World Famous Comics: Writers on Comics Scriptwriting, Vol. 2
Writers on Comics Scriptwriting, Vol. 2
By: Andrew Kardon, Tom Root Publisher: Titan Books Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Titan Books Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 256 Publication Date: August 01, 2004 Release Date: August 01, 2004
Product Description: The next generation of blazing hot comic book writing talent get their turn in the spotlight in Writers on Comics Scriptwriting Volume 2!
Featuring exclusive interviews with the most scorching new writers in the comic book business, this second book offers insider insight into every aspect of the creative process behind comics writing. With contributions from those responsible for some of the biggest-selling comics titles on shelves, Writers on Comics Scriptwriting Volume 2 is packed to the rafters with fascinating behind-the-scenes info and never-before-revealed anecdotes and stories.
Features interviews with: Brian Azarello (100 Bullets), Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man), Ed Brubaker (Batman, Catwoman, Gotham Central), Mike Carey (Lucifer, Hellblazer), Andy Diggle (Losers, Swamp Thing), Geoff Johns (Flash, JSA), Bruce Jones (Hulk), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Mark Millar (Ultimate X-Men, Superman: Red Son), Greg Rucka (Gotham Central), Kevin Smith (Green Arrow and the director of Clerks and Jersey Girl), Craig Thompson (Blankets), Jill Thompson (Death: At Death’s Door), Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Pride of Baghdad), Bill Willingham (Fables).
Fascinating Look Inside the Heads of Comics' "Next Generation" Unlike the first book in this series that featured interviews with Peter David, Neil Gaiman, Frank Miller, and other established comic book writers, Volume 2 features newer stars from the late 90s and present who are redefining comics for a new generation of readers.
What's surprising is how many of the newer creators started out in other mediums--Paul Dini worked in television; Geoff Johns worked in film; Greg Rucka was (and still is) a novelist. Also, many of these writers started out illustrating their own work or trying to break into the industry as artists. And most of the writers here--except Brian Vaughan--write during regular daytime hours instead of burning the midnight oil. What does it all mean? If I could figure it out, well, I'd be writing comics right now. Highly recommended for comic book fans and aspiring writers.
Insightful interviews with top creators. Comic book writers are a special lot, even among creative types, fitting somewhere between performance artists and mimes in mainstream perception. Whereas Mark Salisbury's excellent first edition, published in 1999, featured many of the Modern Age's future Hall of Famers - including Warren Ellis, Neil Gaiman, Frank Miller and Grant Morrison - Tom Root and Andrew Kardon tap the current crop of writers dominating the industry, including Brian Michael Bendis, Andy Diggle, Mark Millar and Brian K. Vaughan. Unfortunately, like its predecessor, it sees fit to only include one female and not a single writer of color in the bunch.
Interspersed with script samples and highlights of specific titles they're best known for, the real meat of the book is the interviews themselves where the writers discuss craft, inspiration and the business of comics, while offering - not always purposefully, I think - glimpses into their personalities and motivations. At times these glimpses can be turnoffs, and other times they can uncover a previously unknown and interesting layer.
While many of the writers have achieved mainstream success at various levels, there's a few purely independent creators like Dave Sim and Jill Thompson represented, too. Several of them are also successful beyond the world of comic books, having written novels and screenplays - and, in Kevin Smith's case, directing well-known movies - making this a great resource for aspiring writers of all types.
The honesty of the writers is often refreshing, like Ed Brubaker admitting that "sometimes it gets tiring writing a company-owned character when you have ideas for them and the company tells you no." Or Greg Rucka admitting his Elektra series "feels like a failed experiment."
Overall, its continued lack of diversity aside, Writers on Comics Scriptwriting 2 is another strong volume from Titan Books and I only hope there's not another five year wait for the next edition. Surely there's more women and at least a few people of color on the writing side of the business, though. Right? Right? Bueller?
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