One of the first and still one of the best, Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way has been the primary resource for any and all who want to master the art of illustrating comic books and graphic novels. Stan Lee, the Mighty Man from Marvel, and John Buscema, active and adventuresome artist behind the Silver Surfer, Conan the Barbarian, the Mighty Thor and Spider-Man, One of the first and still one of the best, Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way has been the primary resource for any and all who want to master the art of illustrating comic books and graphic novels. Stan Lee, the Mighty Man from Marvel, and John Buscema, active and adventuresome artist behind the Silver Surfer, Conan the Barbarian, the Mighty Thor and Spider-Man, have collaborated on this comics compendium: an encyclopedia of information for creating your own superhero comic strips. Using artwork from Marvel comics as primary examples, Buscema graphically illustrates the hitherto mysterious methods of comic art. Stan Lee’s pithy prose gives able assistance and advice to the apprentice artist. Bursting with Buscema’s magnificent illustrations and Lee’s laudable word-magic, How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way belongs in the library of everyone who has ever wanted to illustrate his or her own comic strip.
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way
One of the first and still one of the best, Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way has been the primary resource for any and all who want to master the art of illustrating comic books and graphic novels. Stan Lee, the Mighty Man from Marvel, and John Buscema, active and adventuresome artist behind the Silver Surfer, Conan the Barbarian, the Mighty Thor and Spider-Man, One of the first and still one of the best, Stan Lee’s How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way has been the primary resource for any and all who want to master the art of illustrating comic books and graphic novels. Stan Lee, the Mighty Man from Marvel, and John Buscema, active and adventuresome artist behind the Silver Surfer, Conan the Barbarian, the Mighty Thor and Spider-Man, have collaborated on this comics compendium: an encyclopedia of information for creating your own superhero comic strips. Using artwork from Marvel comics as primary examples, Buscema graphically illustrates the hitherto mysterious methods of comic art. Stan Lee’s pithy prose gives able assistance and advice to the apprentice artist. Bursting with Buscema’s magnificent illustrations and Lee’s laudable word-magic, How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way belongs in the library of everyone who has ever wanted to illustrate his or her own comic strip.
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Greta is Erikasbuddy –
If you are looking for a book that will show you how to draw The Mighty Thor, Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, or even Captain America's Shield... well, this book isn't that one. It's not a step by step guide on how to draw characters. It's a step by step guide on how to draw THE MARVEL WAY!! And what does that mean? Well, I thought it was going to show me how to draw Spidey and Shellhead, and Cap. But no... IT shows you how to ink, draw action, start with stick figures, where to position, and If you are looking for a book that will show you how to draw The Mighty Thor, Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, or even Captain America's Shield... well, this book isn't that one. It's not a step by step guide on how to draw characters. It's a step by step guide on how to draw THE MARVEL WAY!! And what does that mean? Well, I thought it was going to show me how to draw Spidey and Shellhead, and Cap. But no... IT shows you how to ink, draw action, start with stick figures, where to position, and what draws attention. It shows you what artists at Marvel strive to do to make their comic books and panels stand out for the enjoyment of the reader. A very interesting book that I think would be awesome for any kid 13+, it shows you what you need to do to improve at your craft. While, I'm not an artist, it was super fun to go through and see all the techniques. I even drew a stick figure or two. Lately, my son and I have been bonding over superheros and while I don't have the attention-span to draw the Marvel Way.... I know there are boys and girls out there that will eat this book up. A great manual for the artists of tomorrow. Excelsior!! above is the completed picture that my son and I were working on. He drew the majority while I helped with the mouths and hands. We colored and inked together. If you want to bond with your teen, pick up some packing paper and a comic book! Worked wonders for us :)
Meredith –
This is a very good little figure drawing book. I teach art in high school and have had all sorts of students buy it after seeing it in my class, but it would be appropriate for kids from late elementary up. I keep several copies of it out on TAKS testing days and kids with little to no drawing experience will happily follow the step by step to draw Spidey, but is is not just a step to step book. There is real, accurate, and practical advice about how to master the figure for more serious This is a very good little figure drawing book. I teach art in high school and have had all sorts of students buy it after seeing it in my class, but it would be appropriate for kids from late elementary up. I keep several copies of it out on TAKS testing days and kids with little to no drawing experience will happily follow the step by step to draw Spidey, but is is not just a step to step book. There is real, accurate, and practical advice about how to master the figure for more serious beginners. My first figure drawing prof in college recommended this book to college level beginners. I have not found a better $13 figure drawing book - though it used to be $7. Most libraries have it and I can usually find a few copies at the used book store. Written for beginners where some of the later marvel drawing books assume you know a good deal. Much more content than most of the manga drawing books.
