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Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling
In Push the Wall, Frank Miller chronicles the creation of his most iconic works such as Sin City, 300, Ronin, Daredevil, Wolverine and notably, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, which, alongside Batman: Year One served as the foundation for all Batman film and animated adaptations for the past forty years.
Miller reveals how he got his first breaks, how he poured his own life into his darkly realistic characters, how he fought against comic book censorship of the early 1980s, and how he introduced manga-style storytelling to US readers decade before popular anime and manga began tiptoeing into pop culture. Miller transformed the way comics are told and this is how he did it.
Push the Wall is a masterclass in the art of storytelling and an intimate look inside the mind and life of a creative genius. With over a dozen illustrations, chosen from seminal moments from Miller's art, and organised by the sixteen lessons that meant most to Miller, this reveals the man behind some of the most exciting stories of our age.
Miller reveals how he got his first breaks, how he poured his own life into his darkly realistic characters, how he fought against comic book censorship of the early 1980s, and how he introduced manga-style storytelling to US readers decade before popular anime and manga began tiptoeing into pop culture. Miller transformed the way comics are told and this is how he did it.
Push the Wall is a masterclass in the art of storytelling and an intimate look inside the mind and life of a creative genius. With over a dozen illustrations, chosen from seminal moments from Miller's art, and organised by the sixteen lessons that meant most to Miller, this reveals the man behind some of the most exciting stories of our age.
224 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Frank Miller
1,376 books5,536 followersFrank Miller is an American writer, artist and film director best known for his film noir-style comic book stories. He is one of the most widely-recognized and popular creators in comics, and is one of the most influential comics creators of his generation. His most notable works include Sin City, The Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One and 300.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 5, 2026
*An ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This was exactly what you'd expect from Frank Miller- a snappy, pithy combo of memoir of life and memoir of the craft.
I've been a fan of Miller's since Batman: Year One, and thoroughly enjoyed Sin City Volume 1: The Hard Goodbye, so it was aboslutely no shock that I enjoyed this. For fans, this is an easy summer read with solid writing advice and some interesting insight in the world of comics (and NYC) from the 1980s-90s. For non-fans, it's still a solid read covering important comics history and tips for plotting and embracing your tone as a writer.
The film noir narrative tone of the book was a highlight, too.
Good read for writers, comics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in why the Christopher Nolan Batman movies owe this man a lot of money.
This was exactly what you'd expect from Frank Miller- a snappy, pithy combo of memoir of life and memoir of the craft.
I've been a fan of Miller's since Batman: Year One, and thoroughly enjoyed Sin City Volume 1: The Hard Goodbye, so it was aboslutely no shock that I enjoyed this. For fans, this is an easy summer read with solid writing advice and some interesting insight in the world of comics (and NYC) from the 1980s-90s. For non-fans, it's still a solid read covering important comics history and tips for plotting and embracing your tone as a writer.
The film noir narrative tone of the book was a highlight, too.
Good read for writers, comics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in why the Christopher Nolan Batman movies owe this man a lot of money.
March 28, 2026
I am not a comic book fan per se but I am familiar with Frank Miller as the writer of 300, Sin City and the Batman / Dark Knight arc. This book is his memoir and advice to artists, all in one.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an advanced reader copy.
The author intersperses stories of his childhood and career with tips and advice for cartoonists and artists in general. I liked this approach, but found the beginning of the book was all advice and no memoir. Once he got to telling his own story, I really enjoyed it.
The book emphasizes his work in comics and movies (I didn’t known he was a writer for Robocop 2!) and doesn’t really cover his personal life much, except to hint at “demons” in his past. I suppose if you’re writing the biography, you get to talk about what you want.
I really enjoyed reading Frank’s insider perspective on the comic industry, especially its intersection with movies. He is an award winning comic book writer and that skill carries through here.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing an advanced reader copy.
The author intersperses stories of his childhood and career with tips and advice for cartoonists and artists in general. I liked this approach, but found the beginning of the book was all advice and no memoir. Once he got to telling his own story, I really enjoyed it.
The book emphasizes his work in comics and movies (I didn’t known he was a writer for Robocop 2!) and doesn’t really cover his personal life much, except to hint at “demons” in his past. I suppose if you’re writing the biography, you get to talk about what you want.
I really enjoyed reading Frank’s insider perspective on the comic industry, especially its intersection with movies. He is an award winning comic book writer and that skill carries through here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for an advance copy of this mix of memoir, how-to, history dealing with one of the great creators in the world of comics, a man who has created so many characters, so many stories, a few controversies, but one who has always fought for the work, the people who make it, and to entertain as few others can.
The comic world of 1986 is hard for people to understand. 1986 was a time when American comics were going to be something, not just about capes and caricature hitting each other, but of stories that dealt with the world we lived in. The times we were going through, even if all the characters had capes. The Dark Knight Returns hit lit the lightning on the cover, overnight people were talking about comics that I in all of comic life had never heard. Frank Miller went from being cool on Daredevil, with a weird Samurai comic, to being on magazines. TV. We had hopes that maybe comic would be treated like the art it was, the art it deserved to be. Comic publishers screwed this up, but Frank Miller kept going. Creating works of the future, the past, and noir, making movies, making bad stories, and making mistakes. But always learning. Hard lessons he is sharing with us all. Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling by Frank Miller, is a lot in a small book, a bit of the past, a bit about art, a lot of inspiration, and a lot of hope for the future, comics, the world, and especially for readers who want to create their art.
