Book Description

Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a shinigami and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family, but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged shinigami himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits, and along with Rukia, who is slowly regaining her powers, it's Ichigo's job to both protect the innocent from Hollows and to help the spirits themselves find peace. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

i wnat more!
I had looked at this manga many times before debating whether or not i should buy it.I finally did, and was very glad of it.Although it made my brother mad because he wnated to buy it (but i don't see what his problem is, he got to read it anyway!).Anyway, the plot is great and brings on a new look at the afterlife.The first volume left me wnating more and more.As did the second (havn't read the third yet).If you like shonen manga i greatly suggest it, even shojo readers will enjoy it!

by far one of my favorite manga
i'm 17 and my manga collection is around the 40 something books mark. so i know what i'm talking about. this not only has some of the best and most unique artwork, but it's funny. there are even some parts that i laughed out loud at. it has some of the best action sequences, and dialogue i've read. definitely one of the best manga series' i've read. i suggest buying this.and just when you think it can't get any cooler, then volume 5 comes around. i can't tell you much because it's integral to the plot, but it will probably blow you away. i like this series a lot, i would suggest it to pretty much everyone.

1 OF THE BEST SJ GRAPHIC NOVELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SWEET!I CAN'T WAIT TO GET THE 2 VOL! I'M 11 AND I NO IT'S RATED T BUT I STILL SUGGEST IT!

1 OF THE BEST SJ GRAPHIC NOVELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SWEET!I CAN'T WAIT TO GET THE 2 VOL! I'M 11 AND I NO IT'S RATED T BUT I STILL SUGGEST IT!

Amazing!!!!
My first impression on BLEACH was not good,after watching some episodes of it's anime version...up to episode#18(translated in english subtitles),I've change my mind and bought volume#1 at once!After reading the first volume#1...I saw differences from the manga and the anime,but that won't Stop me for being Fanatic fan of Bleach!!!This sure heck of a Series!!!!I love the couple Ichigo and Rukia!!!I want to see more.Now I got volume#1 of the manga now I should get the others,I'm already late...but there's a saying..."Slow but sure!". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Funny and yet...
There was some substance to the book and yet at the same time it managed to stay funny which is a rarity if I do say so my self. I am not particularly a fan of manga art but I loved this book, story and art work and I read both volume one and volume 2 without setting them down. Now I just have to get my hands on the third one :)

Our family read it non-stop, cover to cover
Our family read this book and it's companion, Kapilavastu, cover-to-cover, just about non-stop. They were both totally engaging.
As a Buddhist, I was wondering what this treatment of the Buddha's life would be like. This is my first exposure to manga style. My only reference point is comic books. I had enjoyed another "comic book," illustrated treatment of the life of a Buddhist saint, Milarepa. That was well done. I very much wanted a book that would capture the interest of my two children, 10 and 14 years old. It did. My 14 year old read the book in two days. My 10 year old and I read it aloud together.

What is facinating is the way the author creates the historical context using a mixture of historical figures and people of his own imagination. We are given an insight to the caste system of ancient India and the stage is set for the Buddha's questions about suffering, it's origins, and his strong desire to put an end to suffering.

I'd say that this is appropriate for 9 year olds and up. For adults: my wife and I kept reading ahead. It is captivating. It has the air of an adventure story. I also enjoyed explaining and discussing the context of the story with my children.

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Sweeping Vision of the Buddha's Time
I read a lot of books on Buddhism (I even write some), but, alas, very few have pictures. This elegant (if one is allowed to use such an adjective to describe a graphic novel) series from Vertical of course goes way beyond "pictures." It tells the story of the Buddha and, in effect, the society he came from, through the expansive envisioning of Tezuka, The Man of La Manga. (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun. In case you don't know, "manga" means "graphic novel" in Japanese, and Tezuka really is The Man, having pretty well created the genre). So it's not about a text with pictures, it's about telling the story of the Buddha as a *vision*, rather than as a collection of words. It works.

Seriously, volume two carries on the dual track of intriguing characters who illustrate overarching themes, bringing them to life in a way that mere text almost never does. These are not scholarly books, by any means, but they depict the cultural milieu from which the Buddha and Buddhism arose. We haven't yet gotten to where Tezuka lets the Buddha expound the dharma, but, if he follows his established pattern, he's going to get things pretty straight.

I'm really looking forward to future volumes this series and think a whole range of others will soon be waiting with me. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Read
This volume is the best in the series so far, because it shows the true diversity of the concept.

