How to Make Webcomics
by Brad Guigar, Dave Kellett, Kris Straub, Scott Kurtz
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Book Summary Information
Author: Brad Guigar, Dave Kellett, Kris Straub, Scott KurtzEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-01-31
ISBN: 158240870X
Number of pages: 200
Publisher: Image Comics
Book Reviews of How to Make Webcomics
Book Review: Already dated, and the business model is not realistic
Summary: 3 Stars
I'd still buy this, but be warned: the business model is unprofessional and unreliable. This may be why two authors of four carry full time jobs. The advice about what kind of comic to pursue does not match with what kinds of comics are successful, probably because these are black and white strip artists with a long record of newspaper rejection.
An alternate business model would not rely on Kellett's questionable anecdotal data and would involve real research and footnotes. For all the cheering about a career in webcomics, the authors become defensive when asked to substantiate claims, and seem to feel the fact that a career in webcomics is possible is proof enough. I am of the opinion that any book called "How to Make Webcomics" should explain exactly that, including the essential business portion, which is shaky and lacking key data.
The fact that the authors are quite willing to hurl written insults at web reviewers who are merely lukewarm suggests a lack of confidence in their own work. Cartoonists who question the business assumptions, including those with accomplished careers, are called "bitter failures" on the web by the authors. "Not everyone can be a cartoonist," preaches co-author Kurtz ignorantly, to a cartoonist whose circulation actually appears to exceed most of the four authors' titles. These are the most pugnacious authors since Norman Mailer was throwing punches at cocktail parties.
My message to shoppers is there is value, but the pitch about becoming a cartoonist is unrealistically hyped, using greatly exaggerated numbers and hype to excite people into opening their wallets. Webcartooning is one of the riskiest career choices one can make, and competitors number in the thousands. The authors claim frequent cautions to readers, but these vague qualifications are outnumbered by cheerleading and "on to the next step" formulations that don't match reality.
It's a shame these authors are so defensive. Simply absorbing comments and recording the best for volume 2 would leave their micro-celebrity status untarnished, but they seem to come from a background where truth is devalued and shouting down critics is OK. It shows in the book.
Summary of How to Make Webcomics
For years young, creative men and women have dreamed about making a living from their comic strips. But until recently their only avenue of success was through a syndicate or publisher. Now more and more cartoonists are doing it on their own and self-publishing their comic strips on the web. With the right amount of work, knowledge, and luck, so, too, can you. Scott Kurtz and Kristopher Straub offer their advice on how to create compelling characters, develop a solid comic strip, build a website, forge a community, and start earning money from your Webcomic without having to sell your soul. Written by the Eisner award winning cartoonist behind PVP, Scott Kurtz! PvP received 1.3 Million unique page views in Q1 2007 and averages 150k-200k per day!Graphic Design Books
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