J.G. Keely –
Classic instruction which started many artists on that long path (I bought a used copy, myself, as a child). Combine with a little Loomis, Hogarth, and some figure drawing and you are on your way to being a real talent. This is pretty much an introduction to the Marvel 'house style' at the time, but certainly still applicable. My Suggested Readings in Comics
Manveer –
Was kinda surprised to bump into this book on GR while adding comics. I remember reading this, or rather looking through it when I was a little kid. Almost eight years ago. The thing is, I was a creative bastard back then. I used to draw stuff, build stuff, do stuff. I had tons of weird hobbies that I really really miss now. A lonely awkward kid living in a world of his own imagination. Life used to be good. God, I wanna relive those days. This book brought back memories of those days. Reminded Was kinda surprised to bump into this book on GR while adding comics. I remember reading this, or rather looking through it when I was a little kid. Almost eight years ago. The thing is, I was a creative bastard back then. I used to draw stuff, build stuff, do stuff. I had tons of weird hobbies that I really really miss now. A lonely awkward kid living in a world of his own imagination. Life used to be good. God, I wanna relive those days. This book brought back memories of those days. Reminded me that I actually used to draw. I do remember loving this book. I even created a couple of my own comic strips. Might have been pathetic, but the fact the I created them cheers me up. I should have the superheros I tried drawing lying somewhere around at home. So here's a generous five stars, if only for the nostalgic feels.
Johnny Atomic –
When I was young, every little boy I knew wanted to draw comics (these days many little girls do too, and that’s awesome) but I had a serious advantage over all of them. I was the only kid on my block with a copy of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way It is nearly impossible to write a book that touches upon all the essential aspects of a given art field in any relevant way. Yet, somehow Stan Lee brings us just that. It doesn’t stop with proper tools, formulas, and methods. It even approaches When I was young, every little boy I knew wanted to draw comics (these days many little girls do too, and that’s awesome) but I had a serious advantage over all of them. I was the only kid on my block with a copy of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way It is nearly impossible to write a book that touches upon all the essential aspects of a given art field in any relevant way. Yet, somehow Stan Lee brings us just that. It doesn’t stop with proper tools, formulas, and methods. It even approaches professionalism and best practices. All of this without going over your head, or talking down to the audience. The coolest thing about HTDCTMW is It’s really a book about visual story telling that happens to use the comic book idiom. Pacing, mood, dynamism, framing, composition, it’s all there along with a glossary of industry terms, list of materials and constructive anatomy methods, that are still as relevant today as they were in 1977. If you have children or young relatives who show the spark of talent for the entertainment art fields of story boarding, concept art/design, or sequential art of any kind, this is the book for them. If you want to pick up a book of sound advice and technique basics, over and over again and just be reminded of how fun illustration really is, this book is for you. Notes: With regard to anatomy; this book only deals with idealized figure construction, but that’s fine because it was intended for a young audience that might find life drawing techniques both confining and tedious. It is just a primer, after all. HTDCTMW is not perfect, but it is perfect at what it does.
Cullen –
I wanted to be an artist as a kid, and I have folder after folder of my haphazardly drawn monsters and spaceships and superheroes. This book was my ultimate reference work, and I carried the old blue hardback (the cover had been lost early on) around with me everywhere. While I never attained my goal of comic artistry, I still have a copy (now paperback) of the book on my shelf. It's a nice resource for anyone interested in comics, whether you can draw like John Romita ... or if stick figures I wanted to be an artist as a kid, and I have folder after folder of my haphazardly drawn monsters and spaceships and superheroes. This book was my ultimate reference work, and I carried the old blue hardback (the cover had been lost early on) around with me everywhere. While I never attained my goal of comic artistry, I still have a copy (now paperback) of the book on my shelf. It's a nice resource for anyone interested in comics, whether you can draw like John Romita ... or if stick figures are your cup of tea.