The book begins like a Will Eisner Spirit story, a hero to our protagonist, a young Frank Miller, and one he would direct a movie of later in life. At this time the mid 1970's New York City is a town that even the President has given up on. Run down, messy, garbage on corners, hoodlums ruling the neighborhoods. And a fertile learning ground for a young comic book creator. Frank Miller had always known he wanted to create comics since he read his first one. New York honed the skill, in survival, in taking criticism, and in making stories. A kind mentor got his foot in the door. Skill got him a got a job in Marvel. Boredom got him into DC. The Batman's sad sales made Miller a legend. And in ways ruined him. Frank shares all these little tales, along with stories about art, how to see, how to lay it out, and how to create.
A book that would be a real boon to a person who dreams of being in entertainment. While about comics, Miller talks about the joys of creating, the troubles of creating, and even the mental cost. There is a bit about Miller's life and the people he was worked with, editors, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley, but does not get into the gritty details like a biography. This is more a help, an aide, a mentor's words to a young artist, hey I did it. I had help, but I did it. Keep going. Being by Miller, one who has never been shy about sharing his opinion on on things, especially how the big comic creators treat their workers, I thought this would be an angry book. Instead this is more of a grateful book. Grateful to Neal Adams for seeing something, to his collaborators. His parents, for helping and pretending to believe in what he wanted. The fans, and even himself.
I enjoyed this quite abit. While I would have liked more details about creating and behind the scenes stuff, as a lover of the creative spark and how to nurture it, I found this a really good book. Not macho like Sin City would make one feel, but more like the works Miller has been doing recently, all ages, hopeful and caring. As a longtime fan, I have gone up and down on Miller, but have always respected him. This book shows me why, and I am not disappointed.
The comic world of 1986 is hard for people to understand. 1986 was a time when American comics were going to be something, not just about capes and caricature hitting each other, but of stories that dealt with the world we lived in. The times we were going through, even if all the characters had capes. The Dark Knight Returns hit lit the lightning on the cover, overnight people were talking about comics that I in all of comic life had never heard. Frank Miller went from being cool on Daredevil, with a weird Samurai comic, to being on magazines. TV. We had hopes that maybe comic would be treated like the art it was, the art it deserved to be. Comic publishers screwed this up, but Frank Miller kept going. Creating works of the future, the past, and noir, making movies, making bad stories, and making mistakes. But always learning. Hard lessons he is sharing with us all. Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling by Frank Miller, is a lot in a small book, a bit of the past, a bit about art, a lot of inspiration, and a lot of hope for the future, comics, the world, and especially for readers who want to create their art.
The book begins like a Will Eisner Spirit story, a hero to our protagonist, a young Frank Miller, and one he would direct a movie of later in life. At this time the mid 1970's New York City is a town that even the President has given up on. Run down, messy, garbage on corners, hoodlums ruling the neighborhoods. And a fertile learning ground for a young comic book creator. Frank Miller had always known he wanted to create comics since he read his first one. New York honed the skill, in survival, in taking criticism, and in making stories. A kind mentor got his foot in the door. Skill got him a got a job in Marvel. Boredom got him into DC. The Batman's sad sales made Miller a legend. And in ways ruined him. Frank shares all these little tales, along with stories about art, how to see, how to lay it out, and how to create.
A book that would be a real boon to a person who dreams of being in entertainment. While about comics, Miller talks about the joys of creating, the troubles of creating, and even the mental cost. There is a bit about Miller's life and the people he was worked with, editors, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley, but does not get into the gritty details like a biography. This is more a help, an aide, a mentor's words to a young artist, hey I did it. I had help, but I did it. Keep going. Being by Miller, one who has never been shy about sharing his opinion on on things, especially how the big comic creators treat their workers, I thought this would be an angry book. Instead this is more of a grateful book. Grateful to Neal Adams for seeing something, to his collaborators. His parents, for helping and pretending to believe in what he wanted. The fans, and even himself.
I enjoyed this quite abit. While I would have liked more details about creating and behind the scenes stuff, as a lover of the creative spark and how to nurture it, I found this a really good book. Not macho like Sin City would make one feel, but more like the works Miller has been doing recently, all ages, hopeful and caring. As a longtime fan, I have gone up and down on Miller, but have always respected him. This book shows me why, and I am not disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Disclaimer #1: I am an unashamed Frank Miller fanboy. I won't pretend to love everything he's ever done, but his work as artist and writer on Marvel's Daredevil is THE definitive run for that series. Born Again will never stop being relevant. Batman: Year One redefined the character in ways still felt today despite countless reboots and continuity overhauls at DC. And The Dark Knight Returns is THE greatest Batman story ever told. Better than Alan Moore's The Killing Joke. Holds up better than Watchmen. Fight me.
All of that is to say, I went into Push the Wall pretty confident I was going to enjoy it. I did. But I also want to be clear that this review is as honest as I can make it given my obvious bias.
Miller opens the book as if writing a letter to his younger self, a recently arrived, broke, and hungry artist newly transplanted to New York City. It's an effective entry point, and it sets the tone for what follows: part memoir, part masterclass in the creative process. The book is structured around sixteen lessons rather than traditional chapters, and that framework suits Miller's voice perfectly. He writes the way his best characters think: lean, direct, and without apology.
The name drops alone are worth the price of admission. Neal Adams. Carmine Infantino. Will Eisner. Jack Kirby. Wally Wood. Miller traces his influences with genuine reverence, and you can feel how deeply these giants shaped his eye and his instincts. His discussion of EC Comics and the Comics Code Authority is particularly fascinating. The CCA's suppression of EC Comics left a mark on Miller that never fully faded. His creative mantra evolved in stages over the course of his career: first "keep pushing the wall," then "defy the code," and finally, when the constraints became intolerable, "kill the damn thing." That progression tells you everything you need to know about Frank Miller.
