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"...an invaluable resource." - Wizard (April '98) |
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Support this site by purchasing books at Amazon.com. Thanks.
Books for comic creators
Purchasing books through these links helps support this site.
Every so often someone asks if I know if a particular book exists or where they can find more information on certain subjects so I have decided to include a listing of various books that might interest the comics creator. If you know of a book you think should be on this list please let me know. Some of these books you will be able to find at your local library or be able purchase at local bookstores. If you can't find them either place try looking at Amazon.com as all these books can be found there (though a few of the older books are out of print). More information is available on many of these books by clicking on the link.
Now also available are magazines for comic creators. Click here to view the magazines for comic creators.
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Index of Books
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Can't find a book here? Why don't you search Amazon.com and then e-mail me with your finds.
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- Essential Books
- Understanding Comics
Scott McCloud / Paperback / Published 1994
- The title says it all. If you want to work in the industry the only way to properly understand comics is by reading and studying this book.
- Reinventing Comics
- The sequel to the classic.
- Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels
- McCloud's latest guide to creating comics.
- Comics & Sequential Art
- Graphic Storytelling
- Will Eisner is one of the all time great graphic storytellers. His books are essential guides for book artists and writers into the craft of comic writing and illustrating.
- Gray's Anatomy: The Classic Collector's Edition
Henry Gray, et al / Hardcover / Published 1991
- This is 'the' guide for learning how to draw anatomy. I have yet to hear of a better book and this should be on the book shelf of every serious comic illustrator.
If you only have a few books on your shelf these are the ones you must have.
- Books for Writers
- Alan Moore's Writing for ComicsAlan Moore, Jacen Burrows (Illustrator) / Paperback / Published 2003
- DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics Dennis O'Neil / Paperback / Published 2001
- Writer's Guide to Business of Comics Lurene Haines / Paperback / Published 1998
- Writers On Comics Scriptwriting Mark Salisbury / Paperback /
- This book includes interviews with various comic book writers.
- Panel One: Comic Book Scripts by Top Writers Neil Gaiman, Kevin Smith, Kurt Busiek, Jeff Smith, Greg Rucka, Nat Gertler, Dwayne McDuffie, Trina Robbins, Marv Wolfman, Steve Lieber / Paperback / Published 2002
- Panel Two: More Comic Book Scripts by Top Writers Nat Gertler, Peter David, Scott McCloud / Paperback / Published 2003
- Self Editing for Writers Renni Browne, Dave King / Paperback / Published 1994
- Story : Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting
Robert McKee / Hardcover / Publish 1997
- This book was highly recommended to me. While this book is intended for screenwriters most of the content is supposed to be very helpful for writers of comic book fiction.
- The Writer's Guide to Character Traits : Includes Profiles of Human Behaviors and Personality Types Linda N. Edelstein / Hardcover / Publish 1999
- Beginnings, Middles, and Ends (The Elements of Fiction Writing) Nancy Kress / Hardcover / Published 1993
- Characters and Viewpoint (Elements of Fiction Writing) Orson Scott Card / Hardcover / Published 1988
- Conflict, Action and Suspense (Elements of Fiction Writing) William Noble / Hardcover / Published 1994
- Description (Elements of Fiction Writing) Monica Wood / Hardcover / Published 1995
- Dialogue : A Socratic Dialogue on the Art of Writing Dialogue in Fiction (Elements of Fiction Writing) Lewis Turco / Hardcover / Published 1989
- The Elements of Storytelling for Writers : How to Write Compelling Fiction Peter Rubie / Paperback / Published 1995
- Plot (The Elements of Fiction Writing Series) Ansen Dibell / Hardcover / Published 1988
- Scene and Structure (The Elements of Fiction Writing) Jack M. Bickham / Hardcover / Published 1993
