Book Description

Animals are a staple of animation, largely because the medium gives them a voice. Some of the most memorable animated characters are animals-Dumbo, Simba, Scrat from Ice Age-as are many of Osamu Tezuka's greatest anime heroes. Tezuka School of Animation, Vol. 2, teaches you how to animate your favorite animals. Learn to capture the movement and natural traits of a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, bats, snakes, and even insects. ... Read more

Book Description

3D Modeling and Animation: Synthesis and Analysis Techniques for the Human Body covers the areas of modeling and animating 3D synthetic human models at a level that is useful to students, researchers, software developers and content generators. The reader will be presented with the latest, research-level, techniques for the analysis and synthesis of still and moving human bodies, with particular emphasis in facial and gesture characteristics. ... Read more

Book Description

Gardner's Guide to Feature Animation Writing: The Writer's Road Map teaches how to develop marketable animation stories and scripts. Through a simple analogy, you will come to understand the basics of writing for animated features while discovering the distinctions between animation and live-action scripts and examining feature animation genres. In addition, you will be given the tools to create cohesive plot structures for the animated screenplay, fascinating characters, original scenes, and dynamic dialogue. And if you are a bit intimidated about integrating comedy into your animation screenplay, never fear, for once you've mastered Chapter 14 on comedy cones, your script will have the reader laughing out loud. Includes the "secret" and scene-by-scene specific structure included in Gardner's Guide to Screenwriting, with some minor variations. By applying this structure creatively and effectively, your feature animation script will stand out among the thousands of scripts that circulate around studio lots. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A bit formulaic... but appropriate for the status quo
While there was some good information to be gleaned from this book, I found the methods presented rather formulaic... but given the current crop of formulaic, predictable and commercially tied-in animated movies in the past few years, I guess it's appropriate. I also found the driver/city block metaphor rather irritating after a while. But still, some useful ideas in here, hopefully one can learn "The Rules" to be able to break them and try to go outside the status quo and create something that isn't geared towards selling more toys to kids. Not surprising that the entire genre of adult animation was ignored (i.e., Anime, Bakshi, "Heavy Metal") since it's not commercially viable.

Tips on honing a uniform technique
Because animation writing is so closely tied to the creation of animation itself, Gardner's Guide To Feature Animation Writing: The Writer's Road Map is reviewed here rather than in our art resource section. Chapters cover the basics of how to link animation to story lines, discussing differences between different animation genres and how scripting differs between animation and live action scenes. Especially invaluable are the tips on honing a uniform technique and presentation to appeal to buyers and enhance sales of animation scripts. ... Read more

Book Description

The annual Spike & Mike Festival of Animation, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is the leading venue for the underground animation movement and has helped launch the careers of talents such as Nick Park and Peter Lord of Aardman (Wallace & Gromit; Chicken Run), John Lasseter (Toy Story; Monsters, Inc.), Craig McCracken (Powerpuff Girls), Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-head), and many other cutting-edge filmmakers. In this first-ever survey of the festival's influential work, animation historian Jerry Beck traces the evolution of the festival from a rock concert "filler" to its own arena-sized event that now attracts half a million "toonheads" yearly.

This fun, irreverent volume is lavishly illustrated with frame grabs, rare production stills, original artwork, and behind-the-scenes photographs, and features interviews with a number of the top underground animators. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a missed opportunity
As much as I like Jerry Beck I wish he hadn't sold himself out with this overly sanitized "Spike and Mike approved" version of their festival's history. Here we just get an extended regurgitation of Spike and Mike's self glorifying press release along with many pretty photographs. I used to attend this festival in my college days and have friends who've worked behind the scenes, so I really wished this book showed some actual guts. Where's the sex and the drugs and the seedy backstage goings-on at the festival? Why is there no mention of the festival's universal stunning decline in quality in recent years? Why is there no accounting for all the animators that allegedly refuse to submit work to, much less even speak to, this festival anymore? That's the book I'm still waiting to read! If you're a casual fan not interested in animation history and just want to look at pictures, I guess this book would be for you though.

