How to Draw Manga: Reviews of Drawing Books

[Hephzibah]

I'm not sure if this is in the right area, but I decided to chuck it in the tutorial section cause people might come here to ask for help to draw. Anyway, what the purpose of this thread is is to get reviews of any How To Draw Manga books that you own or have read. Not only how it helped you in drawing, but also what type of nudity is involved (lets face it.. almost all drawing books have it T__T )

Here is the list of reviewed books (+ their location; eg post 1 is this post)

How to Draw Manga: Getting Started post 4
How to Draw Manga: Vol 5 - Developing Shoujo Manga Techniques post 3

More How to Draw Manga: Vol 2 - Penning Characters post 5
More How to Draw Manga: vol 4 - Mastering Bishoujo Characters post 1

Manga Mania Shoujo: : How to Draw the Charming and Romantic Characters of Japanese Comics by Christopher Hart Post 2

I'll start off with More How to Draw vol 4: Mastering Bishoujo Characters
Firstly... I just want to say that the cover is NOT A GOOD REPRESENTATION of the book as a whole. The cover has some... scantily clad ladies on it, but the book is nowhere near as promiscuous as it looks.

This book covers the 12 stereotypical bishoujos...:
The strong girl
vulnerable girl
straight-laced girl
cutie
imp
shy girl
compassionate girl
bully
older girl
kid
princess
bad girl

Ok. Nudity: It shows most of the 12 girls in an example of lingerie (The imp has no clothes on, but everything is covered up by her legs and arms [she is sitting down]). There are a few panty shots (in the section of uniforms), but nothing too bad.

Barbie doll nudity is rampant, and is most often used to show the differences in the body types between the 12 girls. The most detailed it gets is dots for nipples. Almost 95% of the nudity is not used in a sexual manner, and the remaining 5% is to provide examples of 'sexy' characters. I was able to read through it and not be embarrased, but then again others might find this a stumbling block.

How it helped me: I'd say this is one of the best drawing books I have used; it shows alot of the stereotypes, including how to position the eyes, nose, mouth, posture, hair, height, hands, feet, etc to portray a character type you want. There is a vast array of costumes, and also gives some examples of model types to copy for the 12 girls (eg the bad girl - use rock or punk fashions for reference).

Overall: I would give it an 8. It lost 2 because of the lingerie shots (I found them unnecessary, but I suppose it is part of the bishoujo part of manga) and the cover. Stupid cover... it made my parents give me rather strange looks T__T

I should hopefully have a review of How to Draw Manga Vol 5: Developing Shoujo Manga Techniques up soon (bought it on ebay ^^ Yay! my first ever drawing book of my very own)

[Hephzibah]

Another review! This is of:
Manga Mania Shoujo: How to Draw the Charming and Romantic Characters of Japanese Comics by Christopher Hart (strewth, long title >_< )
the cover is attached

Okies! Review:

Nudity: Surprisingly, almost non-existant. The worst it gets is stick figures ^^ Even the 'sexy' characters are drawn with ample clothing on. This surprised me a great deal

Religious: (Ok, I decided to chuck a new category in... so sue me ^^) This book has a part in it where is discusses magical girls, and hence has some pictures of fire balls, swirling water, "streams of magic", reference to 'psychic' stuff, etc. There are also some pictures of magical creatures, such as oni, dragons, elves, sorceresses (one with a third eye on their forehead), unusual human-like thing with horns and claws... you get the idea.

How it Helped Me: Well... it didn't really. There are some nice poses that I am going to copy out, and several examples of hair, clothes, accessories (has some nice pics of necklaces, flowers, etc) and expressions.
However, there are not many step-by-step instructions to show you how to draw them; about 1 or 2 pages on female and male heads, almost nothing on proportions, and only provides meagre details of each element of shoujo (that being said, there is ALOT to discuss, so I guess for a 144p book it did alright).