The book moves through the distinct chapters of his career with real momentum. The New York comics era, where he was redefining Daredevil and taking creative risks for the fences with Ronin (a bit of a miss) and The Dark Knight Returns (a walk-off grand slam). The Los Angeles screenwriting era, including his work on RoboCop 2, a film he is refreshingly candid about. The return to New York, and how the events of September 11th became another creative catalyst. Throughout it all, he gives generous credit to his longtime collaborators, including Lynn Varley, Klaus Janson, David Mazzucchelli, Bill Sienkiewicz, etc.
A few minor notes. More illustrations would have been very welcome. Hopefully the final print version delivers on that front. Also absent was any bibliography or guide to the included artwork, which would have been a useful addition for readers wanting to track down the originals. There were also some minor formatting issues in the Kindle ARC, though I'm not holding that against the book as these things tend to get cleaned up before publication.
⭐️ Overall: 🥷🥷🥷🥷.5
Highly recommended for comic fans and anyone interested in the creative process. If you've ever wanted to understand how one of the medium's true visionaries thinks, Push the Wall delivers.
Disclaimer #2: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. These are my personal opinions.
All of that is to say, I went into Push the Wall pretty confident I was going to enjoy it. I did. But I also want to be clear that this review is as honest as I can make it given my obvious bias.
Miller opens the book as if writing a letter to his younger self, a recently arrived, broke, and hungry artist newly transplanted to New York City. It's an effective entry point, and it sets the tone for what follows: part memoir, part masterclass in the creative process. The book is structured around sixteen lessons rather than traditional chapters, and that framework suits Miller's voice perfectly. He writes the way his best characters think: lean, direct, and without apology.
The name drops alone are worth the price of admission. Neal Adams. Carmine Infantino. Will Eisner. Jack Kirby. Wally Wood. Miller traces his influences with genuine reverence, and you can feel how deeply these giants shaped his eye and his instincts. His discussion of EC Comics and the Comics Code Authority is particularly fascinating. The CCA's suppression of EC Comics left a mark on Miller that never fully faded. His creative mantra evolved in stages over the course of his career: first "keep pushing the wall," then "defy the code," and finally, when the constraints became intolerable, "kill the damn thing." That progression tells you everything you need to know about Frank Miller.
The book moves through the distinct chapters of his career with real momentum. The New York comics era, where he was redefining Daredevil and taking creative risks for the fences with Ronin (a bit of a miss) and The Dark Knight Returns (a walk-off grand slam). The Los Angeles screenwriting era, including his work on RoboCop 2, a film he is refreshingly candid about. The return to New York, and how the events of September 11th became another creative catalyst. Throughout it all, he gives generous credit to his longtime collaborators, including Lynn Varley, Klaus Janson, David Mazzucchelli, Bill Sienkiewicz, etc.
A few minor notes. More illustrations would have been very welcome. Hopefully the final print version delivers on that front. Also absent was any bibliography or guide to the included artwork, which would have been a useful addition for readers wanting to track down the originals. There were also some minor formatting issues in the Kindle ARC, though I'm not holding that against the book as these things tend to get cleaned up before publication.
⭐️ Overall: 🥷🥷🥷🥷.5
Highly recommended for comic fans and anyone interested in the creative process. If you've ever wanted to understand how one of the medium's true visionaries thinks, Push the Wall delivers.
Disclaimer #2: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. These are my personal opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley & Saga Press for the free, pre-publication copy (ARC or Digital Review Copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of Frank Miller’s work for as long as I can remember, so when this book came up on NetGalley I was over the moon to be able to read the advance copy! What a fun and quick read into the life of such a brilliant artist! From his beginnings in the beautiful state of Vermont to his humble uprising in “Gotham City” with EC Comics, and his foray into the film industry in Los Angeles and describing how the seedy part of downtown was a perfect breeding ground for new ideas, this book was a journey into the life of such a visionary who has lived multiple lives across so many platforms!
For me it was such a fun and insightful look the comic book world over the last 50 plus years! Learning about all the great artists who inspired him (the list of names is endless), aided him with sometimes brutal but honest and needed criticism to help him grow, and the many lessons he instills along the way to not only future comic book artists, but writers across all genres as well. I found so many invaluable words of wisdom in this book that I can’t even count how many highlights I did as I was reading.
And what a fun trip down memory lane as he touches on his start with Daredevil and his creation of femme fatale & love interest of Matt Murdock, Elektra Natchios! An unwavering baddy to this day! His research in Coney Island for a massive faceoff between Bullseye and Daredevil was a treat to read about. His reinvention of The Dark Knight into an older, wiser and more pissed off superhero, leaning into his flaws and making him more relatable. His work on RoboCop 2 that started his film career and taught him so much about screenwriting. How the events of 9/11 shook him to his core and he turned that into another creative adventure that didn’t go so well. And then to his beloved gritty crime noir Sin City, and how Robert Rodriguez convinced him he wanted to make it into a film, but not just a simple movie, a living and breathing comic book filled with actual art and all the epic characters Miller brought to life in his comic. Reading about their relationship just made me love Rodriguez even more, he seems like such a great ambassador for his art, so passionate.
For a short book, I enjoyed this immensely, it felt like such a treat to be able to read some of the background stories to Miller’s illustrious career! To end on a note where his art was featured at The Louvre in Paris, not just once but twice, seemed like a chef’s kiss to his long and not always so easy career, a well-earned honor! Thank you, Mr. Miller, for sharing a bit of your life with us and for all the great advice!