In the first story a horrible murder is committed in an art museum. At first the culprit seems clear, but Conan finds some visual clues that help turn the case on its ear.

I enjoyed it because it was a very "play fair" mystery. All of the elements needed to solve the crime were right there on panel. Yet so cleverly done that I immediately went back and read the story to see the clues for myself after the big revelation.

The second story finds Conan having to race against time to find a bomb on a passenger train. Seeing Conan have to put together what pieces of conversations he heard meant, as well as struggle with the restraints of everyone treating him like a kid. Added a lot of tension, that had me on the edge of my seat to see how he would save the day.

The third story has Conan teaming with his current classmates, to solve a coded treasure map. Seeing the difference in attitudes and expectations between Conan and his fellow students have make the differences between youth and adulthood clear.

The kids see it all as a big adventure and have grand plans for the treasure they want to find. Conan knows the danger they can find themselves in, and his pragmatic response of "putting the money in savings" brings him very down to Earth.

Seeing how varied the stories could be make me feel better about facing the huge number of future volumes to come from the series. Its ability to balance both humor and serious subjects in entertaining and at times thought provoking ways has me very excited to see future volumes.

Sherlock ain't got nothing on Jimmy.
Jimmy Kudo, a 2nd year high school student, is best known for his deductive skill, enough so, he's even called the best detective in all of East Japan.

After Rachel, Jimmy's childhood friend and daughter of the retired Detective Richard Moore, scores well in the Karate Tournament, he takes her to Tropical Land to celebrate, unbeknownst of the trouble that awaits.

After solving a case, with no toruble whatsoever, Jimmy tails a couple of suspicious men in black. He watches over an illegal transaction and is soon knocked out and slipped a secret poison, which turns him small. Jimmy creates the alias "Conan Edogawa" and stays with Rachel and Richard, in hopes of finding information on the drug and men that shrunk him.

Will Conan turn back to his original form? Do Rachel and Richard know about this change? How will he go about solving cases as a 1st grader? Who exactly were these men in black and why do they have a drug with the ability to shrink one's body? All this and more answered in the mystery novel, Case Closed.

Calling all Wannabee detectives . . .
Of course there is a lot of comedy and a lot of romance and back story but the part that I find really interesting are the cases.This is about 16/17 year old Jimmy Kudo one of the greatest detectives you can think of.You can not beleive the cases he can solve!After witnessing a crime these men in black give him a poison that should kill him but it shrinks his body into that of a 6 year old.Until he can find the men in black that shrunk him, he (taking on the alias of "Conan" since if the men find out his real idenity they will kill him and the ones around him,) solves these ridiculusly hard cases.If Sherlock Holmes was alive he would struggle to solve them!Conan is put under the care of Jimmy's wannabe girlfriend and her 'stupid', 'not perceptive' detective father and Conan/Jimmy solves the cases for him.In the first volume the cases he solves are hard but relativly simple, but later on they have these cases that even if the pulprit walked around with a sign saying he did it, you couldn't sove them. One word, Amazing!

Calling all Wannabee detectives . . .
Of course there is a lot of comedy and a lot of romance and back story but the part that I find really interesting are the cases.This is about 16/17 year old Jimmy Kudo one of the greatest detectives you can think of.You can not beleive the cases he can solve!After witnessing a crime these men in black give him a poison that should kill him but it shrinks his body into that of a 6 year old.Until he can find the men in black that shrunk him, he (taking on the alias of "Conan" since if the men find out his real idenity they will kill him and the ones around him,) solves these ridiculusly hard cases.If Sherlock Holmes was alive he would struggle to solve them!Conan is put under the care of Jimmy's wannabe girlfriend and her 'stupid', 'not perceptive' detective father and Conan/Jimmy solves the cases for him.In the first volume the cases he solves are hard but relativly simple, but later on they have these cases that even if the pulprit walked around with a sign saying he did it, you couldn't sove them. One word, Amazing! ... Read more

Book Description

In 2032, the line between humans and machines has been blurred almost beyond distinction.Humans have forgotten that they are human, and those that are left coexist with cyborgs and dolls.Batou is a cyborg.His body is artificial: the only remains left of his humanity are traces of his brain...and the memories of a woman called the Major.

