Learning to draw manga is an exciting journey for many aspiring artists. With countless instructional books available, it’s crucial to choose resources that genuinely enhance your skills. However, not all “How to Draw Manga” books are created equal. Some may hinder your progress with poor instruction, subpar artwork, or misleading content. This article aims to highlight some of the most criticized manga drawing books, helping you make informed decisions on your artistic path.
Common Pitfalls in Manga Drawing Books
Before delving into specific titles, it’s essential to understand common issues that plague many manga instructional books:
Lack of Fundamental Instruction: Some books focus solely on stylized manga elements without teaching basic drawing principles like anatomy, perspective, and proportion.
Poor Artwork Quality: Instructional books should showcase high-quality examples. Unfortunately, some contain amateurish or inconsistent illustrations that can misguide learners.
Overemphasis on Copying: Encouraging readers to replicate specific images without understanding underlying concepts can impede artistic growth.
Misleading Titles and Content: Titles that promise comprehensive instruction but deliver limited or unrelated content can be frustrating for readers seeking genuine guidance.
Notorious Titles to Approach with Caution
1. “How to Draw Manga” by Ben Dunn
Ben Dunn’s version of “How to Draw Manga” has faced criticism for its inconsistent artwork and lack of depth in instruction. While some sections offer useful tips, many readers have found the guidance superficial and the illustrations lacking in quality. One reviewer noted, “I had to unlearn some of the techniques from this book as they hindered my progress.”
2. “Manga for the Beginner” by Christopher Hart
Christopher Hart is a prolific author of drawing books, but his manga-focused titles have received mixed reviews. Critics argue that his books often oversimplify complex concepts and lack the depth needed for serious learners. A Reddit user commented, “I feel like he’s a western comic artist who doesn’t really get the aesthetic of manga and just wanted to jump on a bandwagon to make money.”
3. “How NOT to Draw Manga” by John Kantz and Chris Reid
This book takes a satirical approach, aiming to highlight common mistakes in manga drawing. However, many readers found the humor juvenile and the instructional value minimal. A Goodreads reviewer mentioned, “The book wants clearly to be risque, but succeeds merely in being juvenile.”
4. Generic “How to Draw Manga” Series by Various Authors
Numerous generic titles flood the market, often with similar names but varying content quality. These books frequently suffer from poor artwork, lack of coherent instruction, and a focus on copying rather than teaching foundational skills. A Reddit discussion highlighted that many of these books “teach you how to draw specific images from the book rather than teaching basic concepts like color theory that would actually be useful.”
Tips for Choosing Quality Manga Drawing Books
To avoid the pitfalls mentioned above, consider the following when selecting instructional books:
Research the Author: Look for authors with a background in manga or illustration. Check their credentials and previous works.
Seek Comprehensive Instruction: Choose books that cover fundamental drawing principles alongside manga-specific techniques.
Read Reviews: Consult reviews from other artists and learners to gauge the book’s effectiveness and quality.
Sample the Content: If possible, preview the book’s content to assess the clarity of instruction and quality of illustrations.
Recommended Alternatives
While this article focuses on books to approach with caution, it’s equally important to highlight resources that have received positive feedback:
“Draw Manga Faces for Expressive Characters” by Hosoi Aya: This book offers over 900 sample illustrations, helping artists understand and create a variety of facial expressions.
“How to Draw Anime and Game Characters” by Tadashi Ozawa: Authored by a professor of manga art involved in the anime “Akira,” this series provides in-depth instruction on character design and anatomy.
“How to Draw Manga” Series by Hikaru Hayashi: This extensive series delves into specific topics like fashion design and fight scenes, offering detailed guidance for intermediate to advanced artists.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to learn manga drawing requires careful selection of instructional materials. While many books promise to teach you the art of manga, not all deliver on that promise. By being discerning and choosing resources that offer comprehensive, high-quality instruction, you can set yourself on a path to artistic growth and success.
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