Celebrate the Do-It-Yourself Spirit in the November PREVIEWS
Nov 01, 2021
This month, PREVIEWS' D.I.Y. Month pays homage to the do-it-yourself spirit that launched the comics industry. Where would we be today if two young lads named Jerry and Joe didn't create their own comic books? Those two guys -- one a writer, the other an artist -- launched a genre and forged a legend. Who will be the next Siegel and Shuster? Who will create the next comic book classic?
Many creators attempt to do just that each month. Some self-publish their own comics, some create fanzines and chapbooks. Some publish webcomics. Some of these creators are noticed by publishers large or small, and some of their creations catch on with the public. Regardless of where they wind up on the sales charts, however, these creators all started in the same place: at the drawing board.
Like any skill, creating comic books at any stage of the process -- whether writing, penciling, inking, lettering, or coloring -- requires practice and technique. Creators, at any skill level, can take advantage of How to Draw Month which spotlights books that will help you become a better comics creator. Whether you choose from books like Watson-Guptill's DC Comics How to Guides, Random House's How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, or any of the dozen more books featured with the "D.I.Y." icon throughout the November PREVIEWS catalog, you will find tips and techniques that will help you become the best comics creator you can be!
Check out some of our D.I.Y. titles below!
TOUCHSTONE
(W) Stan Lee (A/CA) John Buscema
One of the first and still one of the best, Stan Lee's How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way has been the primary resource for any and all who want to master the art of illustrating comic books and graphic novels. Using artwork from Marvel comics as primary examples, John Buscema graphically illustrates the hitherto mysterious methods of comic art. Stan Lee's pithy prose gives able assistance and advice to the apprentice artist. Bursting with Buscema's magnificent illustrations and Lee's laudable word-magic, How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way belongs in the library of everyone who has ever wanted to illustrate his or her own comic strip.
In Shops: Dec 08, 2021
SRP: $17.99
PREVIEWS Page #363
WATSON GUPTILL
(W) Carl Potts (A) Carl Potts, Various (CA) Jim Lee
From the bestselling DC Comics Guide series, this is the essential resource for aspiring comics creators looking to make intriguing, action-packed comics like the experts at DC Comics. Going beyond the typical art and writing lessons, this book shows readers how to take full advantage of comics' sequential visual storytelling possibilities. With examples direct from DC Comics, featuring their best creators and classic superheroes like Batman, Superman, and the rest of the Justice League, it presents key principles and techniques for crafting exciting professional-quality comics. This behind-the-curtain look at the DC Comics creative process is a can't-miss opportunity for aspiring comics creators, whether they want to work for DC Comics or invent their own unique comics creations.
In Shops: Oct 16, 2013
SRP: $24.99
PREVIEWS Page #382
WATSON GUPTILL
(W) Mark Kneece
Comics writer and instructor Mark Kneece gives aspiring comic book writers the essential tools they need to write scripts for sequential art with confidence and success. He provides a practical set of guidelines favored by many comic book publishers and uses a unique trial and error approach to show would-be scribes the potential pitfalls they might encounter when seeking a career in comics writing. Supported by examples of scripting from SCAD's students, faculty, and alumni, The Art of Comic Book Writing provides real-world advice and easy-to-follow examples for those looking to write for the comics medium.
In Shops: Sep 09, 2015
SRP: $24.99
PREVIEWS Page #456
IDW PUBLISHING
(A/CA) Alan Robert
Get that red crayon ready! With this coloring book for adults channeling The Walking Dead meets The Secret Garden, comics creator/rock star Alan Robert (Crawl to Me, Killogy, Wire Hangers) invites fans of horror to discover their inner-colorist. Through intricate pen and ink illustrations to complete, color, and embellish, readers will meet an onslaught of severed heads, monsters, deadly weapons, and skeletal remains.
Visit burial grounds, the zombie apocalypse, serial killer lairs, and gruesome torture chambers. Horror fans and newcomers alike will welcome this GORE-geous and creative journey into a blood-soaked new world.
Visit burial grounds, the zombie apocalypse, serial killer lairs, and gruesome torture chambers. Horror fans and newcomers alike will welcome this GORE-geous and creative journey into a blood-soaked new world.
In Shops: Sep 21, 2016
SRP: $17.99
PREVIEWS Page #201
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BOOM! STUDIOS
(W) Natalie Nourigat (A/CA) Natalie Nourigat
When artist Natalie Nourigat left her life in Portland to move to Los Angeles and pursue a job in animation, she realized that despite her research, nothing truly prepared her for the wild world that awaited in the studios of Southern California.
This autobiographical how-to graphic novel explores the highest highs and lowest lows of pursuing a dream in animation. Brushed with a dose of humor and illustrated advice about salaries, studio culture, and everything in between, I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation is the unique insider experience you won ft find anywhere else.