A detective for the government's covert anti-terrorist unit, Public Security Section 9, Batou is investigating the case of the "gynoid" - a hyperrealistic female robot - who malfunctions and slaughters her owner.As Batou delves deeper into the investigations, questions arise about humanity's need to immortalize its image in dolls.The answers to those questions lead to the shocking truth behind the crime...and quite possibly, the very meaning of life. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

#1 Manga, 5 star rating
This book is a going to be a big hit. I mostly like to read fighting manga but when I read this and Ranma 1/2 (good book) I like these fighting and romance manga. So thats why its really good.

Interesting Plot...
D.N Angel is captivating, leaving you to keep reading until the end. Overall, I'd say that D.N Angel isn't bad, but it isn't the best either. It has an interesting plot, that the author could do a lot with, but she doesn't really (at least not in this volume).

In this volume you meet Daisuke Niwa who, on his fourteenth birthday, finds out he has to bear the family "curse" like his fore fathers. The curse is that whenever he sees his one and only love, he changes into Dark, an art theif. It's interesting and sometimes funny, but the author keeps making him change in and then back out countless times and it gets kind of old.

I haven't lost faith in this manga so I think I'll keep reading the whole series. I've heard it gets better.

best!
this book get's batter...well,you have to read it from the first one to know what happenin the rest(of the series)..plus the story goes fast paces(.....).you might want to keep reading it....
trust me.The 4-10th book 's getting really really good..keep reading... : ) ...

Cute
The idea for this story is really cute, and I love the artwork. There could be a little more to the story (most of the time, he's either stealing artwork, or accidentally changing identities). But this is only the first volume in the series, and I expect it to get a lot more interesting.
The book starts out with an introduction of Daisuke's normal school day. You think, 'oh, he's just another ordinary-kid-that-gains-a-power type of hero' until in order to get into the art room, he manages to unlock the door, without the card(It has the type of lock on it where you have to slide the card through, like at hotels). Then, he gets home, opens the door, and gets through a whole bunch of security traps, like lasers, pits, etc. My reaction was 'Woah, he's not really an ordinary kid, is he?'. Then, he turns into Dark (against his will), and steals artwork from museums, which seems to be the family tradition....
Although not the best story I read, it is cute, and I'm looking forward to it getting better in future volumes ^_^

Um... well... it was a good idea?
Don't expect much from this one; it's really thin. I'm sort of disapointed in it. I was hopeing for more. Thin on plot, thick on action, and it pulls the "Oh no I'm gonna get caught changing into my alter ego in public" thing one too many times. Maybe they needed something for filler, cause there's not much else to this one.

It's like a placeholder story, so they could have a cool title: "DNAngel" is such a cool name, they had to come up with something that they could use this cool name on. The "DNA" part is barely mentioned, and sort of pointless. It does nothing for the story.

I'll only get the rest of this series if I'm very, very bored and have too much money and have already bought everything else that was more interesting. So.... probably never. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Kawaii Manga!!
This is the kawaii-est manga i've seen! and trust me i've seen more manga and anime than u can imagine!!!! ^_^ 11yr old girl Ichigo and her friends have to save to world from aliens, cute aliens!!!!!! (the "cute aliens" is my opinion) and at the same time Ichigo has to keep her secret of being half cat from her crush Masaya!!! Together Ichigo (half cat), Mint (half bird), Lettuce (half porpoise), Pudding (half monkey), Zakuro (half wolf), Masha (a robot), Ryou (not much bout him -_-;), and Keiichiro (Ryou's partner and owner of the cafe the girls work at) must save to world!!!!

Another sappy, lovable segment in a very cute story.
Like the first volume of this wonderful series, this one is filled with sap, romance, and some of the goofiest, sweetest stuff ever put down on paper. The characters are beautifully drawn, the story makes a sort of sense, and the costumes are majorly cool. But this is not for those with a hankering for violence, horror elements, or anything like that. But if you want cute and fuzzy, then get these books! ... Read more

Book Description

This is one of the great achievements of the comics medium, a masterpiece by the great ones. Artbomb.net ... Read more