Hurrah for Spike and Mike
Usually animation books tend to focus upon the producers of animation - the Disneys, the Joneses and the Freelings. But little, except for a few videos and DVDs has focused upon the work of promoters. This book lovingly pays tribute to Spike Decker and Mike Gribble - two men who are probably the most responsible for the reemergence of short animation in a world that had been stupefied by the pap that was passing for Saturday morning cartoons. The book is divided into three neat sections. First a history of Spike, Mike and their Festivals of Animation sets the stage and helps show thee pair's growth and influence upon developing animators. Then Beck looks at what he considers the ten best pieces to come out of the festivals. Many of these animators have gone on to become household names producing regular animation shows on the Cartoon Network. He also highlights many of the other animators by showing off numerous still shots of their work. Finally for the third part he lets the animators speak for themselves, interviewing them on Spike and Mike, and the pair's role in nurturing emerging animators. This is a fascinating book for any fan of modern animation, especially those of us lucky enough to have seen many of the Spike & Mike Festivals. It is sad that we have lost Mike Gribble, but this book shows that his legacy lives on and continues to grow beyond Spike and Mike's wildest dreams. ... Read more

Book Description

Art of Ranma ½ features color illustrations of a half-boy, half-girl pursued by lovesick suitors of both genders. The book includes paintings and designs that show why this martial arts/teenage romance/sex comedy was one of the most popular shows ever. Ranma ½ ran over 150 episodes in Japan, and two theatrical Ranma ½ movies and several original animated videos have been released. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Well Presented Book of Ranma Art
VIZ finally decided to release one of the dozens of artbooks associated with the series they own US rights to, and they've done a nice job. True, it lacks the character sketches and early work present in most Japanese-release artbooks, but the selections are excellent for the series and Takahashi Rumiko's comments are interesting for the heavy Ranma 1/2 fan (or even fans of her other works, such as Inu-Yasha or the Mermaid Saga).

The simple nature of Takahashi's art doesn't make it any less enjoyable. It's whimsical and charming.

Of interest only to hardcore 'Ranma 1/2' fans
I have great respect for Rumiko Takahashi. She is one of the six great creators whom I believe wanna-be comic book writers and artists MUST study if they are to truly contribute to the genre, whether they like manga or not. However...

I found myself dissapointed with "The Art of Ranma 1/2," eventhough it confirmed what i already knew to be true. (That's why it gets 3 Stars... it's a good book, but...)

Rumiko Takahashi is, first and foremost, a cartoonist. This is very clear in her "The Art of Ranma 1/2." This book of paintings culled from a variety of sources, such as video covers and pin-ups and posters from the 'Ranma 1/2' series' original run in a Japanese anthology comic book are pretty, but they are nothing special. Takahashi's talent shines when it is applied to panel art rather than single illustrations.

"The Art of Ranma 1/2" is only of interest to hardcore "Ranma 1/2" fans... but if you're one of those, it's a must-own. Takahashi offers a range of insight into the how's and why's of the series and the illustrations in an interview and through liner notes. But, as an art book, it should probably be passed on.

A great book.
112 pages of full color images from volume covers, Ranma calendars and posters. The chapters inside the book: Boys and Girls, Everyone Together, Everything is Martial Arts, Girls in Love, Relationship Chart, Rivalry Chart and Rumiko Takahashi Interview. Comments from the author appear here and there on many of the pages, as she tells you which she likes, why it looks like that, what it was made for and so on. A must for a fan (and frankly only a fan could unravel the charts). ... Read more

Amazon.com review of "3-D Human Modeling and Animation, First Edition"

Never forgetting that "the human form is the most valuable and challenging resource in fine art," 3-D Human Modeling and Animation helps make the transition from 2-D to 3-D--working with height, width, and now depth--easier. Student artists and animators learning or expanding their skills for modeling and animating digital humans will find this book a great resource.

Lessons and instruction begin by modeling the feet, progressing upward through the body, and then ending with the head (the head being the most complicated to create). The modeling approach you'll use involves skinning cross-sectional splines and contours, a system that uses a series of curved or straight outlines and then connects them. Students will find the various procedures used here helpful, no matter what software or hardware setup they're using.

In an example on human motion, you consider the movement of clothes on the human body, which tend to move separately--the swing of a skirt as it twirls opposite the human figure, for example. Animate your characters with secondary actions, the book suggests, so that their movements look more realistic and dramatic.

While there is no companion CD-ROM, this book offers plenty of illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and student exercises. Whether you're just learning to model or want to expand beyond your 2-D skills and make the leap into the 3-D arena, you'll find 3-D Human Modeling and Animation a good place to start. --Brooke Gilbert

Topics covered: the basics of modeling, seamless models, how body parts move, visual dynamics (rhythm, tension, direction), composition, directing the viewer's eyes, scene outlines, understanding lighting configurations, and animating humans. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Great for most 3D Modeling and Animation software!
Great for most 3D Modeling and Animation software! I found this book to be very versatile and great for organic modeling. Our studio uses LightWave 3D, which functioned quite well with the book. His setup for a human skeleton worked perfectly with this software. As far as features that my software package didn't support yet, such as lofting, it was easy to find replacement or equivalent techniques, such as rail extrude, to accomplish the tasks. I could see that this book would work exceptionally well with programs that are spline or NURBS based, such as Maya, SoftImage, Rhino, Form Z, Strata Studio Pro, Presenter 3D, etc. He outlines unique methods for modeling with NURBS, splines, and MetaNURBS. His techniques for constructing models are very original. I learned a lot from them. There are so many color and black and white illustrations that you could just follow these without even reading the text! I was impressed by the quality of the student work, which obviously proves that his methods are effective. I found it easy to adapt this book to the software that I'm using, Lightwave 3D. It's an amazing book!

Mike Rich, Success Media, Los Angeles, California

Our students use this book to create stunning animations...
Our Computer Animation students use this book to create stunning character animations. As a result, our alumni have been very successful in finding jobs at major studios such as PIXAR, MetroLight Studios, ABC Interactive, Encore Productions, etc.

Peter Ratner's book outlines the process of modeling and animating male and female human models in easy to follow steps. His illustrative directions guide one through every aspect of the human anatomy; all the way down to minute details such as modeling the fingernails. The author assumes nothing of the reader and therefore goes to great lengths to explain everything as clearly as possible. There are hundreds of illustrations that show each step in the modeling and animation process. In fact, there isn't one page in the book that doesn't have at least one illustration in it.

Professor Ratner's exquisite 3D illustrations are his own and exemplify the fact that he is an accomplished artist as well as author. As a 3D artist he understands the problems that face 3D modelers and animators. Unlike other authors who depend on outside artists to supply illustrations and techniques for their books, Professor Ratner is able to create his own. The numerous color illustrations from his former students are a significant testimonial to the effectiveness of his teaching methodology.

Our department has found it very easy to adapt this book to the various software packages that we are using. For example, even though the book is geared toward spline and NURBS based software, the students who are using LightWave have successfully adapted it for polygon modeling, boning and animating. The book is geared toward mid-level to high-end modeling software packages. Animators using low-end modeling and animation packages that do not have deformation tools might find it difficult to work with this book due to the limitations of their software. In any event, this type of software most likely lacks the tools for any kind of character modeling and animation.

This book's descriptive instructions, brilliant color and black and white illustrations and easy to follow layout practically guarantee improved results for the 3D artist. It has played an important role in our computer animation curriculum. I highly recommend this book to any student or professional interested in learning more about the exciting field of 3D character modeling and animation.

Professor Gary Chatelain, Design Department, James Madison University

Outdated
A word of warning. . .computer graphics books age like milk, not wine. The graphics here are considerably _worse_ than what you'd get out of a consumer grade product like Metacreations Poser-- not to mention 3D Studio or Softimage.

At the time this was written, it may have been useful, but you can spend your time and money more productively now.

A great guide for beginners and a solid reference manual
3-D Human Modeling and Animation is a great guide for beginners and a solid reference manual for those with art and 3-D modeling backgrounds. It presents the basic knowledge that is essential in creating the human form. For those looking just for a reference manual, the book provides examples and presents ideas on how to utilize and improve on the techniques given.

