Mention Shaft and most people think of Gordon Parks' seminal 1971 film starring Richard Roundtree in a leather coat, walking the streets of Manhattan to Isaac Hayes' iconic theme music. But the black private dick who inspired the blaxploitation film genre actually made his debut on the printed page as the creation of a white novelist. Ernest Tidyman was a seasoned journalist down on his luck when he decided to try his hand at fiction. Shaft was the result, giving Tidyman the break he was looking for. He went on to become an Academy Award winning screenwriter and respected film producer. Based on extensive research of Tidyman's personal papers, this book tells the story of Shaft from the perspective of his creator. The author provides new insight and analysis of the writing of the Shaft novels, as well as the production of the films and TV series. First-ever coverage of the forgotten Shaft newspaper comic strip includes previously unseen artwork. Shaft's recent reappearance on the printed page is discussed, as well as his imminent return to the big screen.

Illustrator Djamila Knopf leads us through her world, where anime-influenced characters, exquisite settings, and the process of creating fantasies enchant her fans worldwide. Having settled on her own authentic, creative style, featuring line art and a palette of delicate, yet impactful, colors, Djamila has decided to write a book that charts her journey. Japanese art was a key influence from an early age, and the book illustrates how Djamila has fused her favorite aspects of anime with her own, the result being a unique style that has captured the attention of both art fans and the industry. Her approach to storytelling and ideation are covered in depth; although artists have different approaches, Djamila shares her own experiences and insights to help readers fine-tune their own early stages of creation. As a fantasy artist, symbolism and fantastical scenes have always been part of Djamila's world, and here she shares how she works with these, as well as finding very personal connections to even the most general of concepts. The final leg of the journey is visiting Djamila's own studio, where she discusses being an independent artist, her daily routine and workspace, and the practical aspect of time management and motivation.

Mooch the cat desperately wants to find a gift for his friend - Earl the Dog. 'But what do you give the guy who has everything?' Mooch wonders. The answer, of course, is nothing! This simple story features characters from one of the world's most successful comic strips - Patrick McDonnell's Mutts. With the same warmth and charm that he brings to the daily cartoon McDonnell's delightfully spare illustrations and simple text have created a book with the makings of a classic - perfect for gift-giving all year round.

Do you want to learn how to draw manga characters from scratch? Then look no further! Aimed specifically at beginners, this book includes examples from the main genres of manga characters and will teach you how to draw different characters in distinct poses. Starting with simple exercises and gradually getting more complicated, there are sections covering Kodomo (child), Shonen (teenage boy), Shojo (teenage girl) and Seinen (youth) characters to practise. To help you along the way, there are clear step-by-step instructions, with 10 exercises for each genre. Friendly chibis also pop up every so often to offer tips and advice to keep in mind while you are drawing. Extensive advice on finishing techniques ranges from colouring by computer, using pen and ink, paintbrush, felt-tip pen and pencils, both in black and white and colour. For the best start to your manga-drawing journey, this book will inspire you to explore and improve your skills.

The projects shown in this book create extraordinary effects that make us doubt and fall for their magic. Waves and mazes, overlapping images, the stereoscopic vision tricks of graphic or space designs, the works showcased are wonderful examples of what an optical illusion is and how it tickles our mind.

A new theoretical framework that critiques many of the assumptions of comics studies It has become an axiom in comic studies that "comics is a language, not a genre." But what exactly does that mean, and how is discourse on the form both aided and hindered by thinking of it in linguistic terms? In Comics and Language, Hannah Miodrag challenges many of the key assumptions about the "grammar" and formal characteristics of comics, and offers a more nuanced, theoretical framework that she argues will better serve the field by offering a consistent means for communicating critical theory in the scholarship. Through engaging close readings and an accessible use of theory, this book exposes the problems embedded in the ways critics have used ideas of language, literature, structuralism, and semiotics, and sets out a new and more theoretically sound way of understanding how comics communicate. Comics and Language argues against the critical tendency to flatten the distinctions between language and images and to discuss literature purely in terms of story content. It closely examines the original critical theories that such arguments purport to draw on and shows how they in fact point away from the conclusions they are commonly used to prove. The book improves on the field's use of existing scholarly disciplines and furthers the ongoing sophistication of the field. It provides animated and insightful analyses of a range of different texts and takes an interdisciplinary approach. Comics and Language will appeal to the general comics reader and will prove crucial for specialized scholars in the fields of comics, literature, cultural studies, art history, and visual studies. It also provides a valuable summary of the current state of formalist criticism within comics studies and so presents the ideal text for those interested in exploring this growing area of research. Hannah Miodrag, Leicester, United Kingdom, is a postdoctoral fellow of English at the University of Leicester. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Comic Art, Studies in Comics, and PEER English: The Journal of New Critical Thinking.

