent and the treatment to be very shallow. The book includes a background on comics writing, lots on the plot-first (Lee also calls it Marvel style) vs full script, the elements of writing (from characters to subplots), and a sizable chunk on the business side (packaging scripts, lawyers, editors, etc.)... pretty much the most important elements of writing comics. However, the material is very shallow and, in light of other books in the industry, redundant. Lee spends much of the written word on quoting or paraphrasing comic writers from the interviews collected in Salisbury Mark's Writers on Comics Scriptwriting and on rehashes of his own earlier prints. (The remainder is spend on self-praise.) The chunks of material are not analyzed and there is little inner structure in the chapters. The graphical material is all taken from Marvel comics, which seems rather limited to me. Similarly, and perhaps most disappointingly for me, the material on writing elements is almost exclusively focused on action heroes, the kind abundant in Marvel's universe. On the positive side, the material and the references are useful.

A note on self-praise. Although I am sure Stan Lee did much for the comics industry in the US, his approach to writing about comics boils down to a simple recipe: give an example from one's work or thoughts every three paragraphs. If the example cannot be taken verbatim from one's published work, first try finding somebody else's print that mentions Stan Lee. Then, if all fails, write anything and claim at least having thought about it earlier or at the same time as the first in the US industry. Sprinkle a few panels from Stan Lee-produced books regardless of the topic. Then talk about professionalism to conclude the book.

[James Hold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stan Lee spends 90% of the book patting himself on the back, but in a likable manner. I got far more out of this than Denny O'Neil's book on the same subject. For one thing Lee treats the subject seriously, not 'cute'. Also his track record indicates he knows what he's talking about. Lee is also much better educated that I ever imagined. The only complaint is the small print and glossy pages often hurt my eyes. Simply the best source on the subject by the most qualified person to talk about it.

[Maik Krüger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the book on How to Draw, this contains few practical tips but features more insight in The Man's life experiences, with a great deal of contributions what seems to be a who-is-who of comic book writers. Very entertaining, nicely illustrated, and a bit educational.

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every bit of it. Definitely to re-read in the future.

[John Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not very technical, but good for getting you started

This book is more for beginners, or people who have an itching to write comics but just never knew where to start. There's not much in the technical or "how to" aspect, but this is a very fun and enjoyable read nonetheless. You can hear and feel Stan Lee's eternally youthful enthusiasm in all the chapters. His love and excitement of the subject has no bounds, and if anything this would be fun for any Marvel fan to read just to know what goes into making comics in general.

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

A rambling, disorganized collection or random tips, pointless anecdotes, and useless trivia, half of which are excerpted from other sources. This would never have been published if not for Stan Lee’s fame. There may be something useful here and there amidst all the dross, but you’d be better off reading another book, such as the excellent manga in theory and practice by Hirohiko Araki or save the cat.

[Loppy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of this book is Lee asking for quotes from other writers about their methodology. All I got about Stan Lee’s method is that he was very prolific for a reason: met deadlines and wrote “Marvel Style” aka direct artists with a few paragraphs. This book feels like an essay hastily written before the due date, which I guess is normal for Stan Lee. You’re better off reading a different book about novels or screenwriting.

[K.A. Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginners and writers interested in transitioning to comics. Some basic knowledge of storytelling is assumed, and it is wordy in spots. But it introduces the genre well, and offers valuable insights. Scripts and comic pages are included along with the explanations, making it easier to connect concepts with examples of their applications.

[Nor · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little wordy

I wished he’d get straight to the point and not go on too many tangents. It’s like digging for golden nuggets within all his ramblings. But other than that, some very good tips from the legend himself. This is more of a history lesson than a how to book.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had some good information, you just need the desire to apply it. That is, if you are serious about writing Comics?

[Max Svalgard · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you read DC comics guide to writing comics you will get the same information and more.

[Paul Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great full-color illustrations from the past, present, and future

[Dan Maltbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Stan Lee was an American icon. He created comics as we know them. Insights from industry gurus fill out the bulk

[Greg P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much exactly what it says. Good to give a basic overview of how these things come together. And Stan Lee's friendly writing style definitely doesn't hurt.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely cool to hear from a master, and it was neat too to read the insight from all the people he interviewed that are connected to different parts of the comic industry.

[Connor Spearman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful and insightful.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for beginners I think. However, if like me, you have studied writing and written a lot, it is lightweight.

[MG Stough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Wisdom in a compact container

I enjoyed Learning from the Wise Master of Comic Book Literature. Stan Lee has a wealth of timeless information to share.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you are “just” a fan, possess a deep desire to write comics, or are a veteran of the business, you will find this book entertaining and educational. Stan Lee is of course an icon in the creation of characters and production of comic books. He is likely the most prolific in the creation of characters as well as the writing of the stories.
It is stated on the back cover that the information is “... from the man who knows it all!” In nearly all cases when this appears, this is unsubstantiated hype, but in the case of Stan Lee, it is true. His experience, talent and knowledge are all put forward for the reader to gain value from, and he does not hesitate to include material written by others when he feels there needs to be an additional perspective.
I personally fall into the category of being just a fan, I have no artistic talent at all and struggle to draw a credible stick figure. Yet, I am capable of appreciating quality art work and as a writer, quality storytelling. Both are in abundance in this book, in this case the story is about the creation of stories.

[Steve Magay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stan Lee provided a lot of basic knowledge on the overall process of comic book script writing in this book. It doesn't go deeper than that yet it's a goodread for any writer wannabes out there. The latter part of the book I enjoyed best, the insights from artists, writers and especially the editors, gave me a lot of useful tips on the trade. Everyone can tell you the basics but life experiences is priceless. It's quite inspiring. The only drawback in the book is Stan's life stories on each chapter of the book which I found a bit too much and irrelevant.

[John Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The creator of Spider-Man, the Hulk, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and Iron Man tells all! Includes a history of comics, from the oldest American comic (an 1837 version of the Swiss Adventures of Mrs. Obediah Oldbuck) through the Golden Age of Marvel starting around 1939. Character, Script, Plot, and Motivation are discussed in terms of generating an attention-getting comic.

[Delila Reviews Things And Stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine intro to the field. Lots of background and inside information I probably would not have found elsewhere and some wonderful tips. By the end I was eager to get started on my work! I kept a star because at times the anecdotes got a bit heavy handed and I could feel my eyes glossing over. But I feel honored to be able to read Stan Lee talk about what he has worked on for so long.

[Imanol Cinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to introduce you into the storytelling creft speccially for comics, it also have lots of referential stuff and touches points of the comicbook writer life that other works dont mention like how living out of it, and mamagment. I enjoyed it overall and it helped me to understand a lot.

[Benjamin]

A fine intro to writing comics, but see my review of The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics for more.

[LMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the comics industry and the different aspects of writing for comics.

[Patrick Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? It's a book about writing from Stan "The Man" Lee! He gives great examples and tips on writing for the comic industry.