For Beginners only
I was looking for a book on Human nurbs modeling & This was supposed to be exactly what I needed - Although it is very easy to read & great for beginners, I expected more refinement. my greatest disappontment was from the really lame looking model examples displayed in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

More than 40 years ago, a new kind of sleek and sophisticated cartoon character strolled across the big screen. The Pink Panther, the coolest cartoon character ever created, had arrived! Before long, the Oscar-winning star had his own worldwide television show, supported by a cast of memorable characters, including the Little Man, the Inspector, and Ant and Aardvark. Decade by decade, Pink Panther: The Ultimate Guide covers every move the Pink Panther has ever made‹including his evolving style, ever-popular cartoons, and blockbuster movies‹right up to his suave and spectacular return in the 21st century. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Totally Awesome
I love this one of the whole entire series. I love the way the artist make characters about it and how they draw the characters. Now only if they could make a show based on this..........

Lovely art
i find this to be the best edition of this series so far. Not only does it have far less fan service, the art style is ver original. I love the beatiful art in this book and could look at it all day. Do your self a favor and pick up a copy. ... Read more

Book Description

First time in paperback: the behind-the-scenes story of the cartoon business from its silent-era beginnings to today's computer-generated animation-and how these 'toons reflect America's values and dreams

As Roger Rosenblatt put it, "What makes Serious Business a special treat is that it is like the best of the cartoons itself-funny, touching, and infused with thoughtful joy." This generously illustrated history of animation looks at the creation and celluloid careers of such American icons as Felix the Cat, Jiminy Cricket, Mickey and Minnie, Popeye and Olive Oyl, Goofy, Yogi Bear, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Daffy Duck, Tom and Jerry, and the Pink Panther. Art and commerce collide again and again as Stefan Kanfer wittily probes the origins of such diverse cartoon families as The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and The Simpsons and looks at the phenomenal success of feature-length animated films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and The Lion King. Serious Business is itself a classic of animation, bringing to life an art and an industry whose creations have now worked their way into every corner of American life. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A mixed bag...
"Serious Business" is generally a good book, though with a few major flaws. It distinguishes itself by providing not only an overview of the history of cinematic animation in the US, but also places the rise and fall of animation in a historical and cultural context. It gives a clearer picture of how the politics and economics of the times influenced and steered not only the creation and content of animated pictures, but also the business aspects as well.

On the plus side, Kanfer does indeed delve beyond the standard name-and-dates syndrome of other animation histories. He attempts to provide a broad overview of the early years of animation and how non-Disney studios were to eventually fall to the Mouse. When focused, Kanfer's writing is extremely engaging and his accounts of the various political maneuverings are facsinating.

Unfortunately, Kanfer attempts to squeeze too much into to little space. One could easily see this book being twice the size it is now. As such, the very aspects one wants to explore most - how such things as economics, war, race and politics in America effected animation - are never really fleshed out for any given studio/cartoon beyond a few pages, or paragraphs. Significant space is given to Disney's story (perhaps deservedly so), but I would've liked to learn more about 'outsider' studios as well.

Kanfer also has a habit of not staying focused in his chapters and bouncing suddenly from place to place. It doesn't make the book unreadable by any means, but it does distract from the over-all flow of the narritave.

All in all though, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a general historical overview of animation.

A good book, but not a great one.
A good read, but not the great book it could have been. It could easily have been twice as long. Early chapters are strongest. Strong on Disney. Would like to have seen more on Looney Tunes

Great intro to American animation history!
Well written, concise survey of American animation history. The only slights are that he doesn't have much to say on non-Disney animated efforts of the past decade, especially television animation, and that too many pages praise the horrendous UPA 'toons. Otherwise, this is a great intro to a neglected sector of American culture. If you want to learn about cartoons without buying a separate book on each major company, this should be your choice

Brilliant and stunning!
I believe in the every growing rate of sophistication in our country and I'm sure with books like this we can take our government more seriously ... Read more

