Manga Now!

Written and illustrated by manga artist Keith Sparrow, this comprehensive, inspiring guide starts with an introduction to manga basics, showing you how to create the ideal workspace and how to overcome fear of a blank page. Discover how to draw all the elements you’ll need, from hands and eyes to perspective, light and shade, as well as how to create show-stopping drama, movement and atmosphere. 

The book then guides you step by step through 16 exciting, action-packed pin-ups allowing you to explore a range of poses, characters and perspectives. Follow the step by steps and the basic techniques to build up your confidence and before you know it you’ll be creating your own action drawings and characters! A sword-wielding heroine takes on a hulking guard; and a mecha warrior engages in flying combat!

This revamped edition is reproduced at a larger size so every step is as clear and dynamic as it can be.

Book Contents

Introduction 6

Space to Work 9

A Material World 10

Overcoming Fear of a Blank Page 13

Reference It! 13

Body Basics 15

A Matter of Perspective 16

Let’s Face It! 17

Express Yourself 18

Hair We Go! 20

Show Your Hands 22

Fabrication 24

Accessorize! 26

Light Stuff 28

Special FX 30

Let’s Draw!

Leaping Punch 34

Shaman Spell 40

Hunted! 48

Swordplay 55

Sprint! 62

Jumping Attack! 69

Ready For Action! 74

Get Your Kicks! 82

Slam Dunk! 88

Don’t Open the Box! 96

Surf’s Up! 104

Mecha War! 112

Full Speed! 120

Heat of Battle 128

Break Out! 134

Incoming! 142

Index 144