Scan barcode
A review by missuskisses
Words for Pictures: The Art and Business of Writing Comics and Graphic Novels by Brian Michael Bendis
3.0
Words for Pictures is a great beginner's overview of writing and getting into the business of comics. I would recommend it for anyone considering entering the comics industry.
The book comprises mostly of interviews with artists, editors, as well as the author's wife, Alisa Bendis, who imparts advice on the business of being a comics writer: things to pay attention to in contracts, etc.
While this is a helpful book with great interviews, I do think it is mostly for a beginner comics writer (as opposed to an illustrator, letterer, or colorist) who wants to break into the existing comics industry.
If you want to publish your own comics, a lot of the book won't be applicable to you. If you will mostly be working with yourself (you write, draw, and color), a lot of the book won't be applicable to you.
This book also skimps on some details. You'll see some sample scripts, but if you need help with story structure--the nitty gritty--you'll have to look elsewhere. There's some advice regarding writing dialogue (and artist pet peeves regarding long-winded dialogue that don't "think visual"), but if you really want to hone the craft, you'll have to look elsewhere.
A list of places to submit to would have been helpful. Comic book conventions are referenced throughout the book, so a list of those conventions that would offer the best exposure would have also been helpful.
So, all in all, a helpful book for a beginner comics writer, but those looking for more detailed advice will have to look elsewhere.
Review copy courtesy of Netgalley.
The book comprises mostly of interviews with artists, editors, as well as the author's wife, Alisa Bendis, who imparts advice on the business of being a comics writer: things to pay attention to in contracts, etc.
While this is a helpful book with great interviews, I do think it is mostly for a beginner comics writer (as opposed to an illustrator, letterer, or colorist) who wants to break into the existing comics industry.
If you want to publish your own comics, a lot of the book won't be applicable to you. If you will mostly be working with yourself (you write, draw, and color), a lot of the book won't be applicable to you.
This book also skimps on some details. You'll see some sample scripts, but if you need help with story structure--the nitty gritty--you'll have to look elsewhere. There's some advice regarding writing dialogue (and artist pet peeves regarding long-winded dialogue that don't "think visual"), but if you really want to hone the craft, you'll have to look elsewhere.
A list of places to submit to would have been helpful. Comic book conventions are referenced throughout the book, so a list of those conventions that would offer the best exposure would have also been helpful.
So, all in all, a helpful book for a beginner comics writer, but those looking for more detailed advice will have to look elsewhere.
Review copy courtesy of Netgalley.