- Setting/How to Create and Sustain a Sharp Sense of Time and Place in Your Fiction (The Elements of Fiction Writing) Jack M. Bickham / Hardcover / Published 1994
- Theme and Strategy (Elements of Fiction Writing) Ronald B. Tobias / Hardcover / Published 1990
- Voice & Style (Elements of Fiction Writing) Johnny Payne / Hardcover / Published 1995
- The Elements of Mystery Fiction : Writing a Modern Whodunit William G. Tapply / Paperback / Published 1995
- Revision (Elements of Fiction Writing)
Kit Reed / Published 1989
- The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy Tom Dullemond (Editor), Darin Park (Editor) / E-book / Published 2002
- How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy Orson Scott Card / Hardcover / Published 1990
- How to Write Action Adventure Novels (Writer's Digest Genre Writing Series) Michael Newton / Published 1989
- How to Write Horror Fiction (Writer's Digest Genre Writing Series) William Nolan / Published 1991
- Writing Horror (Writer's Digest Book) Mort Castle / Published 1997
- How to Write Western Novels (Writer's Digest Genre Writing Series)
Matthew Braun, Matt Braun / Published 1988
- Everyday Life Among the American Indians Candy Moulton / Hardcover / Published 2001
- Everyday Life During the Civil War Michael J. Varhola / Hardcover / Published 1999
- Everyday Life in Early America David F. Hawke / Hardcover / Published 1989
- The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life from Prohibition through World War II Marc McCutcheon / Hardcover / Published 1995
- The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Colonial America Dale Taylor / Hardcover / Published 1999
- The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England Kristine Hughes / Hardcover / Published 1998
- The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Renaissance England Kathy Lynn Emerson / Hardcover / Published 1996
- Everyday Life in the 1800s Marc McCutcheon / Hardcover / Published 2001
- Everyday Life in the Middle Ages Sherrilyn Kenyon / Hardcover / Published 1995
- The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West
Candy Moulton / Hardcover / Published 1999
- Space Travel Ben Bova and Anthony R. Lewis /Hardcover / Published 1997
- Time Travel Paul J. Nahin / Hardcover / Published 1997
- World-Building Stephen L. Gillett / Hardcover / Published 1996
- The Writer's Guide to Creating a Science Fiction Universe
George Ochoa, Jeff Osier, Jeffrey Osier / Hardcover / Published 1993
- Amateur Detectives: A Writer's Guide to How Private Citizens Solve Criminal Cases Elaine Raco Chase and Anne Wingate, Ph.D. / Hardcover / Published 1996
- Armed and Dangerous: A Writer's Guide to Weapons Michael Newton / Hardcover / Published 1990
- Body Trauma: A Writer's Guide to Wounds and Injuries David W. Page, M.D. / Hardcover / Published 1996
- Cause of Death: A Writer's Guide to Death, Murder & Forensic Medicine Keith D. Wilson, M.D. / Hardcover / Published 1992
- Deadly Doses: A Writer's Guide to Poisons Serita Deborah Stevens, R.N., B.S.N. / Hardcover / Published 1990
- Just the Facts, Ma'am: A Writer's Guide to Investigators and Investigative Techniques Greg Fallis / Hardcover / Published 1998
- Malicious Intent: A Writer's Guide to How Murderers, Robbers, Rapists and Other Criminals Think Sean P. Mactire / Hardcover / Published 1995
- Missing Persons: A Writer's Guide to Finding the Lost, the Abducted and the Escaped Fay Faron / Hardcover / Published 1997
- Modus Operandi: A Writer's Guide to How Criminals Work Mauro Corvasce and Joseph Paglino / Hardcover / Published 1995
- Murder One: A Writer's Guide to Homicide Mauro Corvasce and Joseph Paglino / Hardcover / Published 1997
- Police Procedural: A Writer's Guide to the Police and How They Work Russell Bintliff / Hardcover / Published 1993
- Private Eyes: A Writer's Guide to Private Investigators Hal Blythe, Charlie Sweet and John Landreth / Hardcover / Published 1993
- Rip-Off: A Writer's Guide to Crimes of Deception Fay Faron / Hardcover / Published 1998
- Scene of the Crime: A Writer's Guide to Crime-Scene Investigations
Anne Wingate, Ph.D. / Hardcover / Published 1992
While you will have a hard time finding books specifically on comic writing, (though this is mentioned in various books on comic illustrating), there are a number of excellent books put out by Writer's Digest on the various aspects of writing. I have many of these books in my own collection.
