Tezuka Productions

Astro Boy is Japan's answer to Mickey Mouse. Like 'Tetsijin 28' he is a cultural icon so gigantic that his shadow reaches far into the west. As such his silhouette is instantly recognisable to lots of people in both Europe and America, even if they have never taken much of an interest in the phenomenon.

I have been reading Manga and watching Anime since the mid-seventies when Goldorak (Grendizer) and Albator (Captain Harlock), and Battle of the Planets, and Ulysses 31 made their appearance in show more Europe.
I was mildly interested By Gigantor (aka Tetsujin 28) but, with respect, Astro Boy always felt a bit babyish by the time I'd discovered him at 9 or 10 years of age.
Likewise, in my 40's, when I came across these 'Let's Draw Manga' books, I felt that they were really aimed more at teens. They did not seem to spend enough time on exploring any one character in enough depth for my tastes.

Today, I was rummaging about in a bargain box at my local book store (The Works), when I came across this find for fifty pence; better still, it covers a single character, and in extensive detail.

If you are an Astro Boy fan then this book is amazing.
The history of Astro Boy is covered in illustrative form showing you his subtle transformation over the years.
Design characteristics and the cinematic style of Tezuka's manga is covered.
Not only does this book explain how to draw Astro Boy; more importantly it show you how not to draw him.

Ignoring Astro Boy for just a moment, this really is an excellent book for cartoonists and animators in its own right.
I found the chapter on drawing the hand was worth the price I paid alone; but, every chapter in this book will teach you something of value.
Unlike similar teach yourself manga type books, this one is cram-packed with illustrations. The entire book is in black and white, but being Astro Boy that is not all that important.

I think that my discount book shop was originally selling this book at £3 - which would still have been a bargain to be honest with you!
I may now look out for other books in this series, especially the Tezuka School of Animation ones. show less

Même si j'ai plutôt apprécié ce livre, 2 points m'ont gêné :
- on ne sait pas qui en est l'auteur. On peut penser que c'est autobiographique mais la "vraie" autobio de Tezuka est souvent citée comme source de références. Comme il n'y a pas de nom d'auteur dans les crédits je pencherais pour un travail de studio...
- l'auteur point problématique est l'adaptation bâclée : c'est bourré de fautes de frappe et comme le sens de lecture est renversé à l'européenne les pages ont show more simplement été retournées en miroir. Ce ne serait pas trop gênant si les enseignes des magasins n'était pas restées à l'envers ; et ça devient franchement risible dans la page sur le nazisme où toutes les croix gammées sont à l'envers... show less