Not very instructive, but sure fun to read.
Creative Staff
Author: Mark Crilley
What They Say
The world of manga (Japanese comics) has captured the imagination of artists, both aspiring and professional alike. Now Eisner-nominated best-selling artist and art instructor Mark Crilley presents the most complete look yet at the variety of creative options available in the world of manga. Crilley fills each chapter with gorgeous, original artwork created with a variety of tools (pencils, colored pencils, digital art, pen and ink; and more) and in a variety of manga-inspired styles. He pairs each piece with information on the materials used and the inspiration that led to its creation. manga Art provides readers with a one-of-a-kind chance to hear from one of the leading artists in the field of manga instruction, as he reveals the unlimited possibilities of manga and the creative secrets behind over 100 pieces of original, never-before-seen artwork.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Manga Art: Inspriation and Techniques from an Expert Illustrator makes for a fine coffee table book, but not a good “how-to” book as I originally thought.
The author, Mark Crilley, certainly knows his stuff and displays a clear love for both manga and Japanese culture. The illustrations throughout the book are engaging and full of life and skills, and reading Crilley’s thoughts behind them make for an interesting read, but they don’t teach the reader much in terms of how to actually draw these characters and places and objects. In fact, the “Now It’s Your Turn” segments in each chapter feel tacked-on. Without walking me through the process, I have no idea how to do it unless I just copy what’s on the page.
So as a teaching guide, the book doesn’t work very well, but if you go in with the expectation of getting a glimpse into an artist’s mind while at the same time getting to see some pretty great manga-inspired art, then you should be happy with Manga Art. And who knows? Perhaps a more advanced artist than myself will be able to take Crilley’s art and advice and turn it into something of their own.
In Summary
Manga Art is a fun coffee-table book full of great manga-inspired art and interesting insights into the making of the art and the culture that inspired it. You’re not going to learn anything in terms of how to draw this stuff on your own, but if you take the book on its own merits, it’s quite enjoyable. Dr. J gives this a…
Content Grade: B-
Age Rating: N/A
Released By: Ten Speed Press
Release Date: 6 June 2017
MSRP: $22.99