This autobiographical how-to graphic novel explores the highest highs and lowest lows of pursuing a dream in animation. Brushed with a dose of humor and illustrated advice about salaries, studio culture, and everything in between, I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation is the unique insider experience you won ft find anywhere else.
In Shops: Dec 12, 2018
SRP: $9.99
PREVIEWS Page #222
ABSTRACT STUDIOS
(W) Terry Moore (A/CA) Terry Moore
Terry Moore's How to Draw Expanded Edition includes lessons on How To Draw Women, Expressions, Beautiful, Funny and a detailed lesson on drawing and making Comic Books. Plus, this expanded edition adds new chapters on Body Language, Lettering and Page Layouts with an emphasis on Timing and Visual Effect. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the craft of making comics from an Eisner Award-winning cartoonist!
In Shops: Mar 24, 2021
SRP: $18.99
PREVIEWS Page #209
SCHOLASTIC INC.
(W) Dav Pilkey, Kate Howard (A/CA) Dav Pilkey
Dog Man from the #1 New York Times-bestselling series from Dav Pilkey comes to life in this cool 3-D book! George and Harold know a lot about making comic books. (Remember their Captain Underpants comics?) But before they told you that story, first they told you the story of Dog Man: part dog, part man, and all cop! Want to know how George and Harold come up with hilarious heroes like Dog Man and Li'l Petey and Chief? And how do they think up such wretched villains, like Petey and Piggy and Philly? Now's your chance to find out! The boys will give step-by-step instructions on how to draw some of their best Dog Man characters. Plus, get advice on how to create your own funny comic-book characters and bring them to life in 3-D!
In Shops: Oct 02, 2019
SRP: $10.99
PREVIEWS Page #390
HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
(W) Scott McCloud (A) Scott McCloud
The renowned author of Understanding Comics and Reinventing Comics teaches would-be cartoonists to create this widely beloved art form, In Making Comics, this artistic genius focuses his analysis on the art form itself, exploring the creation of comics, from the broadest principles to the most minute artistic details. In a voice that mixes dry humor and clear, concise instruction, McCloud's cartoon narrator shows how to master the human condition through word and image in a brilliantly minimalistic way.
In Shops: Oct 05, 2016
SRP: $25.99
INSIGHT EDITIONS
Grab your tape player and colored pencils-it's time to color with the Goonies! Relive the action and adventure of The Goonies with this official coloring book featuring original art inspired by the film. Featuring favorite scenes from discovering the map in Mikey's attic to finding One-Eyed Willie's breathtaking pirate ship. Use your creativity to color the treasure and warm the reunion between the Goonies and their families as One-Eyed Willie's ship sets sail-this coloring book is jam-packed with special designs and scenes The Goonies fan is sure to love.
In Shops: Jan 19, 2022
SRP: $11.99
PREVIEWS Page #309
INVALID ITEM
3D TOTAL PUBLISHING
Fifty professional storybook artists from around the globe take inspiration from folklore and fairytales, myths and legends, and modern books and novels. Many of these artists create their own narratives, exploring their storytelling skills through an extraordinary talent for transforming words into compelling visual concepts. Each artist not only shares several pages of their original art, but also the story behind it - the narrative of the art itself, and their fascinating account of the artistic process. From traditional children's characters to the fantastical, surreal, and terrifying worlds, every genre imaginable is covered.
In Shops: Jan 05, 2022
SRP: $36.99
PREVIEWS Page #354
TWOMORROWS PUBLISHING
(W) Mike Manley (A) Bret Blevins, Dave Gibbons, Jerry Ordway
This book compiles material from the first two issues of Draw!, and contains a wealth of interviews and tutorials with top professionals in the industry. Featured are demonstrations by Dave Gibbons (layout and drawing on the computer), Jerry Ordway (detailing his working methods), Steve Conley (creating web comics and cartoons), and others. Each artist presents their work step-by-step to follow its progress from concept to finished form.
SRP: $24.95
WATSON GUPTILL
(W) Burne Hogarth (A/CA) Burne Hogarth
Burne Hogarth's library of reference books on drawing provide detail and insight into proper anatomy, space and form, and much more. Praised by artists and teachers for over forty years, these books are essential additions to the libraries of artists of all skill levels.
In Shops: Nov 28, 2012
SRP: $29.99
WATSON GUPTILL
(W) Brian Michael Bendis, Joe Quesada (A/CA) Various
Brian Michael Bendis shares the tools and techniques used to create some of the most popular comic book and graphic novel stories of all time. Words for Pictures gives readers the opportunity to learn from a creator at the very top of his field. Bendis teaches comics writing hopefuls everything they'll need to take their ideas from script to dynamic sequential art. The book exposes the most effective methods for crafting comic scripts, showcases insights from Bendis's fellow creators, reveals business secrets all would-be comics writers must know, and challenges readers with exercises to jumpstart their own graphic novel writing success.
