Writing for Comics With Peter David

by Peter David

The ultimate guide for anyone who wants to write dynamic comics, Writing for Comics With Peter David teaches readers how to create comics from start to finish. This essential -Provides easy-to-understand guidance for beginners, as well as seasoned advice for intermediate comics writers -Features the expert instruction of highly successful Marvel and DC writer Peter David, whose credits include Spider-Man, Wolverine and the Hulk -Includes illustrations throughout from major comic publishers, showing readers the creation process from start to finish With an eye-catching package and superior advice, this book is a must have for anyone who wants to write comics or graphic novels.

Genres: Writing, Comics, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Graphic Novels Comics, Graphic Novels

175 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2006

About the author

aka David Peters

Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.

Reviews

[Ema · Rating 4 out of 5]

verrrrry helpful

[A.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a handy reference book that covers all the basics of writing a good comic book (or graphic novel). It's broken down into five sections with two appendices:

1) Where do they get those crazy ideas?
2) Characters: What makes heroes and villians stick
3) Conflict and theme
4) Plot and story structure
5) Scripting

Appendices:
1) How to break in
2) And above all don't forget...

In case you're unfamiliar with Peter David, just know that he's a living legend in the comic book world. He's worked with everyone on everything and has won awards for it. This book is filled with practical wisdom from someone who's worked in the industry for years and found success. (If you haven't read his stuff, I highly recommend his run on the Incredible Hulk, and visiting his website, www.PeterDavid.net).

One last thought, if you've studied writing at a college level, or if you have experience scripting, this book may be too basic for you. This is a great introduction for newbies, but might not be for experienced writers.

Highly recommended for new comic (and script) writers.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having recently been asked to write a small graphic story, and not having the first clue, I promptly went down to the local library to find a way to save myself. David's explanations are clear and understandable, and the book has a welcoming, informal (and funny!) tone. But the first two-thirds of it are not really what I was looking for. They're more a Writing 101; all the examples come from comics, but could just as easily apply to short stories or novels or any other form of fiction writing. What I needed, the actual writing-for-comics bit, started two-thirds of the way in, with explanations on script format, word bubbles, working with illustrators and the rest. When it finally arrived, it was very helpful.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his book Writing for Comics with Peter David (Impact Books, $19.99), the prolific writer uses the opportunity as an introduction to basic creative writing, using comics as a foundation. The book is heavily weighted towards 'mainstream' comics because, as David says in the introduction, he's mainly known for his mainstream comics work and if you're buying a book called Writing for Comics with Peter David that's what you're expecting to get. David covers all of the bases from plot to character development to dialogue and illustrates with a multitude of examples from his work and from the work of others.

[Eric Basir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic view in the experience and thinking process of one of the best comic book writers I have indulged in. Although I have some different opinions regarding art direction through writing, I learned alot. However, I recommend reading the Incredible Hulk issues that Peter David wrote. He started somewhere in the 320's. You can see his evolution and his consistent ability to hook the reader. With the help of great artists—such as the budding Scott McFarlane—you will really feel for Bruce Banner and the other characters.

[Mum · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's good. i liked how it broke down some of the basics on creating characters and coming up with dramatic situations. :)

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poor book is going to end up very thumbed through. I mean, honestly, what could be better than writing advice and exercises from Peter David?

[Greg Eekhout · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offers a good rundown of storytelling basics (plot, conflict, theme, etc.), but I wish there'd been more of the mechanics and nuances specific to comics.

[Trey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid breakdown of writing for comics. Nothing too earth-shattering here, but it's nice to see the information captured in one place.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most in-depth look at writing mainstream comics I have come across so far!

David's writing style is very reader-friendly; his tips, tricks and exercises are fantastic!

Read it once, then keep it by your writing desk for a quick reference if you get stuck on an idea.

[翰林院编修]

数据一般。德裔美国人
作为那些想要写动态漫画的人的指南，彼得·大卫教读者如何从头到尾创作漫画。他为初学者提供指导，并为中级漫画作家提供建议，并包括插图，从整体上展示创作过程。

[Fra Enrico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lettura molto piacevole, interessante e istruttiva. A parte una traduzione frettolosa, il libro contiene utili consigli per chi vuole scrivere storie a fumetti. Per "fumetti" però qui si intende specialmente il fumetto seriale di supereroi, di cui l'autore è esperto, mentre davvero poco si parla di graphic novel o di altre forme di narrazione, per immagini e non (anche se non mancano esempi dal cinema blockbuster). Il difetto più grosso tuttavia è la superficialità: il libro è snello, e non approfondisce gli argomenti, finendo per dare dei consigli sì preziosi ma più affini al buon senso che all'arte narrativa.