Schools and Instruction Books

I have a feeling that most of you contemplating buying this book are replacing an ancient or lost copy of it and know exactly what you're getting, in which case you won't be disappointed. Over the years the title has become somewhat misleading and should now read, "How to Draw Comic the way Marvel did it from the late 70s to the late 80s using the tools available at that time" or perhaps more marketably: "How to Draw Marvel-style Retro Comics."

Stylistically, I wish this book would recirculate around the Marvel offices to remind creators what their comics are supposed to be like. It is far from cutting edge or eye opening, however. At the time of its publication I think it was extremely innovative and captured an innovative style. But styles have life cycles...

Having said all that, I love this book, although I suspect that a big part of that is because of my nostalgic feelings for it.

This is sort of a classical text, focused on covering the various aspects of drawing comics.

Though drawing comics involves a lot about learning to draw, I would think that an ability to draw whether inherent or acquired would be a necessary starting point to effectively use this book. On the contrary one might as well get started here and then hone the necessary drawing skills.

As in any specific form of art, such as Illustration, Fine art, Animation art, Commercial art etc, Comics art has its own set of skills that need to be honed.

This is a book written by Stan lee and John Buscema, one a great story teller and the other a fine artist. It does cover several aspects of the trade.

As the title suggests the genre is more towards the 'Action' side, as opposed to a style such as Disney, Asterix or that of Herge's Tintin.

A significant amount of the book focuses on the figure and its action, which is so vital to this type of comics, and these are real gems. The quick setup of a pose, the dynamism needed for convincing action, the looseness of the approach, and then the focus on the form, the details of the figure the head and so on are very effectively presented.

the other important ingredients of composition, perspective, foreshortening are covered in detail.

There are of course couple chapters that deal with comic book covers, and the all important comics inking.

Though obviously this was written in a pre-digital period, all the information can be readily applied to today's all-digital comics creation.

Coming from successful practicing veterans, the entire book is packed with practical information.

I bought this for my 11 year old son for his birthday. He's been trying to draw superheroes lately. When I began flipping through it, I recognized many of the images. I then remembered I had this book when I was a boy. I checked the original publish date and found it to be 1978. Yep, this was it. It's a very good book for those who need some structure with regards to their pencil drawing. The concepts of human form, perspective, dimension etc. are easy to understand with many, many examples. Step by step instructions make it easy. Even those with limited artistic abilities will be able to draw well using this book. I recommend it highly!

Some of you folks writing reviews are, like me, graphic designers. And, yes, I too have owned this wonderful book. I even laughed at the publication date at the top of the page because mine is from 1978!

Lee and Buscema are two of the foundation blocks of Marvel Comics and I wouldn't expect anything less from this wonderful work. If you are a beginning or almost intermediate comic book artist, I can't think of a better place to start than this book. I still refer to it, sometimes, for reference tips.

I won't bore you with a diatribe of what can be learned here... just buy the book. I think you'll be surprised that, in 30 years, you'll still own your dog-eared, yellowed, frayed-out copy. I've still got mine.

Oh, and when you're done with it, do yourself a favor and take a look at some Burne Hogarth books.

Enjoy!

How to draw comics the Marvel Way is a good book but it's very old information. I think that Marvel comics and the comic book industry has changed since this book was published in 1978 and 1984. Don't get me wrong! I like this How to draw comics the Marvel Way! book written by Stan Lee with artwork by John Buseama, but the books information is too old. I think comic book artists today use better materials besides paint brushes and india ink. You buy Markers with india ink in them at an artsupply store. there are other things in this book that do not appy to comic books in 2008 as well. If your a begining artist, I will recommend this book but It's not for advance artist. B+

We have found this to be a great book for introducing artists to our young one. True, it would be nice if there were more color pictures, but the book has a companion website that shows the paintings in color, and you can find activites there also.