Book Description

Dark Horse Comics is proud to present one of the authentic landmarks in graphic fiction, Lone Wolf and Cub, to be published in its entirety for the first time in America. An epic samurai adventure of staggering proportions -- over 7000 pages -- Lone Wolf and Cub (Kozure Okami in Japan) is acknowledged worldwide for the brilliant writing of series creator Kazuo Koike and the groundbreaking cinematic visuals of the late Goseki Kojima, creating unforgettable imagery of stark beauty, kinetic fury, and visceral thematic power that influenced a generation of visual storytellers both in Japan and in the West. Don`t missthis monumental monthly release, twenty-eight volumes, with each collection approximately 300 pages! ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A great manga to read.
I'm a big fan of the Lone Wolf and Cub fan movies. They are some of the bloodiest movies I've ever seen, but they're fascinating at the same time with their interesting display of the Japanese people during the Edo period. However, I was dubious when I heard about the manga series. I assumed that the manga was based on the movie series (an incorrect guess), thought it was too small (I've had bad experience with small manga books, read my review of Gundam Wing #1 to see what I mean), and while flipping through it, wasn't immediately attracted to the artwork like I was with the Blade of the Immortal series. However, when I gave it a closer inspection, I found the artwork to actually be pretty detailed and well done if you just gave it a chance. ... So I bought it. And I most certainly don't regret it. The stories are great, the art is great, the characters are cool, the dialogue is interesting, the different challenges Ogami faces are all unique and interesting...everything about it is great. Since continuity isn't a huge issue with the series the way it is with other mangas, I don't have to sweat it if I don't buy the books in proper order. Another great thing to not just this volume but to the entire series is the Buddhist mythology, beliefs, and tradtions inserted into the story. If you want to learn about Buddhism, don't pick up a "For Dummies" book. Instead read this manga and see the role Buddhism played in people's lives, as well as learning plenty about meifumado, the six paths and four ways, and other parts of everday Buddhism.

Last to mention, one of my favorite things about this series, that has brought it near and dear to my heart, is that it's portable...it's the perfect size that I can still read it, but it fits in my pocket and I can carry it with me anywhere. This is a great manga, and you won't regret buying it (as long as tasteful nudity, rare and minimalistic sex scenes, and incredibly gory and violent action).

Warmup for Rest of Series
In the first few stories, the character of Ogami Itto is shrouded in mystery. At first his name is mentioned without any one realizing who he is. Its the last two stories that his background is fully disclosed. The first story is interesting because of the shadowly introduction of the Lone WOlf and CUb within the first couple of pages. My favorite from this volume are A FATHER KNOW'S HIS CHILD'S HEART AS A CHILD KNOWS HIS FATHER'S, BABY CART AT THE RIVER STYX, SUIO RYU ZAMBATTO, AND THE last two stories. Marvelous blend of action, historical ideass, and character development. Maybe not the best but a good way to become acquinted with what I think is the best Graphic novel series of all time.

A good beginning to probable greatness
I wasn't all that moved to adoration by this first volume but overall I was entertained and interested enough to pick up the second volume. Vol. 1's artwork is much more interesting than the story therein. The second volume is where the series begins to come into its own.

Don't hestitate! Draw out your wallet!
This is by far the best manga I have ever read. I've enjoyed Koike and Kojima's work in other manga -- but these stories are incredible. I couldn't put the book down. If you're reading this review, thinking about buying the book -- just proceed to checkout. It is worth the purchase.

One reviewer commented on how the stories from the Dark Horse comics were different. The guys at my comic store set me straight: the owners of the series only allowed Dark Horse to reprint it in paperback if they did it THEIR way, by presenting the material exactly how it is sold in Japan (format, sequential order, etc.). So you're really getting an incredible work of artistry here, held up to high standards.

The translation and notes (useful!) are really quite good. I love the manner the original Japanese is handled and am in awe. This is an awesome import from Japan.

My favorite story is the 7th, Gomori-juku Hot Springs. Incredible mix of psychology and action.

sequential art classic
It doesn't really matter if you like Japanese comics or American ones, in this case... This is a book you should read reguardless. It really is a classic.

For those of you who don't really dig the whole manga thing, don't worry. There are no big eyes, cute mascots, or bouncy schoolgirls in this series. The art is gritty, and the stories are dark. Some will stick with you for years after reading them, and the two main characters are unforgettable as well.

There's a reason why this series has the reputation it does. If you have any interest in sequential art or comic books at all, and if you can stand blood, gore, and some dark themes, you should without a doubt read this series. You won't regret it. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the year 12090, a dark time for the world. After being dominated for 300 years by a race of Vampires known as "the Nobility," humanity is beginning to fight back. Yet as the humans struggle against the Vampires, they also struggle against themselves - cities lie in ruin, and nations are fragmented into small villages and fiefdoms. Every village must have a Hunter, a warrior that eradicates the Nobility and their genetically manufactured demons one vile night stalker at a time. But some of the Hunters are dangerous to more than just the Vampires. Some of them are not friends of humanity at all. Previously unavailable in the United States, Vampire Hunter D combines gripping narration and beautiful interior art by one of Japan's most renowned artists to bring forth a fright-filled futuristic thrill ride. ... Read more

Book Description

Japanese difficult? Study boring? No way! Not with this "real manga, real Japanese" approach to learning. Presenting all spoken Japanese as a variation of three basic sentence types, Japanese the Manga Way shows how to build complex constructions step by step. Every grammar point is illustrated by an actual manga published in Japan to show how the language is used in real life, an approach that is entertaining and memorable. As an introduction, as a jump-start for struggling students, or (with its index) as a reference and review for veterans, Japanese the Manga Way is perfect for all learners at all levels.

Reviews (3)

Surprisingly good.
I bought this more out of curiosity more than anything- and frankly did not expect much of it. I was very pleasantly surprised.

The coverage of grammer is really quite impressive- it was clearly heavily influenced by Jorden's thoughts on Japanese grammer. The treatment of grammer is, to a large extent,significantly simplified version of Jorden's treatment- but it is not overly dumbed down.

One of the other great things about it is that all the examples are of very natural, mostly conversational Japanese. Consequently you are faced right from the start with one verb sentences (no needless wa or ga's here) where the context makes plain the meaning of each utterance. Finding natural Japanese in manga isn't as easy as you might think, so this is a very helpful contribution.

You wouldn't want to use this as your only source of instruction- there are not enough examples for each grammatical point nor is there any sound media with the book- but it would make an excellent back-up text to supplement your main one.

Fun and easy and useful
At last, the melding of two of Japan's greatest exports: manga and the study of the Japanese language. Not exactly at last-others have trod this path before, notably the magazine Mangajin-but in book form Japanese the Manga Way is setting a precedent.
Author Wayne Lammers grew up in Japan and has written a "real manga, real Japanese" text and study aid that will benefit the many students struggling with nihongo. The text begins with basic pronunciation and works its way onwards and upwards, throughout supplemented with topical and humorous selections from Japanese graphic novels and comics.
Even for someone who has spent the better part of ten years studying Japanese, the format in which the material is presented in Japanese the Manga Way is refreshing and easy to understand. Lammers does an excellent job in explaining the use of Japanese particles, the bane of many a student. Another section that merits mention is that on giving and receiving-so crucial to life in Japan-that suddenly set off a lightbulb in this reviewer's often dim brain.
Highly recommended for both beginners and even those with a lot of classroom time under their belts.

A Fun and Easy Way to Learn Japanese in No Time
This book really helps you get used to Japanese through easy Manga stories and words. It's as good as it gets! From now on, you don't have to worry about making mistakes along the way, beacause it's quite entertaining and educational about Japanese langauge and culture.

Sayonara! ... Read more

Book Description

He is Guts, the Black Swordsman, a warrior of legendary prowess - relentless, fearless, merciless. As cold and brutal as the iron of the massive sword he wields. Bent on revenge against the unholy forces that have branded him for sacrifice, but especially on Griffith, one of the demon lords of the Godhand. But Griffith was once a man, the leader of the Hawks, a renowned cadre of elite fighters with a young Guts as its fiercest champion. Though forged in a crucible of cruelty and violence, nothing could prepare Guts for a confrontation with Nosferatu Zodd, a superhuman beast who slaughters Guts' comrades as easily as a scythe cuts wheat. Even Guts and Griffith are no match for the abomination's power...but something Griffith wears around his neck may well be! ... Read more

Book Description

The evil Count uses his dark powers to transform a defeated guard captain into an inhuman horror to combat Guts, the Black Swordsman. Puck, Guts' pint-sized fairy sidekick, is captured when he attempts to stop an old doctor's execution, and he is given as a gift to the count's daughter, a sweet girl in a gilded cage, imprisoned by her father in her own room. Guts, determined to make mincemeat of the Count, assaults the castle and carves a swath of blood-soaked destruction through the Count's minions. Face-to-face with the Black Swordsman at last, the Count reveals his true form, and even Guts' super-sized sword may not be big enough to contend with this demonic monstrosity! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must read for any fan of manga
If you have seen the Berserk anime released by Media Blasters then you have only scratched the surface of this story. The anime only covers about a third of the manga (which is currently 27 volumes and growing). I do not recomend this manga for those faint of heart, or those that felt the anime was too violent. The manga is much, much more graphic than its anime counterpart.