Contributions by Kenneth Baker, Jaqueline Berndt, Albert Boime, John Carlin, Benoit Crucifix, David Deitcher, Michael Dooley, Damian Duffy, M. C. Gaines, Paul Gravett, Diana Green, Karen Green, Doug Harvey, Charles Hatfield, M. Thomas Inge, Leslie Jones, Denis Kitchen, Jonah Kinigstein, John A. Lent, Dwayne McDuffie, Andrei Molotiu, Alvaro de Moya, Kim A. Munson, Cullen Murphy, Gary Panter, Trina Robbins, Antoine Sausverd, Rob Salkowitz, Art Spiegelman, Scott Timberg, Carol Tyler, Brian Walker, Alexi Worth, Joe Wos, and Craig Yoe Through essays and interviews, Kim A. Munson's anthology tells the story of the over-thirty-year history of the artists, art critics, collectors, curators, journalists, and academics who championed the serious study of comics, the trends and controversies that produced institutional interest in comics, and the wax and wane and then return of comic art in museums. Audiences have enjoyed displays of comic art in museums as early as 1930. In the mid-1960s, after a period when most representational and commercial art was shunned, comic art began a gradual return to art museums as curators responded to the appropriation of comics characters and iconography by such famous pop artists as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. From the first-known exhibit to show comics in art historical context in 1942 to the evolution of manga exhibitions in Japan, this volume regards exhibitions both in the United States and internationally. With over eighty images and thoughtful essays by Denis Kitchen, Brian Walker, Andrei Molotiu, Paul Gravett, Art Spiegelman, Trina Robbins, and Charles Hatfield, among others, this anthology shows how exhibitions expanded the public dialogue about comic art and our expectation of "good art"-displaying how dedicated artists, collectors, fans, and curators advanced comics from a frequently censored low-art medium to a respected art form celebrated worldwide.

From the mangaka who told his life story in A Drifting Life, and gave you Abandon the Old in Tokyo and The Push Man and Other Stories, comes this collection of gekiga of the 1970s which have never before been translated into English. Personally selected for publication exclusively by Landmark Books by Tatsumi, the stories strip away the gloss of the Japanese Economic Miracle to reveal the stresses, desires and angst of the millions of young people who flocked to the cities where life was not what it was promised to be.Compared to Tatsumi's earlier stories, this collection paints a much more pessimistic world. The stories run on a different beat. The banality of modern life and its values bleed through.Yoshihiro Tatsumi plumbs the depths of the lost Japanese youth of the 1970s. Today, 'youth' of every age group appreciates Yoshihiro Tatsumi. They are attracted to him because they connect with the struggles and the darkness of modern life which he portrays.

In a world wedged somewhere between past and future, an airship drifts gently among pillow-soft clouds. This is the Tomeship--purveyor of used books and fresh coffee across the skies. It can only be seen by those who bear the Gearform Scar on their hearts. Are you one such soul? Immerse yourself in a gorgeously illustrated magical realm and find out!

One of the most successful and popular artists to work in comics, Jim Lee is revered by fans worldwide thanks to his hyper-dynamic artwork and innovative character and costume design.

Now, his work on Batman and Superman -- not to mention his legion of WildStorm heroes including WildC.A.T.s, Divine Right and Deathblow -- is celebrated in this beautiful hardback, which includes an exclusive interview with Jim Lee, a tour of his studio and hundreds of full-colour illustrations and pencils spanning his entire career!

Plus an all-new cover by Lee and an exclusive, all-new eight-page comic strip, written by Paul Levitz ("Legion of Super-Heroes") with art by Lee!