In all my years of teaching, I have never come across a book for teaching art that comes close to this one. This follows the model of the best art teacher I have worked with: introduce the artist and his/her work, and then present a project that is reflective of the artist's style, media, and vision in such a way that the student experiences the artist while not copying him/her. In this way, the student is left to express his own vision and create a unique piece of art. The artists covered are varied and presented chronologically, and the media are likewise varied yet accessible for even non-art teachers like myself. I recommend this for teachers, home schoolers, and even parents to enjoy with their kids!

When I viewed the sample pages of the book, I was excited. I became even more thrilled by the positive reviews others gave. However, when I received the book and quickly flipped through the pages, I was highly disappointed. I was under the impression that the pages would be colored. My assumption was wrong. Nonetheless, as I took a better look at the ideas presented, I became more assured that I made a great purchase. The authors provide a brief bio on the artist and simple projects related to the artists' style. Therefore, I am not too sad about the book being in black and white. As a teacher who loves to teach art, I know I will use this book as a resource for art projects.

*There is now a link available for this book to view colored copies of the artwork, but now for every artist.

I've read some of the reviews for this book that complain it is not in color. If you know anything about being an educational publisher, you know that they don't make a lot of money, and publishing in color is not a easy option. I think if you use this book, and work with the website that shows all the art in color ([...]), you'll be fine. This is an excellent book and well worth the price. I just reviewed MaryAnn Kohl's newest book, and it IS in full color, so it appears that she listened and did what she could to answer your comments, which is impressive, because it must have been a financial challenge. Good for you, Bright Ring Publishing! i hope it sells well!!! I think if you rethink what this book is for, then you can just let the color come from the children's expression of their own art works. Don't worry about what is on the book page other than the idea of an art project that is AMAZING as well as easy for you to put together for the kids. The kids are more interested in what they can create than in what your book has in it. Again,go to Bright Ring's website and all the color you ever dreamed of will be there for your enjoyment.

I have taught elementary art for over 20 years... I wouldn't be without this book. It is a fantastic resource on some of the more famous artists. I highly recommend this book

I bought this for my daughter's summer reading for Art History class - a 200+ page brief summary of the history of art. I paged through it to see what she was getting into, and I was very impressed with the breadth and interesting facts contained within. It's a great outline of a huge topic, that gives the reader a framework into which subsequent knowledge can be organized.

This is a wonderful book, I am studying for the Art praxis and found this book very helpful. Good crash course in art history.

This book is just what is says it is: "a crash course in Art History" and it is great! Carol Strickland is a top flight writer and art historian. She covers the most important artists and movements in a concise and readable manner. Her side-bars that appear throughout the text add interesting anecdotal material that is always worthwhile. There are plenty of art reproductions, many in color, that illustrate the text.

I have used this book (1st edition) for several years in a one semester high school Art History course and it is perfect. It is also makes for very pleasant and informative personal reading. I recommend it very highly.

This book is well worth the price! I feel like I need to memorize every word written! Full of relevant information!

I bought this book to review for the Art Content Praxis. It's been about 20 years since my art history classes so I definitely needed a refresher. Although, I did remember a lot and reviewed other books, this book put me over the top.

It's fast paced and easy to read! Short highlights to remind you of things you may have forgot and adds what you may have missed.

Home school, two years ago, I failed horribly teaching this to my son who was "not at all interested" and didn't apply himself. However, I who have never even doodled, trained my eye to see shape and flow of line in everything. Look at me now: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindielee/
I started with stick figures and great embarrassment - forget ever playing pictionary!

Total lessons in last two years:
One Adult Ed. Summer Class - 8 sessions aprox.
One Prophetic Art Class - 6 sessions
Endless online free lessons and utube tutorials a four month period.

Honestly, I started with stick figures.
This book has been invaluable to me, try it, train your eye and experience the joy of drawing!

Hi, when I went through this book I was excited with it. It really teaches theory and gives great lessons to develop your skills. If I was using it to teach my own children or just one or two kids at a time I think it would be great. But it seems to need a lot of one on one time with the child, or at least several more sessions than I had available for my class.
Be aware that this book requires a lot of preparation (in my opinion)to be able to sit down and teach a child even if you only have one or two children. This is a great book if you have the time to first teach yourself, then you will be prepared to teach children.

I am a new Porcelain painter and wanted to develop the skill of drawing my own subjects instead of tracing them on my china.
I have enjoyed learning the history of this program, the drawing tips and lessons.
The book is well written and easy to understand and is just as helpful for an adult as a child.

I am looking forward to purchasing the next book,"Drawing With Teenagers."

Kelda

This book captures wonderfully the spirit of art instruction: a simple method + supportive non-judgmental attitude + respect and encouragement of individual creative expression.

I must note that this is a guide for self-exploration, learning and growth rather than a step-by-step instruction manual for mastering a skill. If you are interested in the latter, you should rather get the "Draw Write Now" or related books.

My stepmother taught me to draw with this book when I was 7 and now I'm using it with my homeschooling cirriculum for my kids. It's a terrific tool to de-mystify the artistic process and help find your own artistic voice. As an adult, I found the refresher course extremely useful. My 9 year old son, who is notoriously technical-minded, immediately understood the five families of shape and started breaking down the objects he saw into manageable mediums to put onto paper. He had been frustrated with his drawing until I found the copy I had used as a child and began using it in our curriculum.

The best thing about the book is that it teaches you to accept your creative voice. Children's pictures are often primitive and they get frustrated that it isn't an exact copy, but (as the book states) if they really want it that perfect they could just take a picture. Their creative voice is what makes a drawing special, after all.

I would definitely recommend this product and the use of resources like the addendum lesson plans here: http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/dwclp.htm

Jerry's the new kid in town. He's met a girl he likes. She's into piano,and he claims he is too! Taking lessons at the "Shriek School," Jerry learns something unusual is going on, when his teacher will not let him go, and he encounters a ghostly teacher who warns him to stay away!

I was very impressed with this goosebumps book. This is one of the scarier ones in the series. This book is about a boy named Jerry who just moved into a new house with his mom and his dad. His parents thinks that he should do more, so he decides to take piano lessons. His piano teacher, Dr.Shreek is kind of creepy to. Ever since Jerry started taking piano lessons he hears the piano playing every night by its self. This book is scary and its one that you don't want to put down after you start reading it. I also liked the ending to this book.

When Jerome and his family move to Cedarville, he's not too happy to have left behind his old friends...or that they are moving into a much bigger house. As he begins to explore the house he warms up to the idea slowly when he discovers an attic and in the attic is an old piano. He decides that it might be fun to learn...but that's before he hears it playing itself at night and before he meets Dr. Shreek, the very hand obsessed music instructor who runs the music school outside of town. He doesn't think too much of it until he meets Kim his schoolmate and neighbor and she practically runs screaming from the area when he tells her he's studying piano with Dr. Shreek...shortly afterward he notices that the music school is weird, and he keeps running into Mr. Toggle, the maintenance guy at the school who is apparently some sort of mechanical genius...will Jerome be able to figure out what's going on at the school before he winds up as one of those students who goes in for a lesson and never comes out!

Overall, not bad for the series, the characters are lightly drawn and the plot moves along quickly. Like all books in this series, this one has the signature Twilight Zone-esque ending. I give it three stars; it's entertaining and has a few genuinely creepy moments.

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed this book. A real page turner. The last page of each chapter made you want to read one more. Hard to put down!

I had been taking piano lessons since a young age and when I heard about this book I thought it would be creepy, but then later on I began to read the goosebumps series and I really really loved them, so once I familiarized myself with the books and realized they are not frightening, but just entertaning thrillers catered to preteens, I got this book and I still pull it out time to time 10 years later! I liked jerry's character a lot and the descriptions of the story, I almost felt like I was watching a movie. I recall there being an episode about this book but I never got a chance to watch it. But don't ever let this story keep you from taking music lessons though I wouldn't blame you if this book made you giggle over them

I'm going to admit that I didnt actually read the book cover to cover. However, I was skimming the book today at the library, I had been wanting to see it for quite some time now. While I 100 percent agree it is something teens should have access to and read, I do not feel like it was the right approach. Just by looking at the words in the book I felt like it was way too dense (wordy). The book was just entirely too compacted, I understand the need to include everything, but having so many words on a page is surely going to distract any teen. I'm in college and I typically have a long attention span for reading but I quickly grew impatient whilst reading this book. It would have been nice if it would have been more pages with less words and clearer headings.

This book may be the best of its kind in English. At last we have something primarily for teens and young adults which is knowledgeable, helpful, positive where possible, free of bad biases, and beautifully written.

Even if I don't agree with everything said in the book, I recognize its extraordinary qualities. On every page I am pleased to see how Heather Corinna makes luminous sense out of complex issues without oversimplifying. She guides the reader to think, possibly to do more reading or other research, definitely to make her or his own choices. Advice is there aplenty but it's backed up by thought and no little wisdom --- and reasons for everything.

That is how education should work. This book is in complete contrast to the sex-negative, unscientific, ideologically biased sex miseducation foisted on most of America for a long time.

Even if the book's style doesn't captivate every young reader, it refuses to talk down to people. Its approach is very similar to that of the author's Scarleteen website, which has a massive and successful following.

The section on relationships (Chapter 6), not primarily about sex at all, is worth the price of the whole book and then some. Ditto the next chapter's "sexual readiness checklist" and the equally splendid "top ten really crappy reasons to have sex with someone."

I bought two copies of this book. One I gave immediately to a 16-year-old friend who knows more about bodies and sex and has a better attitude towards both than most people of any age. She couldn't put it down.

From the author's foreword: "So, who's this book for? Everyone."

Yes indeed. How rare it is to find a book about sex written so well with such understanding, insight, and love.

Oh yeah, so I have read your new book, and it is SO useful in so many ways. First of all, I was very impressed by the way you discussed controversial points in issues like masturbation and sexuality-you kept things light, conversational, and informative, but made a conscious effort throughout to be all-inclusive of everyone. You were sensitive to the beliefs of ALL your readers, not a small feat! I think that just discussing the way you talk about a certain subject would be a great way for everyone to become more conscious of how they use their own words. Also, I think reading the book is also a great conversation starter between adults and children because your writing style suits all ages. At certain points I would call the book a self-help book because you convey that exploring sexuality, and knowing about sex, is empowerment. Many of your passages are almost like inspirational talks to be more open, and observant, and tolerant of others...I must say that some of it was quite moving (I can get very emotional right before my period...last month I cried at an Matisse exhibit because it was so beautiful). It sounded like you were right next to me, encouraging me in a bright, positive, go-gettem' voice. Bottom line: you're great at teaching about sex! why? because you don't tell us what's right, but show us how to find it (sexuality, gender, identity, tolerance, the right partner, an alternative to tampons...all of it!) on our own.

Didn't mean to write all that, it just came out. I just wanted to say thank you for writing such a great sex book. Although I learned a few new things, I wish I had this book a few years ago. I will make sure to pass it on to my sister!

If you're looking for the definitive guide to sex and sexuality, and everything that it entails, then look no further than Heather Corinna's fact-filled book. With straightforwardness, humor, insight, and directness, the founder and editor of Scarleen delves into every aspect of sexuality, and presents it in a way that teens and young adults (and us old adults, too!) can truly understand.

Everything -- and I mean everything! -- is covered within the pages of S.E.X. From Your Body: An Owner's Manual to To Be, Or Not To Be...Sexually Active, Ms. Corinna puts everything into perspective, for both girls and guys. There are thirteen main chapters included, along with appendixes that cover sexually transmitted diseases and infections and a bibliography and list of recommended sources (which include phone numbers and websites, as well as books).

If you've ever had questions of any type about sex, or about your sexuality, then this is the book to use as a reference. There's nothing silly or embarrassing in this book -- just straight questions and straight answers. There are parts that are humorous, but underneath it all is just frankness for the seriousness of the subject matter. Heather Corinna knows that sex is serious business, and that staying both healthy and happy is, too.

This is a great book! Give it to your sons and daughters, your nieces and nephews, your friends. Read it with them, and don't be afraid to discuss what you've read. If everyone -- regardless of age -- is informed, then sex and sexuality will never have to be a taboo subject.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

I need several hundred copies of this book to give out to everyone I know! My mom and I read it together, my sister and I read it together, then I gave it to a friend and her mom, and never got it back! Now I have to buy another copy!!! It's amazing, as expected, with SO much information!!!! A must read for anyone over 12.

Note: I'm 19, sister is 16, friend is 16... associated parents are in their 40s. Just so you don't think I'm not in the target age group :)

I have given this book to a dozen teens over the years. I wish I had access to this information while going through such a confusing time. Besides, would you rather them gather answers to all those questions through TV and friends??

I purchased several books for my teen, and this one was one that didn't interest her as much - but I have learned a lot from it! It has a lot of insight into the teen mind, and as much as we think we remember what it was like to be a teen, it's easy to forget about all the fears and insecurities they have. I highly recommend this book as a refresher course for parents of teens. My teen preferred the perspectives offered in the books Cycle Savvy and S.E.X. for information that pertained to her.

A great resource for teens, but the pictures are a bit dated. An updated edition is in need. However, the information is still relevant and necessary for all teens.

This is a primer for younger teenagers. It is well written, although it needs to be updated in 2006. It is a textbook more than a think piece. It is a good starter book for parents and younger teenagers.

I was very disapointed with the book. Expanded third edition was deceiving because I thought it was new - my oversight. The book is out of date - I oversee a Center that teaches sex education and this was not helpful.

I purchased this book for my 6 year old and he loves it. Even my three year old loves it. It has wonderful color illustration that show in very easy steps just how to draw each animal. It is very easy to follow, even for those young kids who cannot read quite yet. This is a great book for kids of all ages who love to draw and color.

I love to brag about my daughter's talents but have to admit drawing is not one of them! My five year old daughter would not complete some work in school that had to do with drawing. One time she even broke down crying in school when asked to draw a book so I knew I needed something to help her. This book is great! Very basic. Makes it so easy to learn! I showed my daughter the book and said `Follow the steps and draw the cat' She drew the cat and started laughing! She was so happy she could draw and it was so easy, no frustrations! I love it so much I bought more of these books! So if your child has lots of trouble drawing you should really try this book!

This book is not bad, but it's very basic. My child already can draw most of what is in it. But for preschool or kindergarten kids, it might come in handy. Or for elementary teachers who have kids that hate drawing pictures because they think it's too hard or they don't know how. It gives some nice step by step instructions, but doesn't give a whole lot of variety.

All in all, not bad for those kids who are not up to drawing anything yet. But if your child can draw a cat and fish and such, this book might be too easy and useless for them.

This is a fun book to keep the kids busy and have fun with them. It has easy steps to follow and the kids learned a lot about circles and shapes, and coloring.

From the day my 5 year old daughter got hold of this book and "I can draw people" she is stuck with these. She completed 4 drawings at one sitting and always wants to do more. The best part is the simple visual instruction that shows the way without any adult supervision. Great book!

I bought a book in the Mecha Mania series on how to draw warrior Robots and spaceships for a grandchild for Christmas.This book is wonderful for either an adult or a child who wants to draw the new anamie cartoons. The step by step drawings showing how to use basic shapes to make incredible robots and spaceships allow anyone to explore their creativity.

I BOUGHT SEVERAL OF THESE TYPES OF SKETCH BOOKS FOR MY SON. HE IS TAKING ART IN SCHOOL AND HE LOVES THE HELP THE BOOKS GIVE HIM IN HIS DRAWINGS. HE HAS LEARNED ALOT FROM THE BOOKS ALONE. WE ARE VERY PLEASED!!

I liked it pretty well. But I think it falls into the category "this is how you draw something. period." books. I think it should show you different kinds of guns for mecha, different joint types, head types, torso types, armor types, leg types, weapons in general types, shield types, jet pack/wing types and stuff. I don't think that there is enough things to inspire the mind for drawing original mecha. Instead, it tells you how to draw some limited robot examples.
So why did I give it a 4 if I'm being so negative?! Because as soon as I had merely READ it, without drawing any of the examples, was a ton better at drawing mecha. It also has some things to think about while drawing mecha that will help your drawings quit a bit. It has a little about special effects, which was nice. It tells you how to draw female cyborgs, which I thought most of which was garbage. It did have an interview with some guy from the creators of MechWarrior, which was pretty good. The book is worth the money, I think.

What is the point of this book? Each of the drawings gives just three steps, and the beginning step is very complex--there is no help in figuring out what basic shapes go into it, and it seems like the only thing you can do is copy exactly what the author has done. I wanted something that would teach me to draw this type of character, and instead I just got a book showing off the author's drawings. If it is supposed to be just a showcase, it should be called that--don't try to fool people into thinking it is a way to learn anything.

There are lots of "how-to-draw" robots/mecha books. IMHO this book simply follows the formula of breaking down the title subject into component simple shapes and embellishing with more detail. This is the formula of most how-to-draw books. It's fine to include this if your "mecha how-to" book has more about drawing aspects unique to mecha.

An astute earlier reviewer pointed out that Hart drew none of the examples in the book. How can he discuss a thought and design process that he didn't even contribute to in his own book?!? The art in the book is rarely inspired and in many cases rendered by artists who don't appear particularly interested in mecha.

To its credit, it's fun to read some of the text. Younger readers may enjoy the book as it may be helpful to beginning artists. The best pictures are from the Fasa interview in the back.

For those who want something more advanced, I'd recommend the excellent books by Sherard Jackson of Antarctic Press. He briefly covers the beginning steps of drawing mecha, but gives a meatier discussion on the unique aspects of drawing anime machines. The art definitely has a higher "coolness" quotient and he drew his own pictures!

I ordered this book back in April 30 the impression from the website that was in stock and hence could be shipped out immediately. However, I wasn't given notice that it was shipped until MAY 8 and they have not yet arrived by MAY 11! Who knows about the book itself, since i have not yet received it, butI am NOT satisfied with this order. BEWARE - consider ordering from another music or book website.

Suzinne

Suzuki is a collection of some classic pieces of music which many of us violin players grew up on. It has exerpts from many famous composers (presented progressively in terms of skills level) which can be perfect for performances. However, it needs to be supplemented by other method books which allow more practice, especially in order to develop pitch, sight reading, and techniques.

For those starting out, volume 1 may not have a clear enough presentation of the basics of reading music. I usually start my students on "String Builder," which gives a more step-by-step instruction and offers a whole lot more pieces to practice on (and it also has short duets to play together).

There are only 17 songs in this entire book! NO fiddle music. All the notes are much smaller than all the other books, hard to read. There are finger numbers above all the notes, so you don't learn to read the notes, you read the numbers and make mistakes because you don't know which string you should put the finger on. The accompanying CD is way too fast to play with! The other books give you more to play, to read and contain twice the melodies which are from all different styles.

Just don't get what all the fuss is about with this method if you don't learn to read right and don't play any worthy exercises.

I have played the viola for 5 years and started with Suzuki. Most of the songs are the same in both books. I am now in viola book 4 and it is great. I have been making it into All-County Orchestras by starting with the book!

So many other violin instruction books become dull and boring with their scales and two-line practices. Suzuki, however, is fun. It teaches you to play the violin through songs instead of through hundreds of exercises on boring items. Exercises are provided, of course, but they are icing on the cake.

I began violin with a different method that nearly turned me away. I didn't see the fun in playing a hundred and fifty repetitions of "hot cross buns." I did see the fun in playing Minuets, however, when a new teacher had me switch to Suzuki.

I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. The method is fast, fun, and head-over-heels better than those...other books.