All in all, I'd give it a 4.5 / 10; it didn't teach me anything new... there are better books out there for learning how to draw faces and bodies. It gained the 4.5 because there was no nudity, and it is an alright book for just copying down pictures. I wouldn't buy it though (I love my library ^^ )

[Hephzibah]

It arrived!
Btw, does anyone actually find these helpful?

How to Draw Manga vol 5: Developing Shoujo Manga Techniques
(Cover attatched)

Nudity/Sexual: Almost non-existant. There is one page where it shows the differences between male and female bodies and the models are naked, but it isn't very detailed. Again, the worst it get is dots for nipples. There is also a VERY small segment (about 1/4 of a page) that shows an example of a mistake when drawing the groin area, but its not offensive (it just shows how you should make the leg actually look like it is attached).

O, there is also a few pictures of kissing couples.

Religious: Nothing... nada... zero zip. Well, there is a picture of a guy dressed as Santa but that's it.

How it Helped Me: Ehh... well, it doesn't have much on how to draw people, only about 30 pages. It has ALOT on backgrounds, perspective, tones, effects, etc. If you want to know how to do those (esp perspective), this would be a pretty good book.

There is also a chapter on creating stories, which shows examples of commonly used shoujo storylines. Another chapter covers the actual creating of the manuscripts, and goes into a reasonable amount of detail about stuff like panels, covers, where to place writing, etc.

Myself, I didn't find it all that helpful but I probably will if I decide to actually write a manga instead of just doing sketches.

[Hephzibah]

New one! Btw, I've ordered tonnes of these books from my library, but there are alot of requests for several of them so it might take awhile before I get alot done. Also, if anyone has any requests just PM me and if the library has it I'll review it for ya.

How to Draw Manga: Getting Started
Nudity: Shock, horror! A drawing book by the HTDM series that has almost no nudity! All characters (save for one... completely undetailed but is in a 'sexy' pose) are drawn with clothing similar to swim suits (one piece for girls and boxers for guys), so if you aren't offended by that, than you wont be offended by this book. (o, the cover looks a tad slutty, but the book doesnt have anything that bad. See below attachment for what I mean by 'tad slutty')

Religious: There is a head-shot of a demon like character; and in examples of creating draft pages there appears to be a girl that can manipulate water/wind.

And now... more random categories I am making up on the spot! wootness!
How it helps in....
Tools of the trade: Provides examples of various pens - namely G-pens, round pens, spoon pens and school pens. Shows examples of what type of line each provides, as well as some advice as to when to use which type of pen.

Has some basic info on ink;
* steps for cleaning and preparing pen tips;
* different sizes and types of paper and when one should be used (i never knew different sizes of paper should be used at certain times O__o );
* how much space to provide at the edges depending on the paper size;
* tips on how to prvent blotting when inking;
* how to correct images;
* how to clean brushes and
* how to clean up if you accidentally spill whiteout on your page.

Strewth! That was a mouthful


Character... stuff: Head-to-body ratios adressed; brief details on how to draw heads as well as different views (eg high-angle, low shots, etc).
In short... there isn't much here. If this is what you are looking for, try another book.


Tones! : Shows how to attach tone; make spiffy effects with tone (such as etching it with an eraser and such); and something called 'gradation' - or "used to express colours other than black". This section is about 14 pages long.


Story Telling Goodness: This is not adressing making the actual plot, rather how to get the plot down on paper. Starts with proposal draft and shows you the steps to take to get all the way to the finished work [dont expect anything too detailed though. It just provides a few pieces of advice; all in all, that part is 7 pages long]. It also adresses frame allotment, spacing and border widths. Some brief info on dialogue balloons and flashes.


Backgrounds: Talks mostly about why you need a background, as well as some info on vanishing points and perspectives. Not the most detailed of explanations, but if you dont have any idea what they are this book will give you a foundation to learn more.


In short: Well, I guess its like the title of the book suggests; this book is basically all about "getting started". Not much as to how to draw characters, but if you want to know about the different types of tools that are out there, or about how to apply tone and such, then this would be an alright/good book to get.