John Majerle –
Excellent instruction by the master. R.I.P., Stan :-(
Jamest. –
As long as I can recall, I always loved art. As a child and teenager my favorite art was the comic book. I devoured them! As I could draw a little I thought becoming a comic book arist would be the greatest. I picked up this volume and found it to be a pretty good book on a lot of drawing essentials. It really taught me a lot about figure drawing in particular. Sure some of the prose is bombastic in typical Stan Lee style, but the lessons in the book are clear, concise, and important principles. As long as I can recall, I always loved art. As a child and teenager my favorite art was the comic book. I devoured them! As I could draw a little I thought becoming a comic book arist would be the greatest. I picked up this volume and found it to be a pretty good book on a lot of drawing essentials. It really taught me a lot about figure drawing in particular. Sure some of the prose is bombastic in typical Stan Lee style, but the lessons in the book are clear, concise, and important principles. Eventually my style changed and I moved away from comic book art. However you can still see the influence of comic books and this guide in my work today. I still believe that artists working in comics are some of the finest around: the imagination needed to fill panel after panel, the sheer volume of the work they must produce, and the ability to tale a compelling story through drawing alone. All that makes me rank them with the best!
Steven –
I loved and devoured this book when I was a kid (in the original edition). Alas, my drawing skills never quite developed and I put more energy into the stories than into the drawings. Still, it was a step on the path to making me an author, and I still think Buscema was one of the strongest draftsmen Marvel ever had.
Eric –
For good or ill, this book taught me how to draw figures. Over the years I kept going back to it and trying again, getting farther and gaining confidence. We'll see if it ever culminates in an actual printed comic of my own :) I'm sure it will, even if I'm 80 years old, sitting on the back porch, still holding onto the dream.
Paul Smith –
This book is great for those that want to learn more about creating comics. All of the techniques are presented in a straight forward manner and is easy to understand for those, like myself, who are not artistically inclined.
Bill –
When I was in seventh grade, I studied this book from cover to cover and improved my drawing and visual storytelling skills dramatically. It was great then and remains so- John Buscema was an absolutely brilliant comics artist.
Johnflynch –
uhhhh.... no, Marvel artists study ANATOMY before making it up with bubbles on sticks. copying other artists' renderings is a vital part of learning to draw, but that alone will not get you working for Marvel and is not how to draw "the Marvel way"
J.M. Giovine –
Obviously, this isn't a lecture as well, more like a practicing-tip guide for the comicbook artist to develop and improve the talent, getting the way that Marvel does it's work (at least, in the golden years) and it's narrated by Stan Lee himself. It doesn't get any better than that.
Bee –
Easily the best How to Draw book I've read. Lays everything out in an easy to digest manner... And back in the 90s when I read it, you really could see the difference with the Marvel style (not so much now though)
Stephen Theaker –
This got me drawing again for the first time since primary school, mainly by pointing out a few basic things I'd somehow never known - for one thing that drawings are things you can build, rather than just putting pencil to paper and creating masterpieces on the spot.
Dan Schwent –
It was 25 years out of date when I got it. Still, if you want to draw in the Marvel house style of the late 60's and early 70's, it would probably be a valuable resource.
