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Writers on Comics Scriptwriting, Vol. 2
The next generation of blazing hot comic book writing talent get their turn in the spotlight in Writers on Comics Scriptwriting Volume 2 !
Featuring exclusive interviews with the most scorching new writers in the comic book business, this second book offers insider insight into every aspect of the creative process behind comics writing. With contributions from those responsible for some of the biggest-selling comics titles on shelves, Writers on Comics Scriptwriting Volume 2 is packed to the rafters with fascinating behind-the-scenes info and never-before-revealed anecdotes and stories.
Features interviews Brian Azarello ( 100 Bullets ), Brian Michael Bendis ( Ultimate Spider-Man ), Ed Brubaker ( Batman, Catwoman, Gotham Central ), Mike Carey ( Lucifer, Hellblazer ), Andy Diggle ( Losers , Swamp Thing ), Geoff Johns ( Flash , JSA ), Bruce Jones ( Hulk ), Mike Mignola ( Hellboy ), Mark Millar ( Ultimate X-Men , Red Son ), Greg Rucka ( Gotham Central ), Kevin Smith ( Green Arrow and the director of Clerks and Jersey Girl ), Craig Thompson ( Blankets ), Jill Thompson ( At Death’s Door ), Brian K. Vaughan ( The Last Man , Pride of Baghdad ), Bill Willingham ( Fables ).
Featuring exclusive interviews with the most scorching new writers in the comic book business, this second book offers insider insight into every aspect of the creative process behind comics writing. With contributions from those responsible for some of the biggest-selling comics titles on shelves, Writers on Comics Scriptwriting Volume 2 is packed to the rafters with fascinating behind-the-scenes info and never-before-revealed anecdotes and stories.
Features interviews Brian Azarello ( 100 Bullets ), Brian Michael Bendis ( Ultimate Spider-Man ), Ed Brubaker ( Batman, Catwoman, Gotham Central ), Mike Carey ( Lucifer, Hellblazer ), Andy Diggle ( Losers , Swamp Thing ), Geoff Johns ( Flash , JSA ), Bruce Jones ( Hulk ), Mike Mignola ( Hellboy ), Mark Millar ( Ultimate X-Men , Red Son ), Greg Rucka ( Gotham Central ), Kevin Smith ( Green Arrow and the director of Clerks and Jersey Girl ), Craig Thompson ( Blankets ), Jill Thompson ( At Death’s Door ), Brian K. Vaughan ( The Last Man , Pride of Baghdad ), Bill Willingham ( Fables ).
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 30, 2009
A worthwhile, if repetitive, read about young, popular comic scriptwriters of the 1990s and 2000s. Valuable to anyone who loves the work of people like Brian Michael Bendis and Geoff Johns, the book gives glimpses of their rise to fame in comics and tries to get inside the processes of each author. At times, these interviews can be illuminating, but that tends to depend on the author and their willingness to cooperate.
I sensed about halfway through the book that a lot of the interviews were probably done via email or correspondence. This allows a more open, more planned-out response in some cases. In others, the authors skim over the question being asked--which doesn't matter much, since the questions rarely change from interview to interview. If there is little variation, of course all the answers will start sounding the same. But take that for what you will; there is still more than enough solid, differing information in here to give comic aficionados chills.
One bizarre note: this book does provide interesting counterpoints sometimes. Both Kevin Smith and Bendis take a moment in their interviews to slam on one another. I'm not sure what the value of that is, but it does give insight into the temperament of each author, at the very least. Plus, it's kind of funny ...
I sensed about halfway through the book that a lot of the interviews were probably done via email or correspondence. This allows a more open, more planned-out response in some cases. In others, the authors skim over the question being asked--which doesn't matter much, since the questions rarely change from interview to interview. If there is little variation, of course all the answers will start sounding the same. But take that for what you will; there is still more than enough solid, differing information in here to give comic aficionados chills.
One bizarre note: this book does provide interesting counterpoints sometimes. Both Kevin Smith and Bendis take a moment in their interviews to slam on one another. I'm not sure what the value of that is, but it does give insight into the temperament of each author, at the very least. Plus, it's kind of funny ...
May 17, 2008
Curiously, though the writers interviewed here are probably better overall than the ones in the first book, the interviews aren't as great. Still, definitely worth a read.
April 14, 2017
In this second installment of "Writers on Comics Scriptwriting", I became acquainted with authors both entirely foreign to me (such as Mike Mignola and Jill Thompson) and those whom I am dearly familiar (such as Geoff Johns and Greg Rucka).
Mignola exhibits a laid-back, regular-guy attitude that's very easy to like. I've never read his comic "Hellboy," but I've heard good things about it. I believe that I will give it a look now that I see that its author seems like such a cool dude.
Rucka, meanwhile, surprised me with his overall attitude. I read "Gotham Central" which he co-wrote with Ed Brubaker (also interviewed in this book), and I got the general idea of what his outlook on life was. In a nutshell, Rucka is a brilliant writer, but I'm not sure I'd like to hang out with him.
The other writers covered in this book either made me wan to read their books or made me want to stay away entirely. Brian K. Vaughan's interview was an interesting read. His "Y: The Last Man" was already on my to-read list, and now I'm more intent than ever get around to it.
On the other hand, the interview with Kevin Smith, whose work on "Green Arrow" I have read, failed to impress me. He seems like a generally likable guy, aside from his foul mouth. However, my opinion of him as a writer did not improve. (I didn't know he was responsible for the film "Dogma." Woof!)
The one other author whose work I felt a need to seek out and read after finishing this book was that of Dave Sim, the author of "Cerebus." Sim's work seems like the sort of thing I'd be into, similar to that of Chuck Dixon, but with more epithets. That last part is not something I look forward to.
I do recommend this book to those interested in learning more about the writing habits and techniques of some of the best in the business, circa 2004. In fact, I'd be glad if something like this was put together for the hot-shot writers of today.
As a side-note, the author of volume 1 of this series, Mark Salisbury, also wrote a book called "Artists on Comic Art." I intend to read it later in order to get a look at the other half of comics creation.
Mignola exhibits a laid-back, regular-guy attitude that's very easy to like. I've never read his comic "Hellboy," but I've heard good things about it. I believe that I will give it a look now that I see that its author seems like such a cool dude.
Rucka, meanwhile, surprised me with his overall attitude. I read "Gotham Central" which he co-wrote with Ed Brubaker (also interviewed in this book), and I got the general idea of what his outlook on life was. In a nutshell, Rucka is a brilliant writer, but I'm not sure I'd like to hang out with him.
The other writers covered in this book either made me wan to read their books or made me want to stay away entirely. Brian K. Vaughan's interview was an interesting read. His "Y: The Last Man" was already on my to-read list, and now I'm more intent than ever get around to it.
On the other hand, the interview with Kevin Smith, whose work on "Green Arrow" I have read, failed to impress me. He seems like a generally likable guy, aside from his foul mouth. However, my opinion of him as a writer did not improve. (I didn't know he was responsible for the film "Dogma." Woof!)
The one other author whose work I felt a need to seek out and read after finishing this book was that of Dave Sim, the author of "Cerebus." Sim's work seems like the sort of thing I'd be into, similar to that of Chuck Dixon, but with more epithets. That last part is not something I look forward to.
I do recommend this book to those interested in learning more about the writing habits and techniques of some of the best in the business, circa 2004. In fact, I'd be glad if something like this was put together for the hot-shot writers of today.
As a side-note, the author of volume 1 of this series, Mark Salisbury, also wrote a book called "Artists on Comic Art." I intend to read it later in order to get a look at the other half of comics creation.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews