So I have about 6 Burne Hogarth books about drawing, and I realized tonight that a) I've never (EVER) used them, and b) I'll probably never use them because they are WAY beyond me and the style I'm trying to do. Do/did you ever use books like these? If so

Maybe they aren’t way beyond you. Maybe it’s just a different thing than what you’re aiming for. 

I never personally got much out of Hogarth books. They always felt like “oh you like drawing? Here’s a way to make it less fun!” I get a lot more from just drawing from life and photos and studying other artists whose work clicks with me.  Granted I have a pretty cartoon understanding of anatomy.

Even “how to” books that Iv’e gotten things out of –Like some of the comic storytelling ones. I tend to find things to disagree with– I think Eisner’s characters over act for my taste and I don’t like his –A hero should look like a hero– idea of pushing stereotypes. but his books have some interesting ideas in them.  

I liked the Perspective for comic book artists book– but felt like it was too padded out. I’d love a book on perspective that just went over the basics-

but yeah, personally I’d get the Hogarth books to someone who really wanted them and go draw in the park.