How to Draw a Graphic Novel

by Balthazar Pagani, Otto Gabos (Illustrator), Marco Maraggi (Illustrator)

Packed with professional tips and interviews with leading graphic novelists, this is the ultimate guide on how to create a graphic novel. How to Draw a Graphic Novel is structured as a series of short art courses that combine technical advice with creative inspiration. Written by graphic novel producer Balthazar Pagani, the book includes lessons in how to construct a narrative, develop characters, and design settings, as well as the basics of printing, binding, and digital-file setup. Each lesson is supported by striking illustrations by graphic novel artist Marco Maraggi, with professional art tips delivered in the style of a graphic novel by renowned Italian cartoonist and comics lecturer Otto Gabos. The book also includes biographies of cult creators and a recommended reading list of famous graphic novels and comic books both past and present. How to Draw a Graphic Novel presents an informative and entertaining look at the creative process and insight into the world of graphic novel publishing. From teens to adults, this is the ideal workbook for all graphic novelists. Illustrated in color throughout

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Drawing

96 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Ms. Yingling]

Public library copy

Interesting book, but had more about the purpose and history of graphic novels, as well as some cool biographies of different writers/illustrators. I was looking for a more straight forward "how to" book, so may continue looking.

[Adrienne Adrimano]

75% background on graphic novels, 25% exemplary Creators.

This book is a beautiful example of what can create. However, the contents are more on the background, format/layouts, and production of graphic novels, than a how to. It is not an art lesson.

But it does give a list of respected creators (some with interviews) whose work one can look up and study, plus a reading list.

CONTENTS (95 pages):
- Introduction
- A Quick History of Comics
- Before You Start Drawing
- The Basics of Working
- Get Started
- You've Finished Drawing, Now What?
- Cult Creators
- Creator Interviews
- Index and Reading List

[Brand]

This was a fun and breezy read. I enjoyed it but I expected a bit more on the "how to" part. There is a lot of great background information and history on graphic novels. There is advice on creating graphic novels but doesn't get into much detail. Some of the very basics about each step. While I didn't expect this to have a focus on learning to draw I did expect more detail on paneling, word balloons, and sound effects. Which here is all very surface level. Still worth a pick up if you want a starting point but anyone else this is bit to light on instruction to be worth it.

[Kasi]

Best for middle and high school students. I will probably limit checkouts of this to just my 6th graders in my library.

[Beluga Whale]

Yeah this wasn't much in terms of actual instruction, more like a background/history of the art. Which was enjoyable, just felt lacking.