- Books for Artists
- The All New How to Draw Art for Comic Books (The New Masters of Comic Book Art Reveal Their Secrets) James Van Hise / Published 1995
- The Art of Comic-Book Inking - Gary Martin, Steve Rude; Paperback
- The Business of Comics : Everything a Comic Book Artist Needs to Make It in the Business Lurene Haines / Paperback / Published 1998
- Christopher Hart's Portable Action Hero Comic Book Studio Christopher Hart / Hardcover / Published 1997
- Christopher Hart's Portable Animation Studio Christopher Hart / Hardcover / Published 1996
- Christopher Harts's Comic Book Kit Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1995
- DC Comics Guide to Inking Comics Klaus Janson, Frank Miller / Paperback / Published 2003
- DC Comics Guide to Pencilling Comics Klaus Janson / Paperback / Published 2002
- Drawing and Cartooning Comics : A Step-By-Step Guide for the Aspiring Comics Artist Tony Tallarico / Paperback / Published 1995
- Drawing Dynamic Comics Andy Smith / Paperback / Published 2000
- Drawing Power B. Sears / Paperback / Published 2000
- How to Become a Comic Book Artist Rich Buckler / Published 1986
- How to Draw Manga : Bishoujo/Pretty Girls Hikaru Hayashi / Paperback / Published 2000
- How to Draw Art for Comic Books James Van Hise / Paperback / Published 1996
- How to Draw Comics Gwen Mercadoocasio / Published 1994
- How to Draw Those Bodacious Bad Babes of Comics Frank McLaughlin, Mike Gold / Paperback / Published 2000
- How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way Stan Lee, John Buscema / Paperback / Published 1984
- I Can Draw Comics and Cartoons Frank C. Smith / Paperback / Published 1997
- Kerry Gammill's Drawing Monsters & Heroes for Film & Comics Kerry Gammill, J. David Spurlock / Published 2001
- Make Your Own Comics : For Fun and Profit Richard Cummings / Published 1983
- Make Your Own Comics for Fun and Profit Richard M. Gardner / Published 1976
- Perspective! for Comic Book Artists : How to Achieve a Professional Look in Your Artwork David Chelsea / Paperback / Published 1997
- So, You Wanna Be a Comic Book Artist?
by Philip Amara, Pop Mhan, Phil D. Amara / Paperback / Published 2001
- Cartoonist's Workbook Robin Hall / Paperback / Published 1997
- Christopher Hart's Portable Cartoon Studio/Kit : Instruction Book Christopher Hart / Hardcover / Published 1996
- Drawing on the Funny Side of the Brain : How to Come Up With Jokes for Cartoons and Comic Strips Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1998
- The Encyclopedia of Cartooning Techniques Steve Whitaker / Hardcover / Published 1994
- Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Cartooning but Were Afraid to Draw Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1994
- How to draw and sell cartoons: All the Professional Techniques of Strip Cartoon, Caricature and Artwork Demonstrated Ross Thompson, Bill Hewison, Ross Thomson/ Hardcover / Published 1985
- How to Be a Successful Cartoonist Randy Glasbergen / Hardcover / Published 1996
- Successful Syndication: A Guide for Writers and Cartoonists Michael H. Sedge / Paperback / Published 2000
- Your Career in the Comics Lee Nordling / Paperback / Published 1995
For the latest on Christopher Hart's books check out his web site.