I have been a fan of Frank Miller’s work for as long as I can remember, so when this book came up on NetGalley I was over the moon to be able to read the advance copy! What a fun and quick read into the life of such a brilliant artist! From his beginnings in the beautiful state of Vermont to his humble uprising in “Gotham City” with EC Comics, and his foray into the film industry in Los Angeles and describing how the seedy part of downtown was a perfect breeding ground for new ideas, this book was a journey into the life of such a visionary who has lived multiple lives across so many platforms!
For me it was such a fun and insightful look the comic book world over the last 50 plus years! Learning about all the great artists who inspired him (the list of names is endless), aided him with sometimes brutal but honest and needed criticism to help him grow, and the many lessons he instills along the way to not only future comic book artists, but writers across all genres as well. I found so many invaluable words of wisdom in this book that I can’t even count how many highlights I did as I was reading.
And what a fun trip down memory lane as he touches on his start with Daredevil and his creation of femme fatale & love interest of Matt Murdock, Elektra Natchios! An unwavering baddy to this day! His research in Coney Island for a massive faceoff between Bullseye and Daredevil was a treat to read about. His reinvention of The Dark Knight into an older, wiser and more pissed off superhero, leaning into his flaws and making him more relatable. His work on RoboCop 2 that started his film career and taught him so much about screenwriting. How the events of 9/11 shook him to his core and he turned that into another creative adventure that didn’t go so well. And then to his beloved gritty crime noir Sin City, and how Robert Rodriguez convinced him he wanted to make it into a film, but not just a simple movie, a living and breathing comic book filled with actual art and all the epic characters Miller brought to life in his comic. Reading about their relationship just made me love Rodriguez even more, he seems like such a great ambassador for his art, so passionate.
For a short book, I enjoyed this immensely, it felt like such a treat to be able to read some of the background stories to Miller’s illustrious career! To end on a note where his art was featured at The Louvre in Paris, not just once but twice, seemed like a chef’s kiss to his long and not always so easy career, a well-earned honor! Thank you, Mr. Miller, for sharing a bit of your life with us and for all the great advice!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘To walk and wonder is free of charge, even now in 2025, when the fat cats and power brokers would charge for the air if they could.’
…and ‘the sidewalks were broken dishware.’
If “Let me tell you a story” is a promise, then Miller more than delivers with this testimony of leaving home and returning and grinding and breaking down just to reinvent himself, every single time. While I’m no stranger to Daredevil and the Dark Knight, I honestly haven’t experienced much of Frank Miller’s work (interviews and Wolverine issues aside, a few Lone Wolf & Cub covers in there). What struck me was how natural and conversational his prose is, how he employs second person, even, to pull you into the story of his becoming, starting in Vermont, with the things he loved… the things that stirred his imagination.
He then transports you to New York, where he ‘made his bones’ as an artist and writer, learning to ‘weave the web of lies that tells the truth.’ There’s no sugar coating in his story, no magical wand waving, just hard lessons and mistakes and failures that ultimately became his greatest teacher, how ‘problems push everything’ in art, and how ‘mistakes aren’t your enemy; fear is.’ I mean, there’s the safe-space to create art philosophy, sure, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but this guy took a different road, one paved with ‘a dedication to craft and process and an undying commitment to hard work,’ fueled by a fever-pitch frenzy. He even goes on to say, ‘go ahead and take criticism personally. Take it damn seriously. Let it hurt. That will make you remember it. Humiliation can make you crumple, yes, but it can also make you tough.’
He examines craft, breaks down the use (and misuse) of horizontal and vertical panels, sometimes diagonal, the mechanics of motion, but asserts that ‘an over-fixation on craft will zap the emotion from your work and slow you down.’
It’s an autobiography, sure, and there are short sections on love and alcoholism and depression, but mostly ‘Push the Wall’ is about one person’s journey to find joy in his work. If I had a corkboard, I might plaster a bunch of lines from this story, advice of a sorts, but I think the best advice here is to find your own way to joy through art by constantly recreating yourself. A good title might be: “This is how you grow.” And while this specific story is about comic art, it applies to sculpting, prose, poetry, film, tv, etc. too, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoyed ‘On Writing,’ ‘The Triggering Town,’ and ‘The Art of Fiction,’ though that last one is pretty stuffy.
Also, the audiobook looks like it's narrated by the author, so yeah, easy purchase there.
Big thanks to Netgalley, Frank Miller, and Saga Press (every title you put out is a banger) for the ARC.
…and ‘the sidewalks were broken dishware.’
If “Let me tell you a story” is a promise, then Miller more than delivers with this testimony of leaving home and returning and grinding and breaking down just to reinvent himself, every single time. While I’m no stranger to Daredevil and the Dark Knight, I honestly haven’t experienced much of Frank Miller’s work (interviews and Wolverine issues aside, a few Lone Wolf & Cub covers in there). What struck me was how natural and conversational his prose is, how he employs second person, even, to pull you into the story of his becoming, starting in Vermont, with the things he loved… the things that stirred his imagination.
He then transports you to New York, where he ‘made his bones’ as an artist and writer, learning to ‘weave the web of lies that tells the truth.’ There’s no sugar coating in his story, no magical wand waving, just hard lessons and mistakes and failures that ultimately became his greatest teacher, how ‘problems push everything’ in art, and how ‘mistakes aren’t your enemy; fear is.’ I mean, there’s the safe-space to create art philosophy, sure, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but this guy took a different road, one paved with ‘a dedication to craft and process and an undying commitment to hard work,’ fueled by a fever-pitch frenzy. He even goes on to say, ‘go ahead and take criticism personally. Take it damn seriously. Let it hurt. That will make you remember it. Humiliation can make you crumple, yes, but it can also make you tough.’
