If there is a comic writer more vocal about the craft of creating and fabricating comic stories than Alan Moore that person's name has to be either Will Eisner or Scott Mccloud. That is said with the strongest sense of pessimism, but it certainly isn't said with a least bit of underestimation. Understanding Comics and Comics and Sequential Art are two of the most useful books documenting the intricacies of doing comic stories, and Writing for Comics deserves to be in the same rank. For an essay spanning a mere 48 pages, Writing for Comics tells so much more than books twice its size.
Alan Moore's voice is distinct in the way that he articulates every piece of advice he gives on the thought process required for comic writing, world building, plot and script creation. Sophisticated and yet simple enough for the layman to understand, Moore makes the art of comic writing sound simple and not a difficult and grinding task, making this informative book an infinitely empowering read for prospective creators. Take the second chapter for example. Going through details on how critical thinking can influence the universes existing within comic stories, he even cites examples from his own work to illustrate those details, and he writes all of it in prose that reads like chocolate melting on bare tongue.
He takes an almost ultra-realistic approach to comic writing. He mentions how motivations behind the creation of many comic book characters (superheroes like Batman) are unrealistic, and he lets us know how it should be done instead. But he explains the more fantastical aspects of creating sci-fi and horror stories equally well, with mentions of Swamp Thing and his 2000AD science fiction work illustrating just what he means, right down to specific examples on how he portrayed the Demon or how he used Superman's mythos to great effect.
More of these examples would have made this book a longer, more satisfying read but what's here is already masterful essay writing. Faults are negligible when almost every sentence builds on every paragraph topic with flawless quality, not a word wasted.
If there is an essay that every comic writer needs to read to get a better grasp on the broader picture of plotting and universe creation, this is it. Alan Moore remains one of those writers that can do no wrong.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$5.95
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 16
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Cliente Amazon
Grandioso!
Reviewed in Italy on July 12, 2023
Cliente Amazon
Reviewed in Italy on July 12, 2023
Si tratta di un fascicolo brossurato che, a parte appunto la brossura, richiama nel formato i comics americani.
Il saggio è stato scritto da Moore nel 1985, ma risulta ancora attuale (anzi, avanti!); in 47 pagine (belle "piene", sia di concetti sia di testo: ci sono soltanto alcune vignette a corredo ma non si ha mai l'impressione che quanto stai leggendo sia "poco") Moore parla del fumetto come medium, del rapporto tra sceneggiatore e lettori, del world building e della sceneggiatura vera e propria, portando come esempi i suoi stessi lavori. Conclude con una postfazione aggiunta dall'autore nel 2003, in cui riconsidera alcune delle affermazioni che aveva scritto nel saggio alla luce dell'esperienza acquisita nel frattempo.
L'ho trovato una lettura interessante e arricchente; dopo averlo letto una prima volta lo sto rileggendo con più attenzione, segnandomi le parti più interessanti.
Images in this review
Napalmtheelf
Important and insightful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2020