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The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels: From superheroes to manga―all you need to start creating your own graphic works
A guide to graphic novel creation covers the entire process from idea conception to the publication and promotion of a professionally produced book.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2007
93 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Mark Ellis
170 books18 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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October 28, 2022I feel that this book focused more on older generation comic books, like superhero dc comics. when I think of current graphic novels, I think of the more kid friendly books coming out, often with color and manga. I didn't find this book very useful.
May 8, 2017
Writing Graphic Novels by Mark Ellis & Melissa Martin Ellis is a great introduction to almost every aspect of the production and promotion of graphic novels that you could think of. It also includes historical and interesting facts as well as lots of illustrations and links to resources.
As a newbie, I now have a much better idea of the process of making a graphic novel (from writer, penciler, inker, letterer, and colourist) to what elements are important to consider (character, white space, dialogue, action). I think it would be a handy reference just with the numerous links to other books, websites etc. While Manga is mentioned in passing, this book focuses on the American tradition of 'comics'. And, since the book covers so many aspects, it acts more as an introduction to ideas which can be pursued through other resources.
I enjoyed reading this book, probably because it was so visual - with many comic panels from a selection of graphic novels. Great book for someone new or emerging in this creative pursuit.
As a newbie, I now have a much better idea of the process of making a graphic novel (from writer, penciler, inker, letterer, and colourist) to what elements are important to consider (character, white space, dialogue, action). I think it would be a handy reference just with the numerous links to other books, websites etc. While Manga is mentioned in passing, this book focuses on the American tradition of 'comics'. And, since the book covers so many aspects, it acts more as an introduction to ideas which can be pursued through other resources.
I enjoyed reading this book, probably because it was so visual - with many comic panels from a selection of graphic novels. Great book for someone new or emerging in this creative pursuit.
May 24, 2020
When this says everything, it means EVERYTHING. (Except a few major things but whatever we’re going with this)
Overall, it was pretty useful for me. It shows that working with a team is better than DIY slap it together, especially in comics. Has tips about not only writing the story but the art, too.
It’s lacking in the explanations. It tells you advice and the basis of it but it doesn’t guide you through it.
It also said manga on the cover but it doesn’t talk about it at all??? It doesn’t cover it. The tips are also for aspiring manga artists even though they don’t mention it.
Interesting but lacking.
Overall, it was pretty useful for me. It shows that working with a team is better than DIY slap it together, especially in comics. Has tips about not only writing the story but the art, too.
It’s lacking in the explanations. It tells you advice and the basis of it but it doesn’t guide you through it.
It also said manga on the cover but it doesn’t talk about it at all??? It doesn’t cover it. The tips are also for aspiring manga artists even though they don’t mention it.
Interesting but lacking.
March 12, 2020
I don't really know what I was expecting to learn from this book, but I don't think I did. It was a very cursory overview of what can be a really interesting and creatively fulfilling pursuit. Oh well.
March 16, 2021
Nice guide
January 12, 2024
Awesome resource
Very informative and helpful for learning this process. This allowed me to create a timeliness and understand the process, what I need to do and how to do it!
Very informative and helpful for learning this process. This allowed me to create a timeliness and understand the process, what I need to do and how to do it!
November 23, 2024
Gave me a comprehensive understanding of a genre I knew little about.
October 12, 2025
Might be useful if you're just getting started with visual storytelling, but overall I found this book to be a very cursory overview on many of the topics/elements it covers.
February 18, 2015
During my stint of jury duty, I read a few how-to books on comics and graphic novels.
One of the first books I finished was "The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels," written by husband & wife team, Mark Ellis and Melissa Martin-Ellis.
This guide is just one out of the plethora of "The Everything Series."
"The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels" contains a little bit of--well--everything about graphic novels. As such, the book covers a wide range of topics in 211 illustrated pages, just not in any great detail.
The 20 chapters discuss: The history of graphic novels, assessing one's ability to produce a graphic novel, the concept/plot, the various genres, the writing process, team dynamics (if you're collaborating with others), the writer's requirements; artistic contributions made by the penciler, inker, letterer and colorist; the use of a production flowchart, cover design, storage and shipping, advertising, distribution companies and finally--legal issues.
While I feel that "The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels," is indeed, short on detailed information, the book makes up for this shortcoming by providing an extensive number of links to websites. Nor did I have any qualms about the author using illustrations from his own graphic novels. It wasn't like he was bragging about them.
I'm giving "The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels" a 4-star rating. It was exactly what I expected, and is a good place to start one's research into creating graphic novels.
One of the first books I finished was "The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels," written by husband & wife team, Mark Ellis and Melissa Martin-Ellis.
This guide is just one out of the plethora of "The Everything Series."
"The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels" contains a little bit of--well--everything about graphic novels. As such, the book covers a wide range of topics in 211 illustrated pages, just not in any great detail.
The 20 chapters discuss: The history of graphic novels, assessing one's ability to produce a graphic novel, the concept/plot, the various genres, the writing process, team dynamics (if you're collaborating with others), the writer's requirements; artistic contributions made by the penciler, inker, letterer and colorist; the use of a production flowchart, cover design, storage and shipping, advertising, distribution companies and finally--legal issues.
While I feel that "The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels," is indeed, short on detailed information, the book makes up for this shortcoming by providing an extensive number of links to websites. Nor did I have any qualms about the author using illustrations from his own graphic novels. It wasn't like he was bragging about them.
I'm giving "The Everything Guide to Writing Graphic Novels" a 4-star rating. It was exactly what I expected, and is a good place to start one's research into creating graphic novels.
August 10, 2012
A very useful putting together of DIY . Worth the investment. Geared to the Marvel Comix style ... when the novels that are ALSO making waves are a lot different from Super Hero-dom. So if you are into that it ticks a lot of boxes. If you aren't there are some useful pointers but the book may still a long way from where you may be at and seek to go.
It's total lack of attention to Manga is really incredible. As I say: very Marvel; very US of A; very much adolescent in pitch audience...despite the inside info about how to do comics.
It's total lack of attention to Manga is really incredible. As I say: very Marvel; very US of A; very much adolescent in pitch audience...despite the inside info about how to do comics.
January 15, 2016
This is a nice waste of time. The authors say a bit about everything, but they make sure they don't say a word more. In the end, the readers are not much more prepared to write comic book novels than they were before opening this book, but they are going to find out things like "Paul Newman, not the actor, has the record for writing the most" and other pieces of trivia. In short this book will leave you a loser, but you are certain to be a bitter wise loser knowing it all about when Marvel Comics did this or that.
June 29, 2014
Gave me a comprehensive understanding of a genre I knew little about.
November 13, 2015
I love the entire series. It is very simple, to the point, and fun to read. A wonderful starter for various topics.
May 17, 2022
Great resource!
This book is a great resource for those who want to create a graphic novel and a comic book. I will be doing just that.
This book is a great resource for those who want to create a graphic novel and a comic book. I will be doing just that.
September 1, 2012
Didn't finish
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews