Graphic Novel Builder: The Illustrated Guide to Making Your Own Comics

by Edward Ross, Aysha Tengiz (illustrator)

A comic book…about making comic books! With an introduction by Alice Oseman, creator of Heartstopper

The perfect gift for budding artists and aspiring storytellers. Written and illustrated by comic artist Edward Ross with an introduction by Alice Oseman, creator of the best-selling Heartstopper series.

Meet the Graphic Novel Builders, a group of big-dreaming teens who set out to write, design and draw their own comic books. There’s Ash the Publisher, Jay the Writer, Finn the Designer, Rayah the Artist, Sam the Colourist…and Peanut the Pup! Together, you’ll explore all the building blocks of the complete creative process:

- Discover different types of comics
- Plot and script your story
- Create characters and build worlds
- Level-up your drawing skills
- Share your graphic novel with the world!

Genres: Nonfiction, Comics, Graphic Novels

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 11, 2025

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic comic book that shows you with lively art and entertaining text how to make a graphic novel. I absolutely loved the characters who lead us on a fun-filled journey to create our own comic book. Graphic artists and comic book fans will adore this, as will newbies who will find this a treasure trove as they try their hand at this most exuberant art. A winner!

[Nora Spellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was kindly given an ARC from Netgalley for this book.

This was an incredibly piece of work. I'm not someone who can draw very well, so making comics is hard for me, and I know that it's a lot of practice, but I read comics and novels, and I want to write novels.
This book isn't just for making graphic novels, it's for anything you want to create, so don't let the title put you off.
It's extremely helpful in terms of storytelling, creating worlds, characters, and ideas. There's so much in this book and I think it's helpful for anyone who wants to create something!

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌕

🎯 Target Audience
- People who want to craft and create their comics/graphic novels from start to end
- Comics/Graphic novels enthusiasts, who want to know how these are created

🧠 My thoughts
I was impressed with how much information was packed into this book. The artwork was awesome, and I learned a lot from it. The author led us through multiple steps to create a comic/graphic novel with detailed and practical information. I felt confident to create my own work now if I ever wanted to.

However, since the book was very informative, some parts were too packed with words that it made me feel overwhelmed. For me, it felt a bit redundant to create different characters as well in the book. I understood the author's intention but since the characters didn't have so much space to show their personalities, it would still be fine if that part was left out in my opinions.

👍 What I like
- Very informative and practical
- Beautiful and captivating artwork

👎 What I don't like
- Sometimes too wordy
- Some parts feel redundant

Thanks NetGalley, Collins Reference publisher, and the authors for a great advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

[The Grim Reader UK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and accessible springboard for creating comics (and stories in general) in the form of a graphic novel. Highly recommended for young artists, probably best suited to pre- and early teens.

This book introduces you to the language of comics, including a series of prompts and challenges and encourages the reader to think about storytelling more generally. It covers the process of making a comic or zine from the genesis of an idea, through designing characters, hooking the reader, creating a world and ultimately pencilling, inking, colouring and publishing the finished article.

This book provides an en-ramp for diving deeper into the nuts and bolts of comics, with books for older readers such as Brian Michael Bendis' Words for Pictures and Scott McCloud's timeless Understanding Comics, but more importantly will fire up readers to go and create some art of their own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that this book about creating a graphic novel was written as a graphic novel! This was a clever concept and also a great way to transfer a lot of information in a quick and easily readable way. Plus it was written in a very entertaining way with each of the characters having a distinct interest which applied to creating a graphic novel.

This book would also work well to give prompts and tips for storytelling other than graphic novels. I liked all the building blocks given in each section such as picking from two lists to create characters/plot/setting.

I was looking at this for a 10 year old who enjoys reading and creating graphic novels. I found some of the concepts were more suited to a slightly older age group but there were still lots of good things which would be useful now to all age groups.

I am rating this book 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher, Collins for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really comprehensive and engaging guide for any young comic maker! The process of making a graphic novel is explained step-by-step in visual narrative format. While this book includes many handy tricks of the trade it isn’t saturating and also offers wee exercises to try at points that may be more conceptually difficult for a younger audience to help get the hang of a concept. Really recommend and lots of good practice tips for more experienced artists too! Thank you 😍

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of us have drawn comic strips at school as a different way of telling a story. It is now also recognised that graphic novels are a great way to encourage reluctant readers. This book shows anyone how to take a blank piece of paper or computer screen and begin their own creative journey with examples of the artistic and literary skills needed.

There are plenty of books about this very subject, of course, but this is a graphic novel about the process of producing your own graphic novel! There are five main characters and five building blocks to help the reader learn the important elements of this process. From choosing the right type of comic, through the ideas for the storyline, to how to market your novel, this book sets it all out in colourful, easily understood comic strips and explanations meaning anyone can improve their skills and finish what is sure to be a satisfying project.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Collins/Collins Reference, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent book for anyone with an interest in undertaking this creative process no matter their age. Recommended.

[Sol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the earc.

I really enjoyed the way the explanations were presented making a book about the creation of comic be an actual comic felt really funny. I liked that each of the characters had a really strong personality.
Personally this book felt more introductory that i was hoping for but it's a great & fun way to start delving into creating and i can't wait to start using some of the info and tips presented here.

[Michela Cacciatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Collins Reference for the ARC.
Excellent manual for taking the first steps in the world of comic book storytelling.
It is very introductory but it covers all the topics of storytelling and addresses them in a fresh and modern way compared to historical manuals. Absolutely recommended for those who want to approach the subject.
Not exhaustive, like all manuals, but an excellent starting point.

[Ido · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a child interested in telling stories, you’ve come to the right place.
Graphic Novel Builder has a modern and inclusive art style coupled with useful, accessible and insightful information about the making of graphic novels.
Bonus: it is written like a graphic novel in form and content.
Bonus 2: there are useful details that are about general storytelling, finding the right audience and writing with them in mind and other publishing.

[Svani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FANTASTIC book on how to make comics! The whole read is incredibly lively and fun, while giving out excellent, detailed, nuanced information broken up into super-accessible chunks. Ross' passion and enthusiasm shine through the book, making it a truly inspiring read full of cool ideas, prompts and projects. This one's a must-read for anyone who enjoys comics or even stories in general, and is definitely the perfect gift for budding artists!

[Papergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Edward Ross, Netgalley, and Collins Reference for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

Graphic Novel Builder exceeded my expectations. The title might give the impression that the book will break down the stages to crafting a graphic novel step-by-step in a prescriptive way, and I suppose to some degree it does. However, I was struck by the creative way the book and the process of graphic novel writing was presented. In writing circles, the statement, ‘show don’t tell’ is often thrown around to remind authors to give characters and their environments a life, rather than narrating everything from a sole perspective. This book combined ‘showing’ and ‘telling’ simultaneously, thus, creating a wonderful teaching aid that can be referred back to throughout the crafting process. In essence, this was a huge comic about graphical writing with a dedicated cast taking us through the lessons.

At the point of reading the book, I was not in the midst of writing a comic or larger works. This enabled me to read the book cover to cover without distraction. I would recommend anyone picking up this book to do the same regardless of what stage of the design or production stage they are in. each chapter was dedicated to a specific area including drawing characters, breathing life into them by adding their personality traits, world building and what the use of colour might mean vs adding details like weather-worn buildings to add a sense of realism. It requested the artist take time to doodle, practice with facial expressions and angles, and basically all the little intricacies that could prevent a good comic/graphic novel from being a great one.

The one thing that I greatly appreciated about this book is that it continued to state that these were not hard and fast rules. It presented an array of options and demonstrated them. Using different colour palettes to change the mood, a variety of panelling options, and the overall exhibition of all the techniques discussed prompts the reader/crafter to imagine their book in parts, which they build upon before definitively putting pen to paper to document the final product.

I would recommend the book especially for a young audience around 10-17 years with an interest in graphic novels, but I certainly would not discount adults, particularly those new to the genre from reading the book. It is full of great tips in an easily digestible manner that is fun and informative to explore. Absolutely top marks for someone that has tried and tested his own techniques and continues to work in the industry.

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Figuring it out as you go along is a key part of comic making. You have to try different things to discover what works for you. There are no right answers and no bad choices –if you’re enjoying it, then you’re doing a great job.” Alice Oseman, excerpt of the foreword

Even though Graphic Novel Builder is intended as a book for children and teenagers, I totally enjoyed my reading. Using the Comic form was an evidence and a great idea all at once. It makes it easy –and quick– to read, pleasurable for the eye and more interactive. And… it makes a point, giving an example to the reader of an original –non fiction– graphic novel.
As the title hints, you won’t really find any advice on how to draw. The book is about creating a story, characters, plot and universe, and delivering keys to how to make choices about it. In this regard, it is a useful tool for any storyteller, even if you decide to use only words. It can make a great memento with key points, with all the indispensable basics, for anyone who would like to tell a story (but if you want to draw it, then it will be even more useful!).

Rate 4.5/5

Thank you NetGalley, Edward Ross and Collins for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A factual graphic novel about creating a graphic novel, that works as a very decent look at creating any fiction book. It's all in the planning here, as we get to generate character, conflict, setting – and while a lot of the character comes through the look (the costumes, facials, etc) you could argue that only long past the halfway mark is this exclusively applicable to comix – with the specific script layout, speech bubble style and so on.

Being a graphic novel instructional does make it full of cheese, however – the characters involved – a none-more-woke gang of friends where being able-bodied, white and cis just kills off all chance of representation – tell each other just as much as they tell us about what to do. But when it gets away from them and gives us examples things are quite strong – there certainly are more graphic novel ideas involving bananas than you'd have initially thought, just to prove a point.

The whole is easy to engage with, light on terminology and narrative theory, and doesn't go fully into the dumper of the psychology of colour, or what to do with your webcomic when it's done. In other words, it's suited very nicely for a young secondary school audience, and with that in mind has few equals.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a certain number of comics/ graphic novels every year, but I am not someone who follows several of them/ collects them. I also don’t think I’ll ever be making one but I was curious as to the content in this book. I must admit that I think if I was serious about the endeavour, I would have rated you’d book even higher.

If one has to imagine a technical guide to writing graphic novels split into different sections of what goes into making and putting comics out into the world, this would be it. The author introduces a group of friends who like the idea of making graphic novels and each has a skill set that they would bring to the table. Then the individual skills are further elaborated upon , making a complete novel in itself. I like the way things were played and the details were interesting to me, even though I don’t plan to do anything with it.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has even a remote interest in making graphic novels/ comics.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[D L · Rating 3 out of 5]

An quick read with good baseline suggestions that makes graphic novels as an art form approachable for beginner artists who don't know how to start. Unfortunately, just completely not what I was looking for. I didn't find the art particularly appealing to my own sense is style (which could work in its favor with its "anyone can make a graphic novel!" message. is that too mean? The style is very clear and legible and it's just not my preference) and after so long hanging out with artists all this advice is old hat, to me. I think this is a fantastic book for a 12 year old who's expressed an interest in comics, it's just really not for me. A 20-something who's looking for something a little deeper. It would've been very inspiring when I was younger and I would happily hand this to my nephew. Its exercises might also be fun if you're really needing an idea to get you out of a block...? Overall, just a book-reader mismatch!

[Arrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a bit of prep for uni and to help me with some projects I'm working on.

To anyone who's working on or interested in creating comics, I would recommend reading this book. I found it to be very informative yet laid out in a way that is engaging and manageable.
The book being written in comic format makes it relevant to its subject and easier to interact with whilst providing examples of methods for making comic books and their outcomes.