DarIO –
Honestly an incredible resource for beginning artists. It serves as an overview of all the most important elements that go into becoming a good artist. It lacks proper exercises, which is a bit of a shame, but if you are just starting out and have no idea how to learn to draw, this book would be an excellent first step. Just read along and copy the drawings inside. It won't make you a master illustrator, but it will definitely save you some time on that journey by pointing you in the right Honestly an incredible resource for beginning artists. It serves as an overview of all the most important elements that go into becoming a good artist. It lacks proper exercises, which is a bit of a shame, but if you are just starting out and have no idea how to learn to draw, this book would be an excellent first step. Just read along and copy the drawings inside. It won't make you a master illustrator, but it will definitely save you some time on that journey by pointing you in the right direction. Plus, the book has a "recommended further reading" section in the back with some really great selections for you to continue your studies after you have finished with this one. That said, I felt that I was a bit advanced in my personal artistic education at this point to really get much out of this book. I also don't really care for the look of Marvel comics, so I didn't have much interest in copying the artwork either. Still, it did give me a few interesting comic book pointers, and a greater appreciation for gold and silver age comics art. Overall, it may be a bit heavy on the Marvel propaganda, but for a beginner aspiring artist, there really is a wealth of excellent information in here.
AV –
I expected better and I expected more from the way the book was presented. I am an illustration student and I got this on amazon in the hope it would awake the memory of my ‘anatomy and perspective for comics’ class and take me a bit deeper. No such thing. The book stays superficial with more images than explanations and it does not go past the bare bones. Perspective was barely mentioned in the chapter dedicated to it. The most useful part was on the proportions to respect when sketching a face. I expected better and I expected more from the way the book was presented. I am an illustration student and I got this on amazon in the hope it would awake the memory of my ‘anatomy and perspective for comics’ class and take me a bit deeper. No such thing. The book stays superficial with more images than explanations and it does not go past the bare bones. Perspective was barely mentioned in the chapter dedicated to it. The most useful part was on the proportions to respect when sketching a face. It can work for you as introduction if you are completely extraneous to the subject, but even like that, you can find more complete books as instruction material. I had the barest introduction to the subject and I was pretty unhappy with this, so I can imagine the reaction of someone more knowledgeable. Or even someone who anticipated to actually learn to draw Marvel-style.
Beth –
I'll come back to this one day - 3* I would never have bought myself this book but my mam got it for me and I couldn't leave it so I had to have a go. I'm definitely better at drawing because of this book but it is so time-consuming and I honestly don't gave the time for this. I really don't - balancing two jobs is hard enough! I'm annoyed that Black Widow's not there because really I wanted to draw her as part of my gift for a birthday present for a friend but I can't and I don't even have the I'll come back to this one day - 3* I would never have bought myself this book but my mam got it for me and I couldn't leave it so I had to have a go. I'm definitely better at drawing because of this book but it is so time-consuming and I honestly don't gave the time for this. I really don't - balancing two jobs is hard enough! I'm annoyed that Black Widow's not there because really I wanted to draw her as part of my gift for a birthday present for a friend but I can't and I don't even have the skills to do it. This book jumps from step 1-9 and for a novice (like myself), its too hard. I don't have any skills and this book doesn't take that into account. So yeah. A little annoyed and frustrated.
John Peel –
First off, I have absolutely no intention of even attempting to draw a comic book. So why did I buy this book? Hey, Stan Lee and John Buscema are two of the most amazing talents in 20th Century comics, and *anything* they write is worth reading. It's a breezy, fun book that offers some nice breakdowns in what to do (and look for) in creating artwork.
Irrevenant –
This is an okay book. As an art instruction book, its style is dated and there are other books that give much more detailed instruction. But it's a decent read as a high level art text that feels like it captures the spirit of being a Marvel artist back in the 60s and 70s.
Andrew Yeager –
It is a great read for graphic comic artists that prefer the old-school techniques of paper, penciling, and inking by hand. It is co-written by one of the greatest comic book writers and editors of all time.
Nicole –
A great, classic “how to draw” book. Definitely for beginners, but there are handy, comic book specific tips for artists to utilize, too. Worth having for classic drawing techniques explained in a fun and simple way.
Aislinn Evans –
introductory, of course. skimmed. the bits on drawing women are gross. im not a marvel fan, just wanted to flip through this bc its on my recommended reading
Alex Berg –
Pretty dated, and quite superficial in most of the topics covered, but still has some good information for beginners.
Steven Laidlaw –
Great book, particularly the fundamentals chapters.
Maik Krüger –
All you'll ever need as an artist. Basically my bible.
Lindsey.parks –
Everything.
John Smith –
The classic introduction to drawing comics in the Marvel style.