Aside from a few very minor editing/spelling mistakes (In the first volume there is a minor spelling mistake in reference to a castle) I have no problem with Dark Horse's translation of Kentaro Miriua's Berserk.

Highly Recommended

GUTS - nuff said.
Wow. I LOVE this series. As we delve deeper into Guts' journey, the characterization is superb: Guts the Master Swordsman who's raw fury and power comes at the cost of his humanity(?). Plus, Puck the Elf is hilarious and never fails to get a laugh. He is a great balance to Guts' demeanor. Kenturo Miura's artwork is so effective in creating this chaotic world that you'd almost swear something moved in the background :) This continues to be a dark tale and I don't expect it to lighten up anytime soon - which is a good thing! The only bad thing was the cliffhanger ending....I want more BERSERK!!! PLUS, we haven't even gotten into where the anime took place.

If you've seen this anime, get the manga...you won't regret it. For those who haven't, read if you dare...the Behelit awaits.... ... Read more

Book Description

Aspiring cartoonists of all ages can begin drawing a repertoire of characters from the moment they follow the wide-ranging yet simplified lessons that fill these instructive pages, written and illustrated by an all-time best-selling artist/teacher.

This complete course, covering both comic strip and animation techniques, begins with lessons on basic cartoon body shapes and facial features. Included are helpful comparisons between the real versus the cartoon head, a smile chart, and various ways to draw the most popular and expressive cartoon eyes and mouths. Next come lots of typical body poses, how to draw action lines, slow/fast movement, cartoon hands, fun hair and clothing styles, backgrounds, and cute cartoon pets. Excellent directions also focus on helping beginners to find and develop their own cartoon style. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great basics in cartooning
I am an aspiring comic artists. First, a word of note to beginners in cartooning or art -- drawing is HARD. Not everybody have the gift or the vision to make professional style art. If you are a beginner, I highly advise you to take a drawing course in a local college. The face-to-face interaction and feedback is invaluable. You *can* learn to draw from reading a book, but not at a very fast pace.

I picked up this book because I was really bored and wanted to learn something new. I mainly draw in the Marc Silvestri and Top Cow studio style. This is a good book that starts you off with the basics, using simple geometrical shapes and then altering the shapes. Then it slowly adds the details. This is as SIMPLE as it can get! If you cannot even get a good feel from the get-go of reading the first couple of pages, you will have a hard time finishing this book or moving on into other drawing style.

Mastery of this book can give you a good boost in moving on to other drawing fields such as anime, comics, and realism. If you have a fairly good grasp of art, this book is not necessary, unless you want to try dabbing in cartoons. The basics are pretty much there if you want to draw your own comic strips. The rest is just practice.

This is an excellent reference, beginner or not
I found this to be an excellent learning tool and reference for cartooning / animation. He clearly states step by step with many examples, and almost all the art in the book has the rough "circle" sketch going to the full cartoon final (in color). The color illustrations are excellent, the perspective and clothing tutorials are well-done and easy to understand.

A reviewer below stated that he didn't even specify how to erase the guide lines, and was confused and didn't think that this book was for a beginner. I highly disagree. Page 10 "Creating a face from a basic head shape" specifically states at the bottom to erase your guide lines at the end. If you can follow instructions, you can learn from this book.

I use this book to supplement the Flash cartoons I've been working on, and in fact, instead of taking pencil to paper, I have followed all his guidelines drawn directly into Macromedia Flash (with a Wacom Intuos2 graphics tablet). When it says to "stretch" a ball shape, no problem, all done digitally, all quite simple. Even someone who can't draw a straight line can benefit from this book if they use it in conjunction with Macromedia Flash to learn to create cartoons.

Excellent reference and learning tool, I'm going to the store today to purchase three more of his "how-to" books.

Plenty of drawing concepts and techniques inside one book!
I'm impressed with all the information that one book like this covers. This book doesn't teach you how to put your pencil to the paper to draw shapes other than explaining the concept of what needs to be done, but there isn't a substitute for practice.

I too started cartooning as a hobby(not too far from 29 years of age myself) and have always been frustrated and gave up whenever I attempted to learn because it seemed too hard. This book is excellent! If you aren't worried about "how" to draw the basic shapes and want to know "why" and "what" is needed so that you can practice the "hows", this is the book to be without.