He examines craft, breaks down the use (and misuse) of horizontal and vertical panels, sometimes diagonal, the mechanics of motion, but asserts that ‘an over-fixation on craft will zap the emotion from your work and slow you down.’
It’s an autobiography, sure, and there are short sections on love and alcoholism and depression, but mostly ‘Push the Wall’ is about one person’s journey to find joy in his work. If I had a corkboard, I might plaster a bunch of lines from this story, advice of a sorts, but I think the best advice here is to find your own way to joy through art by constantly recreating yourself. A good title might be: “This is how you grow.” And while this specific story is about comic art, it applies to sculpting, prose, poetry, film, tv, etc. too, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoyed ‘On Writing,’ ‘The Triggering Town,’ and ‘The Art of Fiction,’ though that last one is pretty stuffy.
Also, the audiobook looks like it's narrated by the author, so yeah, easy purchase there.
Big thanks to Netgalley, Frank Miller, and Saga Press (every title you put out is a banger) for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some creators make comics.
Frank Miller changed them.
Before Miller, comics were four-colored morality plays where superheroes always saved the day. After Miller? The shadows got darker. Heroes got older. Villains got smarter. The ink got heavier. Comics stopped catering to children and started eyeing adult ventures.
Push the Wall explains Miller’s role in this renaissance.
But, don't come looking for a how-to-draw manual. This isn't about brushes. Or perspective. Or what kind of pen makes Batman's cape look moodier.
This is all about the engine. The spark. The reason you make art in the first place. Expect a lot of behind-the-scenes philosophy as the creative balance in this book tips in favor of the why instead of the how.
Think of Push the Wall as Miller's answer to Stephen King’s seminal On Writing, Chuck Palahniuk’s masterclass on fiction writing Consider This, and Stephen Kozeniewski’s tribulations with the indie publishing world in Yes, I Am A Vampire. Part memoir. Part philosophy. Part pep talk from the guy who kicked the whole superhero comics medium through a brick wall.
Readers looking for the definitive behind-the-scenes history of The Dark Knight Returns may walk away wishing for another hundred pages. This is not an exhaustive victory lap. Miller invites readers into his creative mindset, sharing the principles that fueled the work rather than simply recounting the accolades that followed.
And honestly? That feels perfectly like Frank Miller.
Push the Wall isn't the autobiography every fan expects. This is the one Frank Miller wanted to write.
Push into the full book review hanging out in black and white and red over on Read @ Joe's
Frank Miller changed them.
Before Miller, comics were four-colored morality plays where superheroes always saved the day. After Miller? The shadows got darker. Heroes got older. Villains got smarter. The ink got heavier. Comics stopped catering to children and started eyeing adult ventures.
Push the Wall explains Miller’s role in this renaissance.
But, don't come looking for a how-to-draw manual. This isn't about brushes. Or perspective. Or what kind of pen makes Batman's cape look moodier.
This is all about the engine. The spark. The reason you make art in the first place. Expect a lot of behind-the-scenes philosophy as the creative balance in this book tips in favor of the why instead of the how.
Think of Push the Wall as Miller's answer to Stephen King’s seminal On Writing, Chuck Palahniuk’s masterclass on fiction writing Consider This, and Stephen Kozeniewski’s tribulations with the indie publishing world in Yes, I Am A Vampire. Part memoir. Part philosophy. Part pep talk from the guy who kicked the whole superhero comics medium through a brick wall.
Readers looking for the definitive behind-the-scenes history of The Dark Knight Returns may walk away wishing for another hundred pages. This is not an exhaustive victory lap. Miller invites readers into his creative mindset, sharing the principles that fueled the work rather than simply recounting the accolades that followed.
And honestly? That feels perfectly like Frank Miller.
Push the Wall isn't the autobiography every fan expects. This is the one Frank Miller wanted to write.
Push into the full book review hanging out in black and white and red over on Read @ Joe's
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I was pleased to win an ARC of Push the Wall in a Goodreads giveaway. It's a deep and thoughtful analysis of Miller's philosophy of and approach to art and storytelling. The book is divided into sixteen sections, called lessons rather than chapters, in which he describes different interpretations and reactions to various artistic expressions, what he learned from the different situations, and how it helped to shape and change his thoughts and techniques. He recounts advice and suggestions he had from some of the giants in the field, such as Will Eisner and Neal Adams and many others, and talks about his experiences at different companies and in Hollywood. He talks about major influences, including Norman Rockwell, Jack Kirby, and Michaelangelo. It's more of a motivational piece than a how-to guide, and while there is a little bit of autobiographical material mixed in with the observations, I thought a little more detail would have illustrated his points better. He mentions his childhood several times, that he had an alcohol problem, and is firmly grounded in New York City, but not if he prefers the Mets or the Yankees, if he was ever married, if he ever had lunch with Neil Gaiman and Harlan Ellison, etc. There's a kind of awkward preface, a letter to his younger self, but after that I did enjoy the text very much. There's not much in the way of illustration, but that may just be true of the ARC, and the final version may have more. Overall, I thought it was an excellent book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Frank Miller is a man that bleongs on the Mount Rushmore of comics, great creators. The works he did in the 80s & 90s are among some of the greatest that the medium has ever produced. In Push the Wall, Miller tells portions of his life story interspersed with sections on his influences, as well as including philosophy on and tips for writing and drawing comics. The book covers a lot of ground in its 240 pages, and it left me wanting a second volume to continue his thoughts and experiences.
