Mastering Comics.

Abel, Jessica, and Matt Madden.  Mastering Comics.    Macmillan/ First Second 318p  $39.99      978-1-59643-617-6   secondary         VG-BN

This is a follow-up book to Drawing Words & Writing Pictures.  It will provide a wealth of essential information for authors, artists, teachers, and cartoonists.  It will be appreciated by both beginners and experts, as well as the inquisitive browser; there is something for everyone.          The authors have created a book structured like a fifteen-week college course, yet it has all the aspects of a professional handbook.  Comic lovers will relate to it as they wonder about the choices of color and layout composition in the comics they read.

The book is divided into four basic sections: "Building" (idea generation), "Sharpening Focus" (perspective, composition, style),
"Black/White and Color on Paper and Screen" (using tone, color, & ink), and "Self Publishing & Getting Yourself Published".

It has appendices, a bibliography, a glossary, and a dual index for the first volume (color coded).  It also has such special features as homework ideas, activities, sidebars, tip boxes, projects for extra credit, and further reading on various subjects.  Another plus is the companion web site: www.DW-WP.com.

I must admit I tracked down a copy of the first book before I started reading this one.  As a watercolor artist and bookbinder, I also found many tips and tricks I could use in my field.  I particularly liked the chapter on the horror of the blank page. (What artist hasn’t been panicked at some point.)  I also liked the way the perspective chapter was presented along with the printing and binding.  But I know that there are many other binding techniques besides the Japanese binding for self publishers to use.  There is now the world of pop-ups, and I would have liked to see that included.  Maybe in book three?

The authors have written a wonderful book that presents the reader with techniques, story generation ideas, tools, professional tips and insights.

This is a great book for anyone interested in the field of visual storytelling.  It can be related to fields beyond the world of comics.

                                                            --Linda McNeil