The Monster Book of Manga: Fairies and Magical Creatures: Draw Like the Experts

You're not going to be a master artist by reading this book, but here's what you can expect to learn. The book has lots of great examples of all types of fantasy characters in different poses. The book walks you through a 6 step process for the characters: Stick Figure - Work on the pose and proportions Basic Shapes - Block out your character Anatomy - Draw in the muscles Clothing or Detail - Add accessories, clothing, or details Shading - Pick a light source and add your shadows / reflective light Color - Bring it to life On each step, there is some text that points out some of the details and explains why the artist drew them that way and what it does for your characters. You can follow the examples in the book and you'll get good at this process. It will help you become a better character artist. If you need help on a particular step, the practice will help you out as well. With this book and some discipline, you can become a better artist. I've had the book for a month and I've gotten a bit better at proportions, anatomy, and shading. I also draw about 25% faster.

I own all three books in this series and I was pleased with every one of them. I must stress however that if you are seeking to learn how to draw then this isn't really a book you should purchase. They do go through various stages of each drawing with one or two comments but overall it isn't an instruction on how to draw manga.

This is the third in a series and the first the producers have concentrated on a specific genre, which is fantasy and magic. I own all three and I love all three. However, I don't use these to learn anything. The art in this book is outstanding. I find this book and the other two to be very inspirational. I look through these books to find ideas and even to draw what they have in the books. The downside is you will not learn anything from this book, especially if you are a beginner. They try to give you some tips and some progression pictures of each piece of art, but it doesn't help to teach you anything. Buy this book simply for the appreciation of the art that is in it. Look somewhere else for "how to draw" instructions.

While you won't be able to go from never having picked up an artist's pen to drawing these beautiful creatures, the book is worth having for aspiring manga artists or just lovers of the genre as a coffee table book. I can just stare at the illustrations for hours! And if you are trying to learn, it gives some great how-to ideas.

This book is amazing. I was looking at in a store contemplating buying it cause it was a tad bit expensive, when a stranger came up and told me it was a great book. I bought it and it really was worth all the money. It has such detailed instructions on how to draw some amazing manga. I have to admit there are a few pieces of art in it that are a bit inappropriate for little kids but it's still a great book and worth the money. BUY IT!