Amid the controversy surrounding immigration and border control, the work of California cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz (b. 1964) has delivered a resolute Latino viewpoint. Of Mexican descent, Alcaraz fights for Latino rights through his creativity, drawing political commentary as well as underlining how Latinos confront discriminationon a daily basis. Through an analysis of Alcaraz's early editorial cartooning and his strips for La Cucaracha, the first nationally syndicated, political Latino daily comic strip, author Hector D. Fernandez L'Hoeste shows the many ways Alcaraz's art attests to the community's struggles. Alcaraz has proven controversial with his satirical, sharp commentary on immigration and other Latino issues. What makes Alcaraz's work so potent? L'Hoeste marks the artist's insistence on never letting go of what he views as injustice against Latinos, the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. Indeed, his comics predict a key moment in the future of the United States-that time when a racial plurality will steer the country, rather than a white majority and its monocultural norms. L'Hoeste's study provides an accessible, comprehensive viewinto the work of a cartoonist that deserves greater recognition, not just because Alcaraz represents the injustice and inequity prevalent in our society, but because as both a US citizen and a member of the Latino community, his ability to stand in, between, and outside two cultures affords him the clarity and experience necessary to bea powerful voice.

Works by the great artist of "Luther Arkwright," "The Tale of One Bad Rat" and, most recently, "Alice in Sunderland." From illustrations, covers to comics, Talbot presents his best.

"The definitive educational title to bring readers through the journey of comic strips from the perspective of British history... a whole new world of information and staggeringly beautiful art." - Comic Beat This wildly entertaining and educational tome is a journey through the history of British comics - from the birth of the 20th century to the 80s invasion of American comics by the likes of Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons and Kevin O' Neill (to name but a few), right up to today's up-and-coming British art stars and the talents of tomorrow. Revealing the extraordinary history of the UK's prolific comic book industry from the 19th Century to the 21st, this ground breaking volume celebrates the incredible artists who made a huge impact on British comics and would go on to revolutionize the industry on a global scale. Featuring a Who's Who of talent, including Brian Bolland, Yvonne Hutton, Dave Gibbons, celebrated greats such as Don Lawrence and lost masters like Reg Bunn and Shirley Bellwood. Author and 2000 AD artist David Roach takes us on a journey through time detailing the surprising and fascinating evolution of the art from its humble beginnings to its current world-conquering status. Including artwork from a vast number highly-acclaimed artists, carefully scanned from original artwork, Masters of British Comic Art is the definitive study and celebration of a beloved industry.

Stefano Mazzotti and Vincenzo Silvestroni, that wild duo that put massive heat in the "Velvet Love" series, is back again with a new collection of blistering images and concepts! Tattoos are the subject - ink on girls to be more specific! A showcase of young ladies are illustrated, and then illustrated upon, each relating their own unique story as to the whys and where's (like which part of their most personal real estate is about to get a forever makeover!). Let's face it - tattoos are hot, and cute girls who want them are even hotter! The "Velvet Love" team is certainly up to the challenge of making all this happen - the resulting book is jaw-dropping perfection!

Discover the world of Labyrinth in this guide to the wondrous creatures of the Goblin King's realm, featuring illustrations by acclaimed artist Iris Compiet. From Ludo to Sir Didymus, to the Goblin King's legion of mischievous minions, Jim Henson's Labyrinth is packed with wondrous beings and chaotic critters. For the first time, Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Bestiary - A Definitive Guide to the Goblin King's Realm brings their world to life. Exploring the nature and behavior of each creature through original illustrations and insightful text, this is a must-have book for fans of Labyrinth, Jim Henson, and the fantasy genre. - ALL-NEW LABYRINTH ART: Experience the world of Labyrinth in a whole new way through the stunning art of acclaimed illustrator Iris Compiet (The Dark Crystal Bestiary: The Definitive Guide to the Creatures of Thra). - DISCOVER THE CREATURES OF LABYRINTH: This book features an in-depth look at every creature from the world of Labyrinth, covering the beloved 1986 movie as well as the wider world of the Goblin King's realm, including the hit comics and the original novelization. - AN EPIC ADDITION TO YOUR HOME LIBRARY: A gorgeous volume filled with incredible artwork, Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Bestiary is the definitive tribute to the fantastical creatures of this much-loved classic.