Edit: Btw, I will try to go back and edit my previous reviews to provide more info on what each book covers, but don't expect anything too soon ^^;;

[Hephzibah]

More How to Draw Manga: Vol 2 - Penning Characters

Nudity: Alot. It ranges as far as detail is concerned; there is a bit of 'barbie doll' nudity, a lot of fairly undetailed (ie dots for nipples) and several very detailed breasts. If this is your weakness, avoid this book like the plague. If it isn't, still think twice about getting this book.

Religious: At the end of the book there are some examples of finished pictures; one of them appears to be a lady forming a light ball thingy with her hands. Also, there is a chick with tattoos (would that fall in this category?)

How it Helps in...
Tools of the Trade / Tone: Not alot; about 3 pages on pens and how to hold them. Also shows how to add depth via inking. O, and one page on correction tools. No tone stuff.

Character Stuff:
Face: Lots; Shows how to draw faces in different views (eg front view, 3/4 view, side view, high angle, low angle) with a fair amount of detail. Provides examples of different ways to draw noses and necks.

Goes into a fair bit of detail in regards to eyes, showing differences in age when drawing and provides some examples of commonly used female hair styles. There is about 1 page on lips, as well as one on eyelashes.

Alot on portraying emotion via facial feature as well. (~24 pages)

human figure: Shows some differences in female body types (that of the 'average, slender and athletic builds'), as well as differences in breast sizes.

Male bodies are also examined, with two body types (the average and muscular builds) compared. There is also 2 pages on the differences between male and female bodies.

Hands and feet: ~5 pages. Shows the differences between male and female hands, as well as old and young. Masculine and feminine feet are also examined, including some examples of feet in shoes.

Random: For some reason, there is a 4 page segment on 'waking characters'. Also 2 pages on driving scenes.


Story Telling: Apart from the 'waking characters up', there is nothing.


Backgrounds: Nada.

In short:
Meh; there are better books out there. There is one thing going for this book though, and that is that the cover is alot less skimpy than alot of HTDM books out there... however, as always, dont judge a book by its cover.
In my opinion, the bad outways the good. Nudity is rampant, and the info that the book gives you isn't good enough to make up for it.



Edit: O yeah, I have updated the first post to include a list of which books have been reviewed so far and on what post # they can be found.

[Falcon]

Talame,

I am finding these helpful. Being someone that is learning, it is good to know what books to avoid and what books actually will help with drawing and mangaing.

Thanks for this thread

[SP1]

I'd be happy if I could draw something better than a good stick-man.

Well, probably not. I'd draw endless pages of anime girls and spontaneously combust.

[Kanerou]

Wow. Good reviews. Are there any that show proper proportions (which is often non-existent in shoujo anime/manga)?

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

How to Draw Manga Volume 1: Compiling Characters


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4889960422/103-2937390-1750216?v=glance&n=283155&v=glance

Nudity/Sexual: The usual naked body anatomy to help you draw better. Strangely its very undetailed, which is good. There are several sexual comments and compromising poses (clevage shot, covering breasts with hands). But overall its pretty clean for an manga drawing book.

Religious: Nothing

How it Helped Me: The 'How to Draw Manga' series aren't all that helpful for beginners to drawing manga I find. They aren't translated very well either. The book begins with a little manga about the trials and joys of creating a manga, then it shows some of the tools you can use and goes from there. I learnt some good basics of clothing folds, human manga proportions, script, toning, poses, faces, expressions, body language, hairstyles and characterisation. It covers quite a lot. Probably too much for a book of its size (the layouts a bit busy), but what it does it does well.

There are many other books in the series but I didn't get a whole lot out of them. This is the most helpful and easy to use "How to Draw Manga' book I've read. 8/10


I personally prefer the 'How to Draw Anime & Game Characters' series. Its better translated, easier to follow. I've read three of them. Highly recommended!

