Let's Draw Manga- Astro Boy

by Tezuka Productions

Let's Draw Manga

16 Members 1 Review ½ (3.50)

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In 1963, this popular comic book made television history by becoming Japan's first animated series. Ever since, it has inspired an entire subgenre of robot characters. Now, Astro Boy is making a comeback in Japan and America. In Fall 2003, Astro Boy will appear in a new animated television series and in a CGI-animated feature film. This volume of the Let's Draw Manga series teaches illustrators and animators the characteristics of this beloved robot boy with never-before-seen details. You show more will discover the cinematic techniques of Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezuka that revolutionized the look of manga. show less

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1 review
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 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 show more 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.
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15 Works 188 Members

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Astro Boy

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Genre
Graphic Novels & Comics
DDC/MDS
741.5952Arts & recreationDrawing & decorative artsDrawingComic books, graphic novels, fotonovelas, cartoons, caricatures, comic stripsHistory, geographic treatment, biographyAsianJapanese
LCC
PN6790 .J33 .T47Language and LiteratureLiterature (General)Literature (General)Collections of general literatureComic books, strips, etc.
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Members
16
Popularity
1,514,393
Reviews
1
Rating
½ (3.50)
Languages
English
Media
Paper
ISBNs
1