In Shops: Jul 30, 2014
SRP: $24.99
PREVIEWS Page #452
WW NORTON
Will Eisner is one of the twentieth century's great American artists, a man who pioneered the field of comic arts. Here, in his classic Comics and Sequential Art, he refines the art of graphic storytelling into clear, concise principles that every cartoonist, comic artist, writer, and filmmaker needs to know. Eisner reveals here the fundamentals of graphic storytelling. He addresses dialogue, anatomy, framing, and many other important aspects of the art form. Fully updated and revised to reflect current practices and technology, including a section on digital media.
In Shops: Mar 16, 2016
SRP: $23.95
PREVIEWS Page #450
ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
(A) Various (CA) Jamie Tyndall
Grimm Fairy Tales' coloring book for adults packs hours of great art to be filled with your imagination! Join in on the adventure and fill lines of the world's most recognizable characters. From Red Riding Hood to Cinderella, the Little Mermaid to Robyn Hood, Oz to Wonderland. Relive your childhood of coloring and fairy tales all in one unique book! Let your brain focus on creating great pieces of artwork while relieving stress. Test your coloring skills by collaborating with some of the best artists in the comic book industry today! This volume includes artwork by J. Scott Campbell, Jamie Tyndall, Eric Basaldua, and more!
In Shops: Dec 02, 2015
SRP: $12.99
PREVIEWS Page #432
FLAME TOYS
From Flame Toys. The 21st series of [FURAI MODEL] G.I. Joe Snake Eyes model kit is here! Based on the comics appearance of Snake Eyes, the kit features over 40 movable joints and plenty of accessories such as sword, rocket launcher, machine gun, hand gun, grenade, and knife, some of which can be attached to the [Furai Model] G.I. Joe Speed Cycle for Snake Eyes (sold separately). The model kit is made of ABS & PVC, perfect for professional model kit builders to make their own coloring Snake Eyes, but with different injection colors of runner parts and simple assembly design, it will also be suitable for model kit beginners. Fully assembled, stands about 5 1/4" tall.
In Shops: Feb 23, 2022
SRP: $45.00
PREVIEWS Page #1083
MAX FACTORY
From MAX Factory. From the OVA Shin Mashin Hero Wataru comes a PLAMAX plastic model of Metal Jacket Genoumaru! The model features pearl and metallic runners. Enjoy Genoumaru's impressive, heroic design with its dragon wings extending from the magic armor on its shoulders. Its metal jacket armor is removable and the plastic model can be displayed as Genoumaru. The Metal Jacket version can be combined with the previously released Metal Jacket Ryuoumaru, Metal Jacket Jyakomaru, Metal Jacket Kuoumaru and the upcoming Metal Jacket Senoumaru to create Kouteiryu. This model kit makes use of snap-fit connections for easy assembly. No glue required.
In Shops: Feb 23, 2022
SRP: $69.99
PREVIEWS Page #1081
KOTOBUKIYA
From Kotobukiya. X's new power has been awakened: Max Armor version is now available as a plastic model kit! The protagonist of Mega Man X3, X, returns with newly powered up parts in his Max Armor form as a plastic model kit for the first time in over 25 years! Thanks to the technology of CAD engineering, the character's proportions are faithfully recreated while maintaining an impressive range of articulation. His powerful Z Saber is included in this kit, or fans can customize this kit with parts from the first X model kit to enjoy recreating snapshot moments from the game!
In Shops: Mar 30, 2022
SRP: $67.99
PREVIEWS Page #1081
KOTOBUKIYA
From Kotobukiya. The Mega Man X series has become a core brand within the franchise, known for their fast-paced action and deep storytelling. From that very series comes the protagonist of Mega Man X2, reinforced in his Second Armor and appearing as a plastic model kit for the first time in over 25 years! Thanks CAD engineering technology, the character's proportions are faithfully recreated while also maintaining an impressive range of articulation. The kit features two all-new face parts, and fans can also portray Zero, in the Second Armor using the Zero Buster included as a bonus part!
In Shops: Feb 23, 2022
SRP: $69.99
PREVIEWS Page #1081
KOTOBUKIYA
From Kotobukiya. From the dearly beloved Mega Man series with over 35 million copies sold, the A-Class Maverick Hunter, Zero, returns after 25 years! Zero's exact proportions are faithfully recreated, and thanks to the technology of CAD engineering, the figure allows a wide range of impressive articulation. Zero comes equipped with his signature Z-Saber in 3 different effects, plus his Buster Shot Gun, hand parts, and three interchangeable facial expressions.
In Shops: Feb 23, 2022
SRP: $69.99
PREVIEWS Page #1081
BANDAI HOBBY
BANDAI HOBBY