In Chibi Art Class, renowned anime artist Yoai teaches you the art of chibi, step by adorable step. Chibi is Japanese slang for "short," and chibis are mini versions of Japanese anime and manga characters defined by their large heads and tiny bodies, both of which contribute to their kawaii, or cuteness, factor. Now, you too can learn to draw these adorable doll-like characters. Here, you'll learn how to create chibis' signature bodies, facial features, and props, including dreamy eyes, fun clothes and shoes, vibrant hair, colorful accessories, and lively backgrounds. You'll also learn how to color and shade your vertically challenged characters for optimal cuteness. This book also features: 19 tutorials with simple step-by-step illustrations and instructions for drawing chibis, including a chibi character for every month of the year as well as adorable chibi beasties An inspiration gallery with ideas for eyes, hairstyles, clothing, props and accessories, and ears and tails Blank body bases for you to start your own chibi drawings Uncolored chibis for practicing coloring and shading Thanks to this crash course, soon you will be enhancing your notebooks, stationery, artwork, and more with your own unique chibi world. Chibi Art Class is now in session!

Part of a series of exciting and luxurious Flame Tree Notebooks. Combining high-quality production with magnificent fine art, the covers are printed on foil in five colours, embossed, then foil stamped. And they're powerfully practical: a pocket at the back for receipts and scraps, two bookmarks and a solid magnetic side flap. These are perfect for personal use and make a dazzling gift. This example features Heath Robinson's The Ideal Home

Laughing. Grieving. Being a kid. Even the purest expression of pleasure, the most human display of sorrow, or the simplest delight of childhood is an act of resistance if you happen to be Black. This immersive hardcover book features forty defiantly joyful illustrations by artist and educator Ajuan Mance, each artwork depicting a person of African descent going about their everyday business. Begun as Mance's personal response to the groundswell of Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, LIVING WHILE BLACK denounces the excessive surveillance, harassment, and violence aimed at Black folks engaged in the activities of everyday life-and celebrates the courage and resilience of the Black community. Fittingly, the book also features a foreword from Alicia Garza, BLM founder and principal at the Black Futures Lab. Mance's thoughtful meditation on what it's like to be Black in America makes a wonderful tool for teachers, students, activists, and parents navigating conversations about racism and resistance.

Experience SEKIRO's unique take on the blood-soaked history of Japan's Sengoku Period with over 300 pages of storyboards, character designs, and concept art!

This richly illustrated work is a history, critical analysis, and celebration of the Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Studio, Britain's leading and most influential animation company from 1940 to 1995. This lavish study draws on the archives of the Halas & Batchelor Collection and looks at the studio's key works, including "Animal Farm," Britain's first full-length animated film; "The Tales of Hoffnung," with the legendary Peter Sellers; and the cult classics "Butterfly Ball," featuring the work of Beatles illustrator Alan Aldridge, and "Autobahn," with the music of Kraftwerk. The book includes an autobiographical account by Vivian Halas, daughter of the company's founders, as well as critical insights by animation professor Paul Wells. Animation worldwide is indebted to John Halas and Joy Batchelor for their outstanding work. This book explores their legacy.

The first compact history of the American poster with 80 full color reproductions and an essay on poster design. The "modern" American poster has figured prominently in virtually every major political, social, commercial, and cultural development in the country. With arresting images and text, these posters have informed and sold Americans on election campaigns, the nation's war efforts, protest movements, consumer products, travel, entertainment, etc. They also comprise a history of U.S. graphic design, reflecting dramatic changes in style, advertising theory, and printing, as well as the emergence of key graphic designers. The American Image provides a rare survey of this popular art, spanning more than one hundred years. Selected from the Resnick Collection, the book analyzes some 70 posters representative of every significant style and theme. They range from design masterpieces to works of historical value, from posters by renowned designers to those created anonymously, and from celebrated images to those never before published. This handsome book includes superb, full-color reproductions; an incisive essay on American poster design by R. Roger Remington; and a preface and authoritative commentary on each image by Mark Resnick. MARK RESNICK is currently Executive Vice-President, Business Affairs, for Twentieth Century Fox. He has assembled what is likely the foremost private collection of American posters spanning the 1890s to present. R. ROGER REMINGTON is the Massimo and Lella Vignelli Distinguished Professor in Design in the School of Design, Rochester Institute of Technology. He is the author of several books, the most recent of which is American Modernism: Graphic Design, 1920 to 1960.

A guided sketchbook with templates for telling stories like a graphic novelist, with tips and tricks from ten comic artists. This guided journal is both template and mini-course in graphic storytelling. The notebook includes 160 pages of comic templates and is filled with exercises and insider tips from ten established comic artists. With differing styles and backgrounds, the artists offer illuminating and insightful ideas to expand anyone's drawing and storytelling skills. The book includes funny & engaging exercises for how to convey emotion, time, and perspective through drawing, sequencing and storytelling.