I had immediate results after only practicing for a couple of hours. You have to take the time to practice and use your eraser (can't get lazy). The human mind is fussy with drawings. It's never a challenge to spot badly-looking art, but learning what you did wrong when you finally get it right is what teaches you how to be a good drawer. Practice! Practice! Practice! Your eraser is going to be your best friend, better get used to it. This is the book to have if you want to learn as much as you can about cartooning in the shortest time. The coloured illustrations are fun to learn from as well.

The more advanced parts of the book dealing with more detailed drawings will also be a good transition if you ever want to go into comic book style drawings.

NOT a beginning book at all
I bought this book as a "non-artistic" person who decided to try and "learn to draw" at the age of 29. I never was really into drawing (since I was always so horrible at it I never enjoyed trying.) When I asked an artistic friend, he mentioned that "anyone could learn". OK. I thought I would give it a try. I bought "CARTOONING FOR THE BEGINNER". Guess what? After spending HOURS trying to do a "basic toon head" and giving up I asked my artistic friend. One sentence and a 10 second description told me. (Add lines to the circle, erase the old instead of trying to free-hand draw the shape). Instead of sound advice, and TELLING the person HOW to draw, you are met with a set of "toon hands" stretching the drawing, with no mention of any further instruction other than "start with a circle, stretch it out, squash it" without the details on HOW to do it the easiest way. This book is more of a "Look what I've done!" to other artists than an instruction book. The artwork looks nice, but I have to wonder if the author REALLY wants to teach drawing (or knows HOW to teach) or just sell dozens of "how-to draw XYZ books" with have few differences than the pictures in the book being displayed.

If I were the author I would be embarrassed at this extremely poor attempt (if thats what it was) to teach drawing.
The only reason I give this book a "2" rating is because of the interesting pictures inside. But I'll spend my money elsewhere and find a REAL book on how to draw next time.

This book isn't really for beginners.
Although this book was somewhat helpful, it seemed to be a mere summary of knowledge, and not exactly in the proper order; if you were to follow this book from front to back, you would get lost pretty quick. Hart doesn't go into detail, nor does he explain anything. He just assumes you "get it," so if you truely are a beginner, this book won't help you much as far as drawing cartoon characters. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

The shame to the "How to Draw Manga" series
I feel that I'm a decent manga artist, but unfortunely I am unable to link to my artwork as a demonstration due to guidelines. I have 3 other books which are How to Draw manga for Male Characters, Female Characters, and Bishoujo Around the World. I was impress with all three of them, but with Bodies and Anatomy I was extremely disappointed.

First of all, other than a very few anime pictures, it does not even feel like an manga book at all. Like what someone else mentioned, it doesn't even have manga proportions. The book might as well not have manga in the title and I still wouldn't be able to tell that this was a manga book.

I was completely fooled by the cover of the book. The drawings inside do not even match the quality of the cover. The bodies on the cover are manga, the bodies within the book are not! Previous How to Draw Manga books had similarities with the cover and the content inside. At the end of the book, there is also no individual drawings from various artist.

The written information provided with the drawings are subpar when compared to the other 3 Manga books that I've mentioned earlier. Sometimes it goes into useless details and other times, it there isn't enough description. For example, it throws a few pictures of the ear and then the nose, but never says a single word about it. I would have liked for it to at least mentioned how it compare and contrast from human to anime form. Again, the other manga books mentioned the difference and similarities.

Also I have to question the source of the book as well. Almost every other How to Draw Manga book has a japanese author, but this one does not. It's source is 'The Society for the Study of Manga Techniques'. I can only guess that its origin is nonjapanese and it shows just like every other nonjapanese How to Draw Anime type book out there. Something is wrong if an amateur artist like myself can draw equal or better than what is provided in the book.

I would have returned the book the same day I received it if it weren't for the fact that the shipping to return it is almost half the cost of the book. In the end, I feel very cheated and do not want others to be fooled in the same way. An unforunate lesson I learn from this is that you can't judge a book by its cover.

Anatomically, not politically, correct.
I found this book to be helpful only in its images of the human body and skeletal/muscular structures. Through these pictures I was able to improve my ability to accurately depict the human body knowing where certain bones and muscles are located.
HOWEVER, once you turn past the pages depicting the basics of human anatomy, the book goes rotten. I know from reading both manga and 'how to draw manga' books that often the focus is placed more on the female body in Japanese cartoons. In this volume, I found the focus despicable. My biggest problem with this is that the male body is ALWAYS shown wearing a pair of shorts, whereas the author of this book feels it completely unnecessary to provide images of the female body at all clothed. There is an incredible gap between the amount of female and male depictions in this book, the former being more abundant. If you are looking for pictures of women naked in all positions, including splits and other acrobatic poses, then read away. However I found this book sexist- I don't have a problem with naked people, but if you're going to do that then at least do it with equality and provide images of both the female AND male bodies in the nude. At points it felt like I was reading a pornographic magazine! I'm even thinking of writing a letter to the Society for the Study of Manga Techniques.
Overall, the book was slightly helpful but mostly disgusting. I'd recommend looking through it at a bookstore before purchasing.