Push the Wall feels almost like a conversation recorded during a deep interview with Miller. Plenty of time is spent on his childhood in Vermont, his collaborations and influences, and on giving advice on storycraft. My favorite parts were when he would talk about his influences, which ranged from the obvious, like Jack Kirby and EC Comics, to the surprising, like Norman Rockwell and the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. Time is also spent on several of his important comic runs, including Daredevil, Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns, and Sin City.
What Works: My favorite parts were when Miller would detail his influences and loves, whether they be Calvin & Hobbes, EC Comics, or Klaus Janson.
What Doesn’t: There are a dozen or so pictures in this book, and I would have been pleased if there were even more.
Final Thoughts: An outstanding selection for fans of comic books, pop culture, and the creative workings of talented individuals.
Rating: 9 out of 10 Marvs
Push the Wall feels almost like a conversation recorded during a deep interview with Miller. Plenty of time is spent on his childhood in Vermont, his collaborations and influences, and on giving advice on storycraft. My favorite parts were when he would talk about his influences, which ranged from the obvious, like Jack Kirby and EC Comics, to the surprising, like Norman Rockwell and the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. Time is also spent on several of his important comic runs, including Daredevil, Ronin, The Dark Knight Returns, and Sin City.
What Works: My favorite parts were when Miller would detail his influences and loves, whether they be Calvin & Hobbes, EC Comics, or Klaus Janson.
What Doesn’t: There are a dozen or so pictures in this book, and I would have been pleased if there were even more.
Final Thoughts: An outstanding selection for fans of comic books, pop culture, and the creative workings of talented individuals.
Rating: 9 out of 10 Marvs
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Frank Miller’s writing voice is that of tough guy film noir detective. He refers to the location of his Manhattan studio as Hell’s Kitchen. He recounts getting mugged, or nearly so, in Greenwich Village. His version of New York City sounds a lot like The Dark Knight’s Gotham City.
This autobiography will appeal to anyone wanting to succeed in comics or screenwriting. Best known for his comics, Miller was the screenwriter for the 1990 film RoboCop 2, (not one of the greatest films of all time). His later project, Sin City, was a successful comic and film. He has an interesting take on the comparison of film to comics. He writes, "In some ways, comics can’t compete with movies, but that’s precisely why it’s foolish to pit one form against the other, or to overstate their similarities. They are cousins, not siblings. Better the comic book cartoonist play to the medium’s own strengths, not compete with cinema. There’s no point in that, nothing to gain. Of course, we can learn from each other, but to turn one into a pale imitation of the other serves only to denigrate both. If you can imagine it, you can write it. If you have the skills, you can draw it. This notion propelled my work from then on.”
I found it gutsy that Miller spoke of his alcoholism. He insists that artists need to have clear heads and good working habits to succeed.
This autobiography will appeal to anyone wanting to succeed in comics or screenwriting. Best known for his comics, Miller was the screenwriter for the 1990 film RoboCop 2, (not one of the greatest films of all time). His later project, Sin City, was a successful comic and film. He has an interesting take on the comparison of film to comics. He writes, "In some ways, comics can’t compete with movies, but that’s precisely why it’s foolish to pit one form against the other, or to overstate their similarities. They are cousins, not siblings. Better the comic book cartoonist play to the medium’s own strengths, not compete with cinema. There’s no point in that, nothing to gain. Of course, we can learn from each other, but to turn one into a pale imitation of the other serves only to denigrate both. If you can imagine it, you can write it. If you have the skills, you can draw it. This notion propelled my work from then on.”
I found it gutsy that Miller spoke of his alcoholism. He insists that artists need to have clear heads and good working habits to succeed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew and worked with Frank back in the 1980s and haven't spoken to him in decades. As a result, I was very eager to read this book when it was offered to me by NetGalley.
While I liked it and learned a few things, it kept falling short of the book I wanted to read. This is more of a meditation on the comic art form, on being an artist, and on being Frank Miller. It starts with his birth in Olney, MD, and ends somewhere in the recent past, acknowledging the failed Frank Miller Presents line a few years ago, which really stopped with Sin City.
He acknowledges his collaborators, notably Lynn Varley and Klaus Janson, but beyond singing their praises, he doesn't dig into the working process. He barely acknowledges his work with Bill Sienkiewicz during his most fertile and commercially successful period, 1984-1987, and says very little about his more recent efforts or the directorial disaster that was The Spirit, despite constantly referencing Will Eisner.
After each chapter, I was left with many questions which is not great in a memoir. The lessons he does impart will, I hope, inspire the next generation of creators.
While I liked it and learned a few things, it kept falling short of the book I wanted to read. This is more of a meditation on the comic art form, on being an artist, and on being Frank Miller. It starts with his birth in Olney, MD, and ends somewhere in the recent past, acknowledging the failed Frank Miller Presents line a few years ago, which really stopped with Sin City.
He acknowledges his collaborators, notably Lynn Varley and Klaus Janson, but beyond singing their praises, he doesn't dig into the working process. He barely acknowledges his work with Bill Sienkiewicz during his most fertile and commercially successful period, 1984-1987, and says very little about his more recent efforts or the directorial disaster that was The Spirit, despite constantly referencing Will Eisner.
After each chapter, I was left with many questions which is not great in a memoir. The lessons he does impart will, I hope, inspire the next generation of creators.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was a teenager when Frank Miller was in his prime (e.g., Daredevil, Ronin, The Dark Knight, 300, & Sin City).
I bought everything he produced. I was a huge fan.
I loved this book because it reveals all the behind-the-scenes details that I had no idea about.
For example, DC Comics took a huge chance on the young Miller with their star heroes.
I didn't know that Ronin was a semi-flop, and that despite that, DC bet on Miller again for "The Dark Knight Returns."
The only reason I deducted one star is that I had hoped for more illustrations.
