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I mentioned these three books previously, one of which I've owned for ages, the other two being recent acquisitions bought via eBay and delivered a couple or so days ago. First up (above) Is How To Become A Comic Book Artist by Rich Buckler, one I've wanted to own for quite a while now, perhaps even as far back as 1986 when it was published - and now I've finally managed to obtain it (maniacal laughter).
I admit, I got the third one (below) because of the name of the artist and author, but there's nothing inside to really suggest that it's by the renowned Marvel and DC artist of the same name. Who knows though, maybe it is? Anyway, either way, still nice to have among my collection of 'How To...' publications currently putting a strain on my bookshelves. All I need now is one called 'How To Find Time To Read All My How To Books And Apply Myself To Following Their Advice'. Then I'll really be cooking with gas!
Any Crivs got any of these books and have they enabled you to inch closer to becoming a comicbook legend, or merely languished in your personal library of literary possessions, gathering dust and fading and tanning in the sunlight streaming through your window? (Unless you live in Scotland, obviously.) What's your view on these kind of books - useful or useless? Tell us all why!
7 comments:
Kid - I haven't got those, but my brother got me "How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way", some time ago. I'd drooled over that book, in 1977, but reading it as an adult, it was way beyond any young comics fan. In fact, it was hard to digest, even as an adult. Gave me a new appreciation of John Buscema's skills, though!
Many of my tomes have suffered foxing through damp/age (an unfortunate leak, a few years ago.) I've since move said books to a different room!
Phillip
I ordered How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way (from Maya Merchandising, I think) in 1979, but because they were out of stock for several weeks, it wasn't until the beginning of 1980 I actually received it. I never had a problem 'digesting' the book and thought it was pretty clear, and Stan's humour throughout made it an entertaining read as well as an instructive one. Still have that same book today, as well as several newer copies of it. I've often wondered, had Jack Kirby been Stan's partner on the book, would it have been as good? What do you think, P?
Jack Kirby did 'forced perspective' shots, with hands, etc, nearer the 'camera', being much larger. With John Buscema, perspective was discussed more in relation to cityscapes, etc, in the book. Had Kirby been involved, drawing figures with large hands, etc, near the 'camera', would have, perhaps, figured more prominently, in the book's instruction!
Phillip
At this time, Jack's art had become a little too abstract, and I doubt the book would've been as visually appealing as it was under John. Also, the Kirby panels used in the book weren't great examples of his art, in my view. As with the Surfer, I think Buscema was the right choice.
Yes, Kirby's Surfer (vs Quasimodo) had excellent 'Kirby Krackle', Quasimodo being subsumed by the Power Cosmic, but apart from that, John Buscema was much better (despite Denzel Washington's character's comment! )
Phillip
Here's a clip, Kid:
https://www.tiktok.com/@velvetjoker1/video/7436062452074188063
Phillip
Agreed, P, Buscema was da man when it came to ol' Norrin. However, Kirby was good in the first few appearances of the Surfer, then his art seemed to deteriorate. I'll get a wee look at that clip when I return from the Care Home.
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