Book Description

Episode 2 of the Anime Trivia Quizbook series features the most popular anime films today.With 500 all-new questions on fan favorites like Pokemon, Sailor Moon, Gundam, Princess Mononoke, and Ghost in the Shell, this book will test wits, spark debate, and probably drive you crazy!Irreverent quizmaster Ryan Omega is up to his old tricks again, with each answer laced with clever commentary and off-the-wall opinion.Kinda nasty but never mean! Illustrated, with sidebars, scorecard, and index. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Animation is not just Disney!
This book exposes you to many different types of animation along with traditional animation. I had taken a class on this subject with the author of the book and learned alot about the different kinds of animation. I highly recommend that that you watch some of the animation used as examples in book to get a better understanding of the topics discussed. ... Read more

Book Description

Inspired by the soaring popularity of anime and the trivia sensation "You Don't Know Jack," the new Anime Trivia Quizbook series is a feast of challenging puzzlers to keep fans guessing and groaning.This first volume starts easy and goes insane, with 500 brain-popping questions and answers covering all the major genres- from giant robots and space aliens to silent samurai and giggly girls.With sidebars and tons of the weird stuff that anime fans can't get enough of, it's great for clubs and the perfect gift for any would-be expert.Categories include Puffball, Shonen and Shojo (boys' and girls' anime), Video Games, Romance, SF and Mecha, Anime Math Teasers, Gender-benders, and Voice Actors.There are special Speed Rounds for gutsy battleplay.Dozens of anime are represented here too, from Ai no Kusabi and Azure Dreams to Gekiganer and Idol Project, from Princess Mononoke and Pokemon to Zetsuai.Plus a scoring chart, picture puzzlers, and more! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I LOVE this book!
If you have ever wanted to play a trivia game using your knowledge of anime, here's your chance. The questions cover a wide variety of subjects, and they are grouped into categories. This makes it easy for you to use the book. And there is snappy banter included with the answers! Most of the comments are quite funny, and some had me rolling on the floor gasping for breath. I can't wait til the next volume comes out!

The Ultimate Answer To The Anime Questioner!
For those of us who like details, this book certainly questioned most of them. A very humorous book with comments for even the wrong answers, and a great guide for whether or not you are just starting anime or have become very obsessed with it. A variety of topics include romance, math, sci-fi, merchandise, etc. I can't get enough of this book! It contains all the current anime and puts your brain to work, but if you don't feel like doing that, the answers are easily accessible. A well-worth buy.

Hours of Hysterical, Fangirl (or fanboy) fun for all!
I was going to take this book to a party with my friends, but I missed the party because I was laughing so hard reading it! I was skeptical at first of the subtitle, "From Easy To Otaku Obscure," I thought, "Pshaw, what Sailormoon and Dragonball Z trivia probably." But no! It was a pleasant surprise to find references to lesser-known anime series' such as the Legend of Basara and Weiss Kruez, two of my personal favorites. I loved the Games section, Japanese anime-style RPG and fighting games are highly underappreciated in Western literature about contemporary Japan. When I met the author at a local bookstore, we had fantastic discussions about everything from the cultural and social implications in Final Fantasy to male and female sexuality in anime. It's refreshing to meet another anime otaku who has the brainpower left to discuss things intelligently. Everyone, including the smallest Pokemon fan to the otaku who's been watching anime since Astro Boy, should buy this book!

A "must" for all dedicated anime fans everywhere!
Japanese animated movies, called "anime", have received wide popular attention with the American movie-going public, and have long had an enthusiastic following among film buffs and students of Japanese popular culture. In the Anime Trivia Quizbook, Ryan Omega offers more than 400 questions that range from the very easy to the very difficult. Fortunately, he also provides the answers. The Q & A covers all the major anima genres, from giant robots and space aliens to silent samurai and "fan service" girls. From Ah My Goddess to Zetsuai and all the anime epics in between, Anime Trivia Quizbook is enhanced with sidebars, cells, and more! This is a "must" for all dedicated anime fans everywhere! ... Read more