[heero yuy 95]

Hey, this thread is great. I have to say it's hardfinding good HTDM books. Well, here's mine:

How to Draw Anime and Game Characters: Master ing bishoujo techniques

Nudity/sexual:
Surprisingly, there is no nudity(this series seems to be more conservative than the How to Draw Manga). However, there is some sexual content, unfortunately. One page features the "bad girl" character in a dominatrix outfit. There is also a page with a "devil girl" character in a similar skimpy outfit. Asied from this, there a few short skirts and swimsuits.

Religious: One page features a "devil girl" with horns and a tail. I tore this page and threw it away. aside form that, nothing.

How it helped:
First off, let me say I'm glad to have found a bishoujo book that is more than just softcore porn. It helps with the different types of bishuojo and making them look different with individual traits. I don't know about you, but all my characters used to look the same and this is where the book helped the most. All in all, I'd give it a 9/10. I had to clip it one point because of two skimpy outfits.

[Shao Feng-Li]

How to Drawn Anime and Game Characters- Vol. 5: Bishoujo Game Characters by Todashi Ozawa.



Nudity/Sexual-

There is some skin and skimpy outfits. Only on instance of cleavage I believe. There's a Dominatrix, which I've figured to be a bad thing after reading someone else's post. There's a section that teaches how girls are drawn sleeping. They're dressed in full underware, jsut to show what the body looks like. Another section is called "Temptation" which features the girls in swimsuits. Really, they're jsut looking pretty. For a book on drawing Bishoujo game characters, it's not so bad.

How it helped me-

There are a lot of costumes and tips on how to get a certain look. There's school uniforms, formal custumes, school swimsuits, non school swim suits. And Examples of body language. The book doesn't actually teach you how to draw. It doesn't gives lessons on proportion or facial construction. So find a book to get started with.
It covers the basic characters:
The Heroine

The Cute Younger Girl

The Sexy Older Girl

The Tom Boy

The Heroine as a Magical Girl

The Smart Aleck

The honor role Student

It covers Bishoujo games RPG beshoujos and action games and fighters. It gives a female charater to each genre and what role each character plays. There's even a graph showing each characters' relation to each other.

A REview:

"This book concentrates on the creation of believable Bishoujo game characters, or games featuring girls. Lavishly illustrated, it takes you from the basic description, Character Roles, Facial Expressions, School Uniforms, Body Language, in all perspectives, step by step. This will appeal to budding artists of any persuasion & particularly fans of Manga. This edition forms part of the hugely successful How To Draw Japanese Animation series."

Storytelling-
Not much to speak of

Backgrounds-

A few backgrounds and settings such as bedroom, train stations, resturants and such.

OVer all I'd give it a 9/10. -1 point because of the sexual content.

[Artist4Jesus89]

How to Draw Manga: Bodies and Anatomy, Vol. 25

Nudity/ sexual
mostly all of the people are naked in this book BUT it covers guys and there is nothing that should cause any problems unless you get imberassed easily like my friend tori and it is very helpful in diferant posts and has the weird drawing things ( the umm circles and lines not step by step but it help give an overveiw of how they did it.
There is really nothin in this book that is sexual if someone finds something pm me and ill change this).

How it helped me-
It has and still is helping me it teaches how to draw your charactes in differant position like laying down and many other ways instead of allways drawing them (like i used to and still do sometimes) facing front in a blah pose this book is a very good tool my grandma is the one who picked it out for me so you know thers nothing she doesnt approve of in she figured it was going to be a big help

Basic layout:

Upper body variations (head and sholders)

Upper Body variations (above crotch)

Full body variations (not very many of these)

Lower Body variations (pretty self explanitory)

Hands and Feet (i think there is only like one or two pages of these)

Reveiw: This is a good book if you have issues with poses and all of that.

Story telling: none really

Backgrounds: there are none

My rating is a 10 because its so helpful