- Drawing Cutting Edge Comics Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 2001
- How to Draw Aliens, Mutants & Mysterious Creatures Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 2001
- How to Draw Animation : Learn the Art of Animation from Character Design to Storyboards and Layouts Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1997
- How to Draw Cartoon Animals Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1995
- How to Draw Cartoon Dogs, Puppies & Wolves Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1998
- How to Draw Cartoons for Comic Strips Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1988
- How to Draw Cats, Kittens, Lions and Tigers Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1999
- How to Draw Comic Book Bad Guys and Gals Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1998
- How to Draw Comic Book Heroes and Villains Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1995
- How to Draw Comic Book Heroes and Villains CD-ROM Christopher Hart / Software / Published 1997
- How to Draw Fantasy Characters (Christopher Hart's 'How to Draw) Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1999
- How to Draw Great-Looking Comic Book Women Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 2000
- How to Draw Halloween, Christmas & Seasonal Characters Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1999
- How To Draw Knights, Kings, Queens and Dragons Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 1999
- Human Anatomy Made Amazingly Easy Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 2000
- Manga Mania : How to Draw Japanese Comics Christopher Hart / Paperback / Published 2001
- Dynamic Anatomy Burne Hogarth / Paperback / Published 1990
- Drawing Dynamic Hands Burne Hogarth / Paperback / Published 1988
- Drawing the Human Head Burne Hogarth / Paperback / Published 1989
- Dynamic Light and Shade Burne Hogarth / Paperback / Published 1991
- Dynamic Wrinkles and Drapery Burne Hogarth / Paperback / Published 1995
- Dynamic Figure Drawing
Burne Hogarth / Paperback / Published 1996
- General Interest Books
- Will Eisner's Shop Talk Will Eisner, Jack Kirby (Illustrator), Harvey Kurtzman (Illustrator) / Paperback
- The Art of Making Comic Books (Media Workshop) Michael Morgan Pellowski, Howard Bender (Illustrator) / Paperback / Published 1995
- How to Create Action, Fantasy and Adventure Comics Tom Alvarez / Paperback / Published 1996
- How to Draw and Sell Comic Strips for Newspapers and Comic Books Alan McKenzie / Hardcover / Published 1987
- This is from a British publisher by a professional British comic writer (if I remember correctly) and is a pretty good book with lots of advice on the various aspects of comic creation.
These are books that have a little for everyone.
- Books for Publishers
- How to Self-Publish Your Own Comic Book : The Complete Resource Guide to the Business, Production, Distribution, Marketing and Promotion of Comic book
Tony C. Caputo / Paperback / Published 1997
- Digital Prepress for Comic Books : The Definitive Desktop Production Guide
Kevin Tinsley, Tim Smith (Illustrator), Scott Koblish (Illustrator), greg Schigiel
/ Paperback / Published 1999
- Books on Graphic Design
- Real World Scanning and Halftones
David Blatner, Glenn Fleishman, Stephen F. Roth / Paperback / Published 1998
- This book comes very highly rated.
- Step-By-Step Electronic Design Techniques
Talitha Harper, Sara Booth / Paperback / Published 1997
- Envisioning Information
Edward R. Tufte / Hardcover / Published 1990
- The Non-Designer's Design Book : Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice
Robin Williams / Paperback / Published 1994
- This book comes very highly rated.
- Miscellaneous Books
- Dreamland Japan : Writings on Modern Manga
Frederik L. Schodt / Paperback / Published 1996
- A sequel to 'Manga! Manga!', by the same author, this book is all about the Japanese comic industry and its comics.
- Market Books
- 2006 Writers Market (Writer's Market) Katie Struckel Brogan (Editor), Robert Brewer (Editor), Joanna Masterson (Editor) / Paperback / Published 2005
- 2006 Writer's Market Online (Writers Marekt (Book & Cd-Rom)) Kathryn Struckel Brogan (Editor), et al / Book / Software / Published 2005
- 2006 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market (Serial) Lauren Mosko (Editor), Michael Schweer (Editor) / Paperback / Published 2005
- Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents 2006 Jeff Herman / Paperback / Published 2005
- Writers' and Artists' Yearbook 2006: (Writers' and Artists' Yearbook, 2006) Paperback / Published 2005
- 2006 Poet's Market (Poet's Market, 2006) Nancy Breen (Editor) / Paperback / Published 2005
- 2006 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Serial) Alice Pope (Editor) / Paperback / Published 2005
- Artists & Graphic Designer's Market 2006 Mary Cox (Editor) / Paperback / Published 2005
- Christian Writers' Market Guide 2006 Sally E. Stuart / Paperback / Published 2005
- Guide to Literary Agents 2006 (Guide to Literary Agents) Kathryn S. Brogan (Editor), Robert Lee Brewer (Editor), Joanna Masterson (Editor) / Paperback / Published 2005
Unless you are fortunate enough to be making a living within the comic industry you are probably writing and/or illustrating in a number of fields. Here are a number of books to help you find those places to sell your work.