Book Description

Filled with more than one hundred fifty raucous and brash drawings, paintings, and signage, Todd James is a dense catalog of recent work from the internationally known artist and designer. James' commercial work over the last fifteen years has helped shape the aesthetic of contemporary youth culture, and his logos for clients like The Source, Eminem, Mobb Deep, the Beastie Boys, and Redman remain some of rap music's most enduring icons. As the current production designer for Comedy Central's hit show "Crank Yankers," his work - and his puppets - have garnered both critical acclaim and rabid fans. James also curates an art feature for the culture mag Mass Appeal, and his illustrations have been featured in dozen of periodicals from The Nation to Vibe.James' art has been shown at the Venice Biennale, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, Tate Liverpool, Deitch Projects in New York City, and the Parco Gallery in Japan, among other venues. His self-published coloring book Attitude Dancer and the catalog for the Deitch Projects exhibition,"Street Market," remain highly sought-after cult favorites. In this publication, James highlights some of his best-known works from the last two years, as well as many exclusive works taken directly from private collections and sketchbooks. Produced in conjunction with The Henry Moore Foundation, Todd James is an intense, hilarious, and wholly compelling window into the art of one of downtown New York's most celebrated street artists. ... Read more

Product Description

From the Publisher Published to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Warner Bros. Studios, this album features authentic animation art of everyone's favorite characters. More than 300 color illustrations trace the evolution of the uniquely American art form through the development and growth of the Warner Bros ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Every animator and animation fan must own!
If you like to own some really cool prints of Bugs Bunny, Tweety, or just the old folks from the Warner Bros. Studio, this is the book! It goes through the history of the animation studio and its founders. Chuck Jones is similar to Walt Disney, he had his own crew of animation masters to create a whole new perspective of cartoon.
One disappointing about this book is that its published date is 1997. Sadly "The Iron Giant" (released 1999) and "Cats Don't Dance" (1997) did not make it to the book; two of the most successful WB animated feature film. However, it is still a book to own and look for inspiration.

This book was an exceptional collection of old and new.
This book was well done and very appealing to the eye and informational to read. It gives the reader some good history of Warner Bros. cartoons and the rarely credited artists. Through-out the book there are pointers on how to draw various characters, but unfortunatly they are not as complete as one might have it. However, the overall is terrific.

It should be the Warner Brother Ltd. Ed. collectors' bible.
It provides the information about different types of animation art such as production cel, sericel, limited edition. The reader can use this book to check the original prices and edition size of many WB limited edition cels. ... Read more

Book Description

Welcome to the renaissance of animation.The box office success of Toy Story has inspired a whole new generation of boundary-breaking work.Featuring eleven of today's top studios and software development firms, Computer Animation: A Whole New World lets you witness the animation process firsthand.Animators discuss their creative process and techniques for bringing a project from the drawing board to the screen.The evolution of big screen projects and commercials, plus the cutting edge of research and development is shown through sketches, screen-shots, and selected key segments of animated effects.Tips and tricks of the trade relating to tools, color, sound, and more are featured, as well as galleries of new work.

Chapters include:

--A brief history of the industry

--Step-by-step breakdowns of animation projects-from concept to completion

--An inside look at eleven top animation studios and software developers, including Pixar, Microsoft Softimage, Industrial Light & Magic, Mainframe, Medialab, Pacific Data Images, Alias/Wavefront, and many more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book, fit to satisfy the animation hunger
I'd really liked this book as it presents the latest work being done by the top Animation Studios. It provides a deep insight into the subject and is really an encouraging work ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing, Inspiring, Also Causing Headaches
They've put together something a real fan of animation would love. The good stuff about this book/dvd are; SOME great work, very pretty book, animation most people have never seen(at least in the US). The bad stuff; This book can give you a headache, the dvd sleeve is so poorly designed, your likely to break the dvd trying to get it in and out. The DVD menu is pretty bad too, you can't get to specific animations. The menu consist of chapters you will only know the contents if you look it up in the back of the book. A was also dissapointed that some of the animations in the book are not on the DVD. Including some that I was looking forward to the most. They are going to need to put on another volume of this to satisfy. If you are a big fan of animation, you will probably want to get this. ... Read more