What books should new writers read?

[Madzack]

I'm planning to start writing comics, but have no idea where to start.

So I need to know, what books I should read on writing comics?

So far I came across
Panel One

Making Comics by Scott McCloud

Drawing Words & Writing Pictures


Any other books you can recommend?

[Chris2.0]

All, and in as many genres you can find? And definitely not just comics?

But also have a look at good comics, and try to deconstruct them? The dialogue and sound effects are easy, but try to describe what the artist tried to portray in each panel? Then you'll have a good idea already...

But I do have some books about comic writing - I can second any book my Scott McCloud! Especially his Reinventing comics!

I also got the DC guide to writing comics by Denny o'Neil for me, but haven't finished it yet...

And anything by Alan Moore - also check the Amazon related links...

[tudore]

Personal:
Cartooning by Ivan Brunetti - an excellent companion to McCloud
Drawing:
Anything by Andrew Loomis, but especially Figure Drawing for All It's Worth
Anything by George Brant Bridgman, and I've personally usedBridgman's Life Drawing
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
Comics:
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
Guy Delisle's books, of which I've read Pyongyang and Shenzhen
Osamu Tezuka


Recommendations I've received, but not followed up on:
Drawing:
Will Eisner's Comics and Sequential Art
Comics:
King City

What kind of comics do you enjoy reading? What genre are you looking to write for?

[Red Fox]

Hey Madzack,

Those are all great titles you have there, especially for the technical side of creating a comic book script. McCloud's books especially are extremely valuable.

Don't forget to focus on your craft of story. Read books that will help you understand what a story actually is and how to develop your skills of creating a story. The best book for this, funny enough, is entitled Story by Robert McKee. Reading this book will show you how little you actually know about creating a story and what a story actually is. This is a must read. My copy is beat to shit from how much I've read an re-read it. I'm always going back to it and learning new things.

Just remember, story is essential. Learn that skill and you'll be able to put it in a comic script somehow!

[My name is Tommy]

I'm fairly new at writing myself. Well for comics, anyway. nearing 2 years experience. The only thing I've read on the topic book-wise is Making Comics. Honestly, there's a vast amount of good sources for free on the good ol' interwebs. For me personally, while having the technical ends and outs explained is never a BAD thing, if you know writing in general it's just a matter of picking up the format for any story-telling medium. A little monkey see, monkey do has always worked the best for me. Here.

http://www.comicbookscriptarchive.com/archive/

^That sight has been my best friend. You can get on there and download the scripts of major comic pros. Most of them follow a very similar format/structure. Honestly reading scripts has helped with my writing more than reading any how-to ever has.

[westonlocher]

My column all about comic book writing. You'll find this particular installment useful!

http://www.fanboybuzz.com/2012/05/ri...rs-gonna-read/

[Colby]

This is my favorite.

http://www.amazon.com/Alan-Moores-Wr.../dp/1592910122

[amadarwin]

I wouldn't be so focused on books about writing for comics. Like RF said, focus on books that help hone your craft, which is writing itself. As you go, pick up books on screenplay writing and look up existing scripts available online to understand the format better - but keep in mind, not everyone approaches comic script writing in the same format.

On Writing - Stephen King. Very good book with solid advice for writing. While it doesn't get bogged down in the craft of writing itself, there are plenty of lessons to come away with.

For other comic specific tips, check out this thread.

[UberWastrel]

I'm new here but story is my religion. The book I like best for writing ongoing comics is called 'The TV Writer's Workbook.'

http://www.amazon.com/TV-Writers-Wor...8590526&sr=1-1

It was written by a working tv writer (which has some of the same concerns as a monthly comic - fixed length, characters can't change too much, serialized.)

Plus it was written by someone who actually works as a professional writer. When I first went to film school I was completely enamoured with McKee but it didn't work for me. I find a lot of these structure gurus have interesting theories, but they feel like they come out of analysis after the fact.

I'm reading an interesting writing book now called "Invisible Ink." It was recommended on comixtribe.com. It's been a good start.

[UberWastrel]

I'm new here but story is my religion. The book I like best for writing ongoing comics is called 'The TV Writer's Workbook.'

http://www.amazon.com/TV-Writers-Wor...8590526&sr=1-1

It was written by a working tv writer (which has some of the same concerns as a monthly comic - fixed length, characters can't change too much, serialized.)

Plus it was written by someone who actually works as a professional writer. When I first went to film school I was completely enamoured with McKee but it didn't work for me. I find a lot of these structure gurus have interesting theories, but they feel like they come out of analysis after the fact.

I'm reading an interesting writing book now called "Invisible Ink." It was recommended on comixtribe.com. It's been a good start.