Learn to be a Comic Book Illustrator

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This lens exists to help those who would like to learn to create comics. The books, links and videos recommended in this lens will develop an artist's ability to tell stories in comic book form.

In the words of the King of Comics, Jack Kirby 

Jack Kirby Interview

This is a clip from a long out-of-print documentary called The Masters Of Comic Book Art. It's introduced by Harlan Ellison. Jack Kirby is seen talking about his cosmic Marvel comics (Galactus, Silver Surfer etc.) and how those led to his Fourth World books at DC. He then says a few words about the history of comics. I never met Jack Kirby, so I don't know if he was always like this, but he has a strange mixture of emotions as he talks: angry and serious but somehow always on the cusp of smiling, too. A fascinating man and an incredible talent.

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Drawing Ability Required 

I'm assuming you already have a good understanding of perspective, construction, anatomy, etc. If you haven't leaned to draw yet, check out my lens on the subject to get you started.

Part 1:

Learn the process

The first books you should read 

Basic process and tools for creating comic books

These books provide a general overview of the process of creating comic books. Both are easy reads that will get you started right.

How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way

Amazon Price: $11.87 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Joe Kubert's Comic Book Studio: Everything You Need To Make Your Own Comic Book

Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Part 2:

Learn about storytelling

Storytelling from the writer's perspective 

Writing for Comics with Peter David (Writing for Comics & Graphic Novels)

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Alan Moore's Writing For Comics Volume 1

Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Advice from the pros

The best tool we have is the one Eisner loved: the page turn. Think of the two pages on an open comic as a single piece. Set up a question in the last panel of the two page spread and don't answer it until the next pair of pages. You can create a cliffhanger every two pages. -- Gene Ha

Storytelling from the artist's perspective 

How to Draw: Storytelling (The Best of Wizard Basic Training)

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Comics & Sequential Art

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Part 3:

Learn Technique

 

There are many different techniques and styles to choose from. Comics can be realisticly drawn, cartoony, gritty, etc.
What style you end up with is up to you. Below are but a few of the options on either end of the spectrum.

The Art Of Comic-Book Inking 2nd Edition

Amazon Price: (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Action! Cartooning

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Fantasy! Cartooning

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/16/2009) Buy Now

Alex Ross at work 

It's only on the screen for a few seconds, but note the planning that goes into Alex Ross's thumbnails.

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Part 4:

Additional Resources

The Making of Villains 

A production blog for Viper Comics critically acclaimed series

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Draw! 

Mike Manley's blog

Hello I'm Mike Manley, welcome to my daily studio Blog. I'm a long time comic, animation artist and edit Draw! Magazine. This blog is a cronicle of what's happening in my studio studio daily,follow as I show some of my process.

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Comic Book Links 

Fanboy Radio
Fanboy Radio a great source for interviews with comic book creators.
Comic Book Conventions
A calendar of comic book conventions
Fanboy Video
Like "Fanboy Radio" with moving pictures.
Drawingboard.org
This forum is a great place to post your work and get feedback.

by GannonBeck

I am an illustrator living in Virginia. I am an advocate of learning, mentoring, and sharing knowledge.

Read my blog at GannonBeck.com (more)

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