Creating Graphic Novels: Key Books and Resources

[Mano]

Do you have any recommendations for books or online resources that can help with creating a graphic novel or comic book?

I teach various visual arts courses. After introducing the topic of comics, I’ve found there are many excellent resources that offer valuable lessons—many of which tie directly into art history.

For example, you can see connections to Brunelleschi and linear perspective, the multi-panel narrative techniques seen in diptychs and triptychs, and the historic use of geometric shapes to construct the figure.

A few books that immediately come to mind include:

How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John Buscema

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

Perspective! for Comic Book Artists by David Chelsea

These books provide a good introduction to both the technical and narrative aspects of comic art, bridging classical artistic principles with modern storytelling.

[Lionel]

Lynda Barry's Making Comics has her entire series of comic drawing exercises which she's taught to her classes over the years. The best part about them is you don't need to be a great artist to do them. Very accessible for new artists/newbie comics artists. They're a great springboard for creativity.