8 Must-Read Comics Drawing Books for Budding Artists and Experts

Looking for the best comics drawing books? I’ve got you covered.

The list below includes books from legendary artists like Stan Lee and John Buscema, and expert comic writers like Matt Madden and Jessica Abel.

Let’s get right in!

Top 5 Comics Drawing Books

How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way by Stan Lee

Penned by the legendary Stan Lee, this comics drawing book is a must-read for Marvel fans and anyone hoping to learn how to draw their first comics.

Stan Lee collaborates with John Buscema, the remarkable artist behind Conan the Barbarian, the Silver Surfer, Mighty Thor, and Spider-Man.

What’s in it for you:

  • The ultimate guide to creating your own superhero comic book
  • Clear, magnificent illustrations of the mysterious methods of comics
Stan Lee's How to Draw Superheroes by Stan Lee

Stan Lee co-created some of the most iconic superheroes—the X-Men, Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and the Avengers.

In this comics drawing book, he shares all the techniques and skills you’ll need to create your own mighty superheroes. 

What’s in it for you:

  • The tools and techniques for creating strong, inspiring superheroes
  • Priceless insights from one of the most accomplished comic creators of all time
  • How to create a colorful super-universe with villains, sidekicks, monsters, secret hideouts, and so much more!

3. Making Comics by Lynda Barry

Making Comics Paperback by Lynda Barry

In this comics drawing book, cartoonist Lynda Barry will teach you how to create comics and be more creative and spontaneous. 

Barry believes anyone can learn to draw, and at the core of this book is the premise that creativity is crucial to understanding the world around us.

What’s in it for you:

  • How to draw and create your own story
  • Several comics-creating exercises to help hone your skills
The DC Comics Guide to Digitally Drawing Comics by Freddie E Williams II

The DC Comics Guide teaches you how to transition from pen/pencil and paper to drawing digitally.

It offers in-depth knowledge about every part of the digital process and helps artists confidently step into the digital age.

What’s in it for you:

  • The ultimate guide to drawing comics digitally
  • How to draw exciting, dynamic comics with computer tools
  • Detailed step-by-step instructions
  • How to streamline the drawing process + timesaving shortcuts

5. Mastering Comics by Matt Madden and Jessica Abel

Mastering Comics by Matt Madden and Jessica Abel

In Mastering Comics, professors Jessica Abel and Matt Madden teach you how to master comics and graphic novels. 

They offer guidelines for the budding cartoonist on several advanced topics, such as coloring, file formatting, and story composition.

What’s in it for you:

  • Guidelines on story generation, technique, business and industry insights, and narrative tools
  • An excellent textbook for intermediate cartoonists

Other Excellent Comics Drawing Books

6. Drawing Comics Lab by Robyn Chapman

Drawing Comics Lab by Robyn Chapman

Drawing Comics teaches you all the fundamentals for producing comics—from the first doodle to the finalized work.

The book includes comic artists like Tom Hart, Jessica Abel, Eddie Campbell, and James Sturm. 

What’s in it for you:

  • An easy-to-follow book for aspiring cartoonists
  • Highly engaging and accessible comic techniques

7. Drawing Superheroes Step by Step by Christopher Hart

Drawing Superheroes Step by Step by Christopher Hart

In Drawing Superheroes, Christopher Hart teaches you how to create your own superhero-style comics, animated with energy and action.

What’s in it for you:

  • A beginner-friendly book for creating live-action superheroes
  • Techniques for creating compelling characters with chiseled physiques and bold faces
  • A detailed guide for building a comic world filled with supervillains, reporters, mutants, and more
  • Step-by-step tutorial for creating expressions and costumes, adding shadows and light, and more

8. Blank Comic Book by Happy Toddlerz

Blank Comic Book is a blank journal filled with comic book templates to help you unleash your inner creativity.

The book will keep you busy creating your own cartoons and comics for hours. 

What’s in it for you:

  • 150 pages of templates with various styles

Sources

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