I knew it was a standard book (not a graphic novel), but still, it's Frank Miller, folks! C'mon!
It would have been even better if Miller had made some NEW illustrations just for this book.
Instead, the few drawings in the book are taken from his various works—nothing new.
If you overlook that slight disappointment, it's a 5-star book that should be part of your Miller collection.
DISCLOSURE: The publisher gave me an advanced copy.
I bought everything he produced. I was a huge fan.
I loved this book because it reveals all the behind-the-scenes details that I had no idea about.
For example, DC Comics took a huge chance on the young Miller with their star heroes.
I didn't know that Ronin was a semi-flop, and that despite that, DC bet on Miller again for "The Dark Knight Returns."
The only reason I deducted one star is that I had hoped for more illustrations.
I knew it was a standard book (not a graphic novel), but still, it's Frank Miller, folks! C'mon!
It would have been even better if Miller had made some NEW illustrations just for this book.
Instead, the few drawings in the book are taken from his various works—nothing new.
If you overlook that slight disappointment, it's a 5-star book that should be part of your Miller collection.
DISCLOSURE: The publisher gave me an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a wonderful dive into Frank Miller’s life, work, and creative process, and I absolutely loved it.
Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling was educational, insightful, and motivating. I loved that Frank Miller split the book into sixteen lessons that teach you about his approach to writing, art, and storytelling. I truly enjoyed all of Frank Miller’s sage advice. I liked how each chapter features tidbits of memoir, creative insights, and the origins of his most famous works. I also enjoyed the featured artwork and wished for more inclusion.
Push the Wall was such a motivating read and a fun learning experience. Overall, this is an incredible book. I highly recommend it for fans, artists, and anyone seeking vauable tips on the creative process of art and writing.
Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling was educational, insightful, and motivating. I loved that Frank Miller split the book into sixteen lessons that teach you about his approach to writing, art, and storytelling. I truly enjoyed all of Frank Miller’s sage advice. I liked how each chapter features tidbits of memoir, creative insights, and the origins of his most famous works. I also enjoyed the featured artwork and wished for more inclusion.
Push the Wall was such a motivating read and a fun learning experience. Overall, this is an incredible book. I highly recommend it for fans, artists, and anyone seeking vauable tips on the creative process of art and writing.
Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2026
Frank Miller is one of the most important figures in comics so reading a semi-autobiography seemed incredibly exciting. He has written some of my favourite comics as well as some of the most baffling comics. I was hoping to get more insight into his psyche (especially his 2000s era) but this book really isn’t that. It’s more of a general retrospective on his most critically acclaimed works through a motivational speaker / teacher framing device. He spends much of the book saying the same thing over and over.
Also, the editing on this book was questionable. There are a few spelling mistakes and redundancies that were left in. Pages 98-99 in particular was a bizarre choice; it looked like House of Leaves if it was illegible.
Despite my overall problems with the format and the structure, I do value much of what he has to say about comic art, pop culture and the importance of artistic freedom.
Also, the editing on this book was questionable. There are a few spelling mistakes and redundancies that were left in. Pages 98-99 in particular was a bizarre choice; it looked like House of Leaves if it was illegible.
Despite my overall problems with the format and the structure, I do value much of what he has to say about comic art, pop culture and the importance of artistic freedom.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won an Advance Reader's Edition of Push the Wall by Frank Miller from Goodreads.
Insightful and inspirational, Push the Wall: My Life,.Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling by Frank Miller is a great read for artists of all kinds as well as anyone who has an interest in and appreciation for creativity. Presented as sixteen lessons, the book takes readers through Miller's life and work. The author shares his thoughts about the process, successes, failures, and people he encountered. For creative souls, explanations become encouragement and his insights lead to inspiration. For every reader, Frank Miller's life as an artist is a fascinating journey that crystallizes important life lessons for everyone.
Insightful and inspirational, Push the Wall: My Life,.Writing, Drawing, and the Art of Storytelling by Frank Miller is a great read for artists of all kinds as well as anyone who has an interest in and appreciation for creativity. Presented as sixteen lessons, the book takes readers through Miller's life and work. The author shares his thoughts about the process, successes, failures, and people he encountered. For creative souls, explanations become encouragement and his insights lead to inspiration. For every reader, Frank Miller's life as an artist is a fascinating journey that crystallizes important life lessons for everyone.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Frank Miller is a legend in the comics world and I was extremely excited to win a Goodreads Giveaway for a physical arc after also being chosen by NetGalley to receive the eARC.
Books like Stephen King’s On Writing and Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art are some of my all time favorites.
I love reading masters of their craft discuss their methods and Push the Wall by Frank Miller does not disappoint.
Between his stories of his work on comics like Daredevil, The Dark Knight and Sin City as well as his vivid descriptions of his time living in New York and Los Angeles he gives 16 lessons to guide aspiring creatives.
It’s a wonderful book and anyone who wants to write or draw should definitely pick it up when it releases.
Books like Stephen King’s On Writing and Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art are some of my all time favorites.
I love reading masters of their craft discuss their methods and Push the Wall by Frank Miller does not disappoint.
Between his stories of his work on comics like Daredevil, The Dark Knight and Sin City as well as his vivid descriptions of his time living in New York and Los Angeles he gives 16 lessons to guide aspiring creatives.
It’s a wonderful book and anyone who wants to write or draw should definitely pick it up when it releases.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I requested an ARC thinking this was going to be Frank Miller’s life story in the form of a graphic novel. I somehow missed that it is his writing with already published pictures from time to time. So, when I opened it, I was disappointed. Then I read the first page and fell in love with it.
