The Naked Cartoonist: A New Way to Enhance Your Creativity

I can't believe someone gave Mankoff's marvelous manuscript a lonely one star. Maybe they haven't got a sense of humor. Maybe that person got up on the wrong side of the bed of nails. Who knows? In all due respect, I think that reviewer got the book, but didn't "GET" the book. You really should read it several times to get the gist, the kernel, the Zeitgeist of what he's giving the reader. I found it very entertaining, amusing, and enlightening. In fact, just today, I wrote a hundred gags based on one concept I gleaned from my second reading of The Naked Cartoonist. The first time I read it from cover to cover. Then I decided to read the middle part. Besides that, anytime you can get some clever cartoon creation counseling and exceptional examples from The King of Cartoons (I hope he reads this) one should feel privileged. I gave it four stars only because some of the examples were so small, I ruined my eyes trying to read them (A lawsuit is pending). I would have given it 4.5 stars, but the nice folks at Amazon frown on that. I write a humor blog called Humorous Interludes. It contains a lot of "off the wall" material, including a few cartoons now and then, and a weekly Horror-scope (No plug intended LOL). I use a lot of the concepts Mr. Mankoff recommends. I'd be lost without thinking out of the box, out of the room, out of the building, and out of this world. The book is a good resource to help gag writers and cartoonists in their pursuit of perfection in their art and/or writing. BTW, you can get it for a darn good price these days.Amen!

I have a short list of favorite books on Creativity, (mainly Gabrielle Rico's WRITING THE NATURAL WAY for a practical approach), but just added this one to my list.Mankoff's approach embraces the chaos, insanity and surrealism of how ideas germinate, which can get a bit offputting if you have low tolerance for chaos, insanity and surrealism, but the results are often hilarious - I laughed all through it - and it's filled with lessons about how unpredictable the process can be - a fact that creative people embrace.If you want a sample of his teaching, look up his TED talk ANATOMY OF A NEW YORKER CARTOON. It will give you an idea of what he has to offer.My only criticism is that it gets a bit silly at times, but if a wild child can keep me laughing while learning, that's at least as good as a careful adult who clarifies thoroughly with bullet points but doesn't dare to goof around.

Logical tips but not comprehensive

I wont drone on about this book. Ill lay it out its a nice size book not too big but it is packed with information it could have been stretched into a giant volume but he really puts it all together wall to wall pro tips info and examples. If you are a new cartoonist this book is a must.

Very funny!

Cartoonists need constant creativity, Mankoff gives good insight to the creative process.

Great book to spark creativity for cartooning. Highly recommended.

I don't know why I didn't get this book a long time ago! Not one page goes by that I don't have a tickle in my tummy. A feast of fun and great for anyone who wants to exercise the right brain. And sharpen their funny bone. Much needed for anyone who wants to step over the line and come at issues from another direction. Loved it!

Interesante.

Funny and somewhat unique in its take on things, fun to read