It's better then you think
Ok, so this isn't the best How to Draw Manga book in the series, but I found it very useful. Sure you won't find any fancy tips on inking with your pens, or how to draw costumes. What you will get is some great poses and gestures. It is an Anatomy and Body book. It helps explain the placement of all the major muscle groups, and how they affect the body when in certain stances and poses. This is great for things like action sequenses, building up that tension in the bicep and tricep as the character strikes the opponent. Good reference for drawing that perfect body shape in proportion and in gestures. Perfect for action Manga type artists.

It all depends on WHT you are looking for
How to Draw Manga: Bodies & Anatomy is a Great Book eh hear that HOW TO DRAW MANGA! Bodies & Anatomy. If your looking for some thing better or to advance you skills in drawing then find another Book, But if yur the Manga drawing type then this is the book for you maybe not all depends on the person. Art/drawing is unlimited and you have so many ways of drawing. Thank You

Not really a good choice
This book really isn't that much of a help. They just show nude figures! Use Christopher Hart books or something else less pointless. Whatever the book is really about, it focuses more on the "main" parts. It's a big piece of junk. That's my main point. ... Read more

Book Description

From the kitsch cuteness of the ubiquitous Hello Kitty to the cult of manga and anime, Japanese design has long paved the way for the West to follow. Graphic Japan goes beyond this well-known territory to reveal the myriad styles of design produced in Japan today, from packaging to posters, typography to new media.

Contemporary Japanese graphic design is a unique collision of traditional cultural influences and a focused thrust towards modernization on global terms. No other country has found itself modernized so quickly while retaining such a distinct way of life, and the resulting graphic innovation enthralls the world. Divided into distinct sections, the book reflects the marriage of tradition and hyper-modernity that typifies Japanese design. Essays on today?s innovators are beautifully printed in a simple, elegant manner typical of traditional Japanese work, while visual matter is boldly, colorfully printed, reflecting the brash, global commerciality of much new material.

Japanese design embodies the holy grail of creative freedom and commercial success?this book is an inspirational ?must? for designers in the West. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Excellant!
This book taught me how to draw the sometimes complex techniques to drawing the muscles and torso. At last, I can draw men! As far as drawing faces on them, My male characters all end up wearing hockey masks for some reason, lol.

As it has been said before, this book is not really for a beginner.

VALUEBLE
great book!
assuming that you have basic knowledge, this book is great! it shows you how to draw you young people, old people, faces, hair styles , cloth styles good book

An excellent suplement!
This book, like most in Hayashi's "How to Draw Manga" series, is a fabulous suplement to his introductory books. It's not meant to show every detail of drawing, as that's what the basic books are for. However, it does help clearly define the differences between the male and female figures, and goes into detail about male body structures, common design styles and builds.

Excellent reference material, a must have for the anime/manga artist! I know I've inproved since getting it!

Finally, I can draw men!
I've Always had trouble drawing male characters. In fact, Before I got this book, the faces and heads were good, but the bodies looked like cilenders with arms attatched. This book covers every aspect of drawing the male form from the basics of figure drawing, to little details like adding age to a characters features. There is so much to learn about art, but this book simplifies things to the extent where an artist with enough familiarity with the style can refine her or his art many times over.

its not great
I do not own this book... I barrowed it from a freind of mine. It had almost the same thing on every page! i learned 1 skill... how to draw the torso. ... Read more

Book Description

Student and teacher. Man and... man. Taboo upon taboo is what Hikaru and Shima have to overcome if they want to pursue their feelings for one another. Uikaru, a second year high school student, is obsessed with Shima, a male teacher. Surprisingly, Shima is not averse to the boy's affections. He even convinces Hikaru to study hard so that when he graduates, they would openly become lovers. However, Amamiya, an ex-lover of Shima, steps into the picture and tries to win him back. Will Hikaru and Shima's passion prove great enough to hurdle all the obstacles stacked against them? ... Read more