The advice Frank Miller gives is for everyone. Not just those that want to get into comics or writing. Mr. Miller has filled this book of stories of his life and career with great life lessons that everyone will benefit from.
Sit back, learn, and enjoy the artwork.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The advice Frank Miller gives is for everyone. Not just those that want to get into comics or writing. Mr. Miller has filled this book of stories of his life and career with great life lessons that everyone will benefit from.
Sit back, learn, and enjoy the artwork.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wish this book had been out when I was in 8th grade and I had to write a non-fiction book report. Memoirs are usually NOT my reading interest, but apparently that changes when you actually find people who are cool and that you look up to and are art based.
His comics are striking, the use of negative space is amazing! I have only read a few of his comics, but that will change. It's a great book for multiple reasons about how creativity just manifest into characters, how creating is an act of rebellion, and how events shape us.
His comics are striking, the use of negative space is amazing! I have only read a few of his comics, but that will change. It's a great book for multiple reasons about how creativity just manifest into characters, how creating is an act of rebellion, and how events shape us.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve been a comic book reader and a fan of Frank Miller for years. The Sin City comics and film were so well done that I couldn’t get enough of his artwork and gritty storytelling. He also wrote a dark, influential version of Batman that helped reinvigorate the character.
Push the Wall is part advice, part memoir, part promotion, but entirely enjoyable. I loved hearing the stories behind many of the comics I’ve read over the years, as well as learning about Frank Miller’s mentorship with so many legends of the comic industry, particularly Will Eisner and Neal Adams.
What I loved most about this book was the advice Miller offers to writers and illustrators. Early in the book, he breaks down his approach to mapping out a story, and I was immediately hooked. His explanation of the writing process was clear, thoughtful, and easy to visualize. His passion for the comic industry is evident throughout the book, as is his desire to see it continue to grow and improve.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to comic book fans or to anyone interested in writing or illustrating stories of any kind.
Thank you to Saga Press, S&S/Saga Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Push the Wall is part advice, part memoir, part promotion, but entirely enjoyable. I loved hearing the stories behind many of the comics I’ve read over the years, as well as learning about Frank Miller’s mentorship with so many legends of the comic industry, particularly Will Eisner and Neal Adams.
What I loved most about this book was the advice Miller offers to writers and illustrators. Early in the book, he breaks down his approach to mapping out a story, and I was immediately hooked. His explanation of the writing process was clear, thoughtful, and easy to visualize. His passion for the comic industry is evident throughout the book, as is his desire to see it continue to grow and improve.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to comic book fans or to anyone interested in writing or illustrating stories of any kind.
Thank you to Saga Press, S&S/Saga Press, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an excellent read.
As an artist who sometimes lacks the focus to create the things she wants, this book was great at fulling some of the desire to create. Frank Miller is a wonderful writer without getting too bogged down in floral language. with just a few words he paints a picture of his life as an artist. The inspirations that lead to his great work, the trials of making something you love that is not received well. The haunting of an idea that you have to work to get the skills to realize.
I loved this and I will probably read it again.
As an artist who sometimes lacks the focus to create the things she wants, this book was great at fulling some of the desire to create. Frank Miller is a wonderful writer without getting too bogged down in floral language. with just a few words he paints a picture of his life as an artist. The inspirations that lead to his great work, the trials of making something you love that is not received well. The haunting of an idea that you have to work to get the skills to realize.
I loved this and I will probably read it again.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Simon and Schuster for a copy of Push the Wall: My Life, Writing, Drawing and the Art of Storytelling by Frank Miller in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
This book is phenomenal. It is funny, powerful and it’s interesting to learn all the stories of working with such big names in the business. Well written and captivating, even if you’re not yet a fan of Frank Miller and his work, this will definitely intrigue you. Some topics I enjoyed were about Ronin, The Odyssey, Batman, 300, Christopher Nolan and P.T Barnum to name a few. If you see this in stores make sure to pick it up, you’ll be glad you did.
Rating: 5/5
This book is phenomenal. It is funny, powerful and it’s interesting to learn all the stories of working with such big names in the business. Well written and captivating, even if you’re not yet a fan of Frank Miller and his work, this will definitely intrigue you. Some topics I enjoyed were about Ronin, The Odyssey, Batman, 300, Christopher Nolan and P.T Barnum to name a few. If you see this in stores make sure to pick it up, you’ll be glad you did.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Censorship is always stupid." Frank Miller has such an amazing history and lays out a selection of exploration of his life/career choices here in this wonderful book. Getting a little look at how he's evolved and grown in his process and his undying support for artists to challenge, create, and hold onto their strong convictions is truly beautiful. Thank-you, Saga Press and Frank Miller for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Frank Miller’s artistic autobiography/memoir and his creative insights and lessons.
If you like him, or comics in general, I highly recommend. Lots of historical background on the beginnings with entertaining stories that keep it from being a boring timeline.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Frank Miller’s artistic autobiography/memoir and his creative insights and lessons.
If you like him, or comics in general, I highly recommend. Lots of historical background on the beginnings with entertaining stories that keep it from being a boring timeline.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It’s not that it was a bad book at all - it’s just that the book wasn’t really for me and I didn’t have the motivation to finish it.
(Disclaimer: I received a physical copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
(Disclaimer: I received a physical copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Review of advance copy
Frank's nugget's of wisdom shine out in this memoir like bits of gold in a energetic stream.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Interesting to learn more about his life, process and tips!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my ARC!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was a Goodreads Give Away win. It was super fun and interesting. I do wish it was longer, which is a great problem to have. As a nerd in long standing, I have read a great deal of Mr. Miller's catalog and this makes me want to re-read and fill in the blanks. I also wish he would do more prose, it was amazing.
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