You Can Do a Graphic Novel Review and Giveaway

With so many movies based on comic book heroes coming out this summer (Green Lantern, X-Men, Captain America), there's going to be a surge of interest in comic books as kids want to find out more about the characters they enjoyed on the big screen. That means lots of young adults are going to be inspired to write their own comic books and graphic novels. But where to start? Comic book artist Barbara Slate's new book, You Can Do A Graphic Novel, is a great primer for kids looking for some instruction. I was offered a review copy of the book, and gladly accepted, knowing I have the perfect test audience: The Pea, who loves to doodle and draw and set her artwork to a story. Keep reading to find out what she and I think of the book (and enter to win one of your own!)....


The Basics
About the book:

Barbara Slate, graphic novelist and author of You Can Do a Graphic Novel guides readers through the same process she learned in her early days working for Marvel and DC Comics-a process she has simplified for the classes she teaches and for the syndicated column she writes.

The book teaches readers how to:

· Be creative in a way that works for you.
· Find your own artistic style!
· Create characters that get people's attention ... and hold it!
· Develop a great plotline and write believable dialogue.
· Lay out pages to keep the story moving forward.
· Keep those creative juices flowing when you get stuck.

The Bongga
I think this is a great book for young would-be graphic artists! It's simple and clear, easy to read and easy to follow.

My daughter is really following through on Barbara's advice to create a "bible" for each of her characters. She's enjoying the process of developing her characters and thinking about what they like to do and how they think. She also loves drawing her characters in different moods!

I love how Barbara makes my daughter stop and think and plan the whole process step-by-step, even down to visualizing page layouts, instead of just rushing in . And call me sexist, but I love that this book was written by a woman who has succeeded big-time in the comic book world -- she's such a great inspiration and role model for The Pea.


The Blah
I know there's probably some copyright issue, but I really would have loved to see some of her Marvel and DC Comic artwork in this book. I don't know whether her name is easily recognizeable among teens (other than die-hard comic book fans, maybe), so seeing some of her professional work might really inspire young readers and convince them she knows what she's talking about.

The Bottom Line
This book is perfect for instructing -- and inspiring -- young graphic artists who are just starting out and don't know how to begin.


Win a copy of You Can Do A Graphic Novel
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a copy of Barbara Slate's You Can Do A Graphic Novel.


Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite cartoon character. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
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I entered the Graphic Novel giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
You could win a graphic novel instruction book by Marvel & DC comics artist Barbara Slate! Enter at @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/bonggaprizes #giveaways




The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on July 5, 2011; I will draw a winner at random on July 6 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a review copy to facilitate the writing of this post, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Book information is provided by the publisher and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.