Drawing manga by Selina Dean

Bibliographic Information:
Dean, S. (2006). Drawing manga. London: Collins. ISBN# 139780007231782

Plot Summary:
The first section introduces manga, defining manga comparing it to western comics and anime. The book then discusses the differences between boys’ manga (Shounen) and girls’ manga (Shoujo.) The tools and materials needed are listed. Art concepts are presented from using a reference to copying. A note is given about copy-righted material. The second section is devoted to starting to draw. Dean details how to construct the head, personalize the eyes and hair, and add facial expressions. Drawing hands is next shown along with figures and proportions. Genre styles are distinguished between the average manga character, the cartoony character, the shounen character, the shoujo character, and the chibi character (an infant-looking character.) Dean then goes on to discuss clothing, lighting and coloring, and posing your character. Section three is all about coloring whether using pencils, markers, watercolors, or the computer. The fourth section details constructing your character from the style, the pose, the clothing with an example for each type discussed. Section five goes into creating comics. It discusses the script, the layout, perspective and background. The book finishes with resources and an index.

Critical Evaluation:
This is a great book for the beginner manga drawer or any beginner drawer. Dean’s instructions are easy to understand. She includes color drawing showing examples of what she is describing. Some of these illustrations cover a full page. These illustrations are beautiful. The book is divided into easy to find and understand sections. Most all teens and children in general, are interested in drawing. Manga has become a very popular form of drawing. Teens may feel that they can create manga after reading book, especially since Dean started drawing manga when she was 15. While it does contain some scantily clad manga women and characters carrying weapons, it should be tame enough for most parents of older elementary students. Therefore this book would be a great addition to most all libraries.

Reader's Annotation:
Defines manga and shows how to create it.

Information about the author:
Dean was born on June 2, 1982. She learned drawing “by copying computer game characters, and cels of animation recorded off the TV.” Her interest in manga occurred when she was 15. It so intrigued her that she wanted to draw her own. She has created 23 manga books, including the Fantastic Cat series and Fantasma series.
http://www.sweatdrop.com/aboutus/selinadean.php


Genre: Information; How to; Step by step guide

Curriculum Ties: Art

Booktalking Ideas:
• What is the difference between manga, western comics, and anime?
• What is the difference between boys’ and girls’ manga?
• What type of character would you like to draw?
• Draw manga

Reading Level/Interest Level:
Upper elementary – young adult

Challenge Issues:
Some scantily clad manga women; two characters holding guns; two characters holding a sword

If the book is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire novel.
• Show positive reviews of the novel.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the book:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
Manga is extremely popular with all age groups. I did a search through the public library system and found this book.