Manga in Theory and Practice

It was interesting to read the author's take on creating manga. Obviously, he's knowledgeable about the subject. Must read if you've ever thought about creating your own, and worthwhile even if you haven't.

Currently reading, This book seems pretty good and informative so far, a lot of good points, and decently priced,

This is my second time reading this book, I have a physical copy and this is my digital copy. I like how easy and understandable this book is especially for those who want to pursue a career in any creative field be it writing, drawing or comic book creation. What I dislike is that it's a stand-alone book and I would really have looked forward to the author making another part of the series. I would recommend this book to fellow writers, illustrators, and comic book artists and comic book writers. Anyone who wants to get into the business of storytelling. I chose this rating based on how the information was given and how it's easy to follow and apply to your own story telling.

Originally, I went into this book thinking that maybe I should write a manga because that was what I was interested in, and I figured I would hire an artist to do that portion.After reading Hirohiko Araki's book on manga theory, I realized that this was similar to a lot of writing books that I have read before. There were differences to certain approaches, but it was close to what I have read from authors. The pacing of a book is similar, the path of your characters is similar, etc.That is not to say that I do not recommend purchasing this book. The insights into the mind of a mangaka is interesting to read about. At first, I thought he was telling you how his way was the only way, only to find out that he wants you to take what you have learned in his book and do better. Be original. Follow certain paths, but create something brilliant.I felt that it was well written, and I have purchased the first volume in the "JoJo's Bizarre Journey" manga to see the pacing and styles he talks about in his book.Who knows? He may have made a new fan of his work.Definitely worth adding to a writer's, artist's, and creator's shelf.

It came in good condition, just a little scratch on the side but not worth complaining, it’s a bit larger than a regular manga and it looks amazing, can’t wait to read it, don’t know what it’s but the book emits like some kind of energy, like the author’s soul was put into it

Hirohiko Araki advice is an excellent contribute to the mangaka community; however, this book the reader will only get to the middle of Chapter 3 before putting the book down to take notes for contemplation of putting the puzzle together. The Shueisha Inc. who translated this from Japanese into English did not properly structure the paragraphs of this book. Blame Shueisha Inc. editorial staff for disrupting the flow of the story, not Hirohiko -since English is not Hirohiko's native language!Okay, so readers who are interested in being a mangaka will need this read-to-them in short bursts! The introductory chapter is like your grandfather dropping some valuable knowledge before he passes away. You can feel the heart-felt love of Grandfather Hirohiko Araki, and you want to listen to every word; however, you start to listen harder, and harder as chapter 1 is progressing. You fell you must imagine what your grandfather is saying to retain the information. Then comes chapter 2, you loved grandfather Hirohiko's advice, and want to hear more of his stories. Yet, you start to see the story your grandfather telling you start to drift a bit into tell you that abruptly you'll have to come back tomorrow to hear another story.You patiently wait the next day for Chapter 3, and grandfather Hirohaki Araki starts to tell his great story -then all of a sudden half-way through his story you start to feel you need to take notes -because, no longer can you retain all your grandfather's advice through mindful imagery. You ask him to start over from the beginning, and your grandfather tells you the story again, but this time you’re taking notes! *YA* You feel excited! However, again through the 3rd chapter grandfather Hirohiko starts stopping midway through thought patterns to surprise you pictures, and you expect him to explain why he stopped his thought process. Yet, grandfather Hirohiko continues through the story like he never showed you those pictures in the first place. You question yet you ignore his old man ways. He says he'll talk about what he said earlier in a later chapter, but that later comes in the form of listening very very carefully now to put together his knowledge, which starts to become very challenging with much thought.By the 4th chapter grandfather Hirohiko is telling you his stories, and then he starts including subjects that come to mind in related manner. However, the story no longer flows. In the middle of the 4th chapter to start taking limited bullet point notes. This is your grandfather Hikohiko, but he isn't telling you stories that you can follow anymore. What happened you ask? So you press on to read chapters 5,6, and 7, then you begin to realize that grandfather Hirohiko was not giving you advice anymore, it's his words, but someone has butchered them and rearranged them. His story no longer flows. Yet, in short burst of a form of mini stories. You slowly put down the book, and want to cry, for grandfather's Hirohiko's words have been cut-out, rearranged, and miss translated. You realize you no longer have a complete record of your grandfather's wisdom. You have most of his words, but it isn't the same, as it was in the beginning.You will learn with careful reading, not how to draw --yet instead:Who will Guide you to the "Royal Road" (Intro)How to Seize Unclaimed Territory (Chapter 1)When to be inspired by Various Authors (Chapter 2)Where to create a Memorable Character (Chapter 3)What it takes to write a Compelling Story (Chapter 4)Why your art should Express Yourself (Chapter 5)What should a Mangaka Draw (Chapter 6)How to Balance the Elements of a Manga (Chapter 7)Excellent advice book; however, the English paragraph structure is not present, and the copy I received was printed on inexpensive non-acid free paper. CAUTION: There is minimal surprises of adult references in this book.If interested in a "How to" guide, check out "Shojo Beat Manga Artist Academy" by Hiroyuki IIzuka and Amu Sumoto, in conjunction with this book "Manga in Theory and Practice" by Hirohiko Araki are both an excellent combination of becoming the ultimate mangaka.For the Mangaka / Comic Artist creating their own engaging stories:Shojo Beat Manga Artist Academy ("How to" book)The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics ("How to" book)Manga in Theory and Practice: The Craft of Creating Manga (Advice book)Panel One: Comic Book Scripts by Top Writers (Panel One Scripts by Top Comics Writers Tp (New Prtg)) (Compilation book)24 Hour Comics (Compilation book)!!~Any instructional/ tutorial materials for "How to Draw" should be based on the artist's own personal preference~!!

This book is perfect for any aspiring manga artist, or anyone who enjoys fine art in general. Hirohiko Araki is most known for his best selling manga. JoJo's Bizzare Adventure, much to his own dismay. If you're a fan of the series, or really just a fan of the author. this book is a go-to. My only issue with the product is that it arrived with a misfolded page, which really is no big deal since it staightened out after a few days. I love this book so much, and that will never change.

Bought as gift for a friend who’s an aspiring author and a big fan of the series. Was deeply appreciated.