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You Can Do a Graphic Novel
Get that story out of your head and onto paper!
A guide to creating graphic novels- presented in the form of a graphic novel- from a veteran in the field!
In You Can Do a Graphic Novel , Barbara Slate guides aspiring graphic novelists through the same process she learned in her early days working for Marvel and DC Comics-a process she has simplified for the classes she teaches and for the syndicated column she writes. Written in the form of a graphic novel itself, the book covers all the components and shows readers how
?Find their own drawing style regardless of ability
?Create memorable characters, compelling plots and subplots, and engaging dialog
?Traverse the graphic novel business
A guide to creating graphic novels- presented in the form of a graphic novel- from a veteran in the field!
In You Can Do a Graphic Novel , Barbara Slate guides aspiring graphic novelists through the same process she learned in her early days working for Marvel and DC Comics-a process she has simplified for the classes she teaches and for the syndicated column she writes. Written in the form of a graphic novel itself, the book covers all the components and shows readers how
?Find their own drawing style regardless of ability
?Create memorable characters, compelling plots and subplots, and engaging dialog
?Traverse the graphic novel business
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 3, 2014
This book was alright. It's pretty simplistic -- I was surprised that the reviews are so over-the-top on Amazon. Of course, it is geared towards 7th grade and up but honestly, this might have appealed to me when I was 7 or 8. By the time I was in 7th grade I would have found it ever so slightly condescending. The writer seems to assume that the majority of graphic novels are made-up stories, but she does throw in Harvey Pekar's American Splendor. Granted, the term "graphic novel" does imply fiction, but "graphic autobiography" and "graphic history" seem a bit clumsy so it seems that "graphic novel" is the label for all such books.
The bit that I found insufferable was her frequent use of the word "boring". There are stories that aren't my usual genre (although I have from time to time waded out of my comfort zone to find a very good book) or stories that may not appeal to me because of excessive violence or whatnot, but I rarely find something boring. Indeed, aside from this review, I can't even remember the last time I uttered the word.
Early in the book there is a line "everyone has a story" -- maybe it's my interest in biography and people's "real" stories that makes me think of it more as that type of genre, but for the most part I found this book disappointing.
The bit that I found insufferable was her frequent use of the word "boring". There are stories that aren't my usual genre (although I have from time to time waded out of my comfort zone to find a very good book) or stories that may not appeal to me because of excessive violence or whatnot, but I rarely find something boring. Indeed, aside from this review, I can't even remember the last time I uttered the word.
Early in the book there is a line "everyone has a story" -- maybe it's my interest in biography and people's "real" stories that makes me think of it more as that type of genre, but for the most part I found this book disappointing.
September 9, 2010
Years ago I read a bunch of How-To Do Comics books, most of those were a rip-off.
This book is good. I'm debating buying a copy or memorizing where it is in the Library. (Currently it's in the Newest book section.) It's not as good as Lurene Haines' books on the Business of Comics, but it is helpful. This won't be the among the first coupla books I recommend for Comics How-To, But it'll be at the top of the next handful.
I hope a lot of people take this one out of the Libury (Library +Simsbury).
This book is good. I'm debating buying a copy or memorizing where it is in the Library. (Currently it's in the Newest book section.) It's not as good as Lurene Haines' books on the Business of Comics, but it is helpful. This won't be the among the first coupla books I recommend for Comics How-To, But it'll be at the top of the next handful.
I hope a lot of people take this one out of the Libury (Library +Simsbury).
February 5, 2018
This is a great how-to guide for those looking to get into writing their first comic (or graphic novel). Aimed at young adults, a reader of any age could get some great ideas, especially in the planning process. A lot of it could be used for storytelling in general.
July 29, 2026
Perfect for newbies.
The fact that it's written for as young as a YA audience is not a strike, for me. The way this book is written actually a) makes it easier for adults to shake off doubts and just read this purely from interest, and b) is self-contained and therefore a comprehensive introductory guide for someone looking to start creating.
The straightforward tips, published and unpublished illustrations, anecdotes and mini-interviews from the author's professional peers, the blend of writing and drawing craft, and the glossary make this a solid reference book.
Chapters
0) How Comic Books Became Graphic Novels
1) Introduction: A History of Graphic Novels
2) Cartoon, Comic Strip, One Pager, Webcomic
3) Story
4) The Six Pager
5) Prose from the Pros
6) 20 Creative Tips
7) Art
8) Prose from the Pros
9) Writing
10) Layout
11) Plot
12) Comic Book
13) Prose from the Pros
14) The Saboteurs
15) Student Work
16) The Creative Block
17) The Biz
18) Glossary
19) Index to Prose from the Pros
The fact that it's written for as young as a YA audience is not a strike, for me. The way this book is written actually a) makes it easier for adults to shake off doubts and just read this purely from interest, and b) is self-contained and therefore a comprehensive introductory guide for someone looking to start creating.
The straightforward tips, published and unpublished illustrations, anecdotes and mini-interviews from the author's professional peers, the blend of writing and drawing craft, and the glossary make this a solid reference book.
Chapters
0) How Comic Books Became Graphic Novels
1) Introduction: A History of Graphic Novels
2) Cartoon, Comic Strip, One Pager, Webcomic
3) Story
4) The Six Pager
5) Prose from the Pros
6) 20 Creative Tips
7) Art
8) Prose from the Pros
9) Writing
10) Layout
11) Plot
12) Comic Book
13) Prose from the Pros
14) The Saboteurs
15) Student Work
16) The Creative Block
17) The Biz
18) Glossary
19) Index to Prose from the Pros
March 2, 2021
I read this book more for my students than myself. I'd have to do a stick man version of a graphic novel.
Slate clearly lays out the steps to take when writing and illustrating. Her storyboard pages were especially interesting, and I thought they would apply whether a student was "doing" a graphic novel or just regular classroom writing.
Slate clearly lays out the steps to take when writing and illustrating. Her storyboard pages were especially interesting, and I thought they would apply whether a student was "doing" a graphic novel or just regular classroom writing.
July 7, 2020
This is a wonderful book about how to create a graphic novel. I enjoyed the how to guide and how it included bright, bold images. Recommended.
February 24, 2021
Even though some technological information has changed, the principles remain as changeless as ever!
June 10, 2011
This book may have been designed to help you create graphic novels or comic books, but the information inside is relevant to writing in general. Most of the tips and tools can be applied to any form of writing, as a basic guideline to follow to create a fantastic and entertaining story.
It even helps you deal with "writer's block".
So a very useful book indeed!
It even helps you deal with "writer's block".
So a very useful book indeed!
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August 15, 2012I don't really know how to rate this book, since I've never read any other books about making your own graphic novel. I really liked how she broke everything up into easy steps. I really liked her advice on writing-she had some different approaches that I plan to implement into my Creative Writing class.
March 27, 2012
A great book on creating a Graphic Novel. The book gives many helpful suggestions and uses many images to illustrate these ideas. The text is light hearted but gives serious attention to the goal of creating a well thought out graphic novel. A fine addition to any creative person’s library.
June 1, 2012
A good quick introduction to graphic noveling. The illustrations are cute and topical, and it's easy to get into.
June 14, 2012
It's a really cute book for young people, but there's definitely something to be gained by readers of any age. I liked how simply it went through all the information.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews