Customer Reviews

Drawing Cutting Edge Comics

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been drawing for a long while, and in different styles, and I was looking for another approach to consider, and Christopher Hart's book caught my interest. "Cutting Edge", it claimed. My curiosity got the better of me and I ordered it.

While at first you can be taken aback by the very Image Comics-like pencilling inside the book, once you get to the text you get disappointed. Hart does not go anywhere near the depth of comics drawing that others do, and does quite frankly a botched job of letting us know what the composition of comics is all about. A very big emphasis is put on run-of-the-mill superbabes as the eternal beauty icon, based on a single, Xerox-ed body type whose only diverging trait from others is some facial construction, attire and hair length and color. The men's anatomy is muscle-bound and not very imaginative, and for such an artist, I would've expected more of a discussion about anatomy and the importance of knowing the various muscle groups.

The definition of "Cutting Edge Comics" is very limiting, claiming in-between lines that publishers like Top Cow and Chaos! Comics are at the forefront of the comics industry, presents a very nearsighted portrait of a very varied and constantly-evolving industry. Some of the redeeming qualities that made me decide to keep this book after all was the good discussion on "cutting edge" perspective, comments by up-and-coming artists, a small interview about comic agents for artists, and some interesting reference shots here and there.

Finally, the very anorexic section on page composition didn't belong in such a work. For anything of the like, I would point artists to Scott McCloud's 1993 "Understand Comics", or more recently, his 2006 "Making Comics".

Overall, I feel this book is more of an attempt to sell the writer's skills to the general populace and beginning artists rather than portrait any realistic outlook on the comic business. If you wish to become the next Jim Lee or Todd McFarlane, this could be a beginner's book for you. If becoming published under an independent label, or a grittier one such as Marvel MAX or Vertigo, is what you aspire to, I highly recommend you look elsewhere, as this book will bring next to nothing for you.

I'm a begining artist and I must say this book helps a lot. I would recommend you start with Hart's earlier book on human anatomy made easy to get you started. This book is for advanced artist looking for that extra something. This book will definately help with that.

The good thing about this book is that most basic drawing ideas are covered: faces, basic anatomy, and perspective. One of the articles I particularly like is the drawing comparison between different top artists (from using the same reference). It gives an idea of how to develop your own unique style rather than copying someone elses. The focus in the "cutting edge" comic market today is to give a "dark" feeling. Hence inking is exaggerated and skin tones are darker (compare Witchblade to Wonder Woman and you'll know what I mean). If you're interested in these aspects of drawing, then this book will give you a taste that no current other book can offer.

Despite the uniqueness of this book, the problem is that book is NOT a stand-alone (all-in-one) guide to drawing "Top-Cow" and "Chaos" style comics. If you are a newbie in drawing, then this book is more eye-candy than an aid to help you. You will have difficulties reaching Al Rio's level of quality on this book alone. There are little step-by-step instructions or diagrams. Since there are different artists contributing to different sections of the book, it can be a distraction. No offense, but I don't really think Chris Hart's artwork is "cutting edge." It looks rather cartoony as another reviewer said. Hence, I think this book can be better streamlined and edited. In addition, there should be more about shading, more about anatomy and poses, and more about creating impact. I think Andy Smith's "Drawing Dynamic Comics" has better basics than this book. In fact, it would be good to pick up that book as well because it gives a different perspective from another author. In any event, this book tries to do too much. I would rather have this book dump all the "basic stuff" and dig deeper into the advanced stuff.

I ordered several comic drawing books, and being an artist for many years, this book adds punch to your drawing arsenal. While this book does not teach you the bare basics of drawing or drawing comics (I highly recommend "Drawing Comics The Marvel Way" If you need the basics) it teaches you how to make your drawings better.

While this comic style may be a "fad" and some critcs say the modern style of comics is overdone and cliched, this book goes beyond the cliches and the fads... it teaches you how to think out of the box, which is what comic fans want.

Recommended!

This book is realllllllllly good. Real good tips and examples too. Tons of examples. I can nit pick and say the section on muscles could have been more detailed. Definately get this book if u want to draw real good.

I bought this book when first starting out. Although you need to have some basic skills to really dive into the later chapters, Hart does start out showing how to draw the face and figures. Def. not an all-in-one drawing book, but the clear writing and helpful illustrations will give those who need some added inspiration to keep practicing.

This book was written for comic afficianodos who want to look at comics, not draw them. Get "Draw Comics the Marvel Way" and "Understanding Comics" by Scott Mccloud if you really want to learn how to create stories using a comic format.

The minute I saw the cover on this book I KNEW I Wanted it went to the bookstore to check it out and ordered it off Amazon for a much better deal.It would be worth the retail either way I love to draw dynamic women and figures this is the best book on body perspective and animation I have bought But Hart is a great illustrator in my book.I got another of his books as a companion with it.

Very inspirational!!...

I have some very good books about Arts, but as a Comic Book artist and Advertising guy I wanted a book about "Comics"

Something with tips, language and ideas about comics... and folks... this is it!

This books is great in every way... I have bought some pretty good books about this genre, as a reference and help just to keep in hand in case you need it...

This Christopher Hart book is inspirational!!!!!

I took one look at this book at the store and bought it right away! Amazing drawings. It's a need to buy. If you want to brush up on your drawing skills then you'll love it. I bought this for son, and he suddenly started to enjoy drawing. I feel that buying this book will only give you posotive results.