Manga Mania: Chibi and Furry Characters: How to Draw the Adorable Mini-characters and Cool Cat-girls of Japanese Comics (Manga Mania)

Book Description

Everyone loves chibi, the newest, hottest manga style out of Asia. Chibis—characters that range from hypercute miniature people to bizarrely sexy furry characters—come in all varieties, all roles, including chibi teenagers, faeries, schoolgirls, nurses, mermaids, devils, angels, and everyone in between. Now Christopher Hart, the world's best-selling author of cartoon and drawing titles, shows readers exactly how to darw chibis, infusing them with personality and creating authentic costumes for them. Cute chibi-style monsters (small yet powerful), appealing cat-girls (humanlike, but with feline traits), superdeformed manga/chibi characters (used to make funny wisecracks)—every type of chibi character is shown here in crystal clear, step-by-step drawings. Manga Mania Chibi and Furry Characters will get every manga fan in on the chibi fun.

Customer Reviews:

Chibinate me Capin'.......2007-06-22

WARNING: This book is not for beginers. There are few step by step instructions, the rest you have to figure out on your own. (you lazy people)

For those who are not beginers, this book goes fairly deep into the world of Chibi characters. It shows basics in body structures and facial expressions.