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Comics & sequential art

First published 1985 · 164 pages

A masterclass in the architecture of visual storytelling, breaking down the invisible mechanics of the comic page.

What it feels like

Reading this book feels like sitting in on a legendary art school lecture, guided by a master of the craft. The pace is steady and methodical, designed to break down the invisible mechanics of graphic storytelling into clear, actionable principles. It carries an authoritative yet deeply inspiring tone, shifting the reader's perspective from passive consumption to analytical creation. The mood is focused and academic, steeped in the rich history of the medium through carefully chosen examples from iconic illustrators. The prose is clear and educational, perfectly complementing the two-color art to explain complex concepts like the application of time, space, and framing. It is an essential, illuminating experience for aspiring artists, writers, and filmmakers eager to master the building blocks of sequential art.

Mood
  • academic
  • creative
  • focused
Tone
  • instructive
  • authoritative
  • analytical
  • inspiring
Pace
steady
Themes
graphic storytelling · visual communication · artistic technique · the mechanics of time and space
The writing
Clear, educational, and analytical, breaking down complex visual concepts into digestible, foundational principles.
The arc
Moves from a foundational understanding of visual elements to an inspired appreciation for the complex mechanics of graphic storytelling.
Who it's for
Aspiring comic artists, illustrators, writers, and filmmakers eager to understand the underlying architecture of visual storytelling.

About the book

From the Publisher: A classic drawing textbook from an American comics pioneer, revised and enhanced for a new generation. Based on Will Eisner's legendary course at New York's School of Visual Arts, this guide has inspired generations of artists, students, teachers, and fans. In Comics and Sequential Art, Eisner reveals the basic building blocks and principles of comics, including imagery, the frame, and the application of time, space, and visual forms. With examples from Eisner's own catalog and such masters as H. Foster, R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Milton Caniff, Al Capp, and George Herriman, this book distills the art of graphic storytelling into principles that every comic artist, writer, and filmmaker should know. 2-color art and text.

Description from Open Library.

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