Sometimes people ask me, I’d like to make comics what should I read? Well here is a start. A good library will carry one of these. Stay away from books that want you to trace characters or those that water down the creative process in how to make your manga character look battle damaged.

• Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud – An easy introductory read to learn about comics as a medium in general. Plus it’s a comic.

• Perspective for Comic Book Artist by David Chelsea – This is a little more advanced and yet a quick read. This technical book will show you how to make better use of your backgrounds. I works best if you practice the exercises as Cup does them.

• The Art of Comic Book Inking by Gary Martin – This is theory and techniques from some very accomplished inkers. Here you really get down to why inking is NOT tracing but rather rendering. You wouldn’t call penciling doodling would you?

• Drawing Words and Writing Pictures by Jessica Abel and Matt Madden – This massive book is everything a student needs, from tools to processes. It does take a while to read and I am still working my way through it.