Throughout the guide are little tasks and exercises that help you to use the advice given with your own work and ideas. I finshed the guide feeling knowledgeable about the comic making process and excited to continue with my own creative journey.

[Bea Turvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered a copy for review. I found it difficult to access the digital version and ended up buying a paper copy which I feels works much better for the graphic format.
I actually had my son, who both loves graphic novels and has dabbled in creating them, go through it with me.

He found the format and separate subject areas both interesting and well thought out, in a way he hadn't considered before. The different characters speaking about their speciality areas were clear and humourous, engaging the reader with easy examples and ideas.

We now have the book in school (ages 11-14) and the children think it's wonderful. It has inspired quite a few to have a go.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Though it is aimed at children and young people, it is also fun to read as an adult to think about creative practices like reading, writing and selling your work. The characters who all have a different focus really help bring the concepts to life. Will certainly be on my Christmas shopping list as an accessible introduction to comics making! I like how inclusive it is and how it encourages people to try things and find out what works for them.

[Renee Brazeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guide for creating comics that simultaneously blends fiction and non-fiction in a really clever way. Does a stellar job of showing/doing not just telling. This would be an awesome resource to have in my personal library, as someone who likes to make comics, likes to encourage others to make comics, and who teaches. The author breaks down the elements and of creating a story in a very digestible and imaginative way.

[H Noss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graphic Novel Builder is a wonderfully informative non-fiction book for anyone who's ever wanted to create their own zine, comic, graphic novel, or webcomic. It includes step-by-step guides to writing, pencilling, inking, and creating a comic, as well as prompts to help you get started with ideas and to explore different methods.

Thanks to NetGalley and Collins for the ARC!

[Haxxunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest book on how to make a book, with added Alice Oseman!

Aimed at tweens and teens, this should be on any writer/illustrator’s bookshelf as the foundation on how to make an illustrated serialised book. Going through everything from first principles, it’s equally entertaining and informative. Give it to your children but use it to inspire yourself!

Four and half stars.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-have for all graphic novel fans. It is a book about a group of people building a graphic novel. It is fun to read and packed with information.

[Leo Alder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect gift for any graphic novel fans out there. Informative and entertaining in equal measures. Highly recommended <3

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has a lot of clear, actionable, bite-sized steps for kids to learn how to develop characters, setting and plot, and how to take a comic from basic sketches to a full-on graphic novel!

[Snarhooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the free e-ARC.

This is a fabulous book which I'm sure will be popular with the students at my secondary school library.

It covers many different aspects of creating a graphic novel, in more detail than I expected, but all in an approachable fashion. The information is useful and presented in a really engaging format. Readers will be able to dip in and out as needed but it's just as enjoyable to read in one go.

[Ella-Mae Campling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. I picked it up as graphic novels are something that are exploding across teens reading lists and something my thirteen yr old sister adores whilst traditional books she finds challenging. What a book. From crafting the story element, to discussing use of color, styles of character and how to even format the page this book covers everything in a super accessible format that is inviting and warm to all ages. This is not just a children's book. This is a children's book stressing how vital it is to us all to widen our horizons and consider the other methods of storytelling. There’s a reason so many tweens and teens and even those in 5-8 are loving the cartoonised tales of Bunny vs monkey, Heartstopper and more- this book celebrates the many ways you can use art to tell a story. This is my go to rec for christmas this year!

A Non-fiction book that blows all others out of the water! Super accessible and easily engaging GNB is an incredible guide to Graphic Novels and how diverse, creative and entertaining they can be. This takes a kid (or adult who will also gain a lot from this!) from step one of an idea all the way through character creation, location, script making, formatting and beyond! Truly a book that shows kids can do anything. By creating it with a distinctive voice shown through a superb cast of characters going on their own journey, Edward Ross makes each page wonderfully useful but also interesting. I thought this book was a wonder to behold and cannot wait to see what gems this inspires.

[Steve Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Happy 😁

This ebook is the best thing I read today! It covers every step to write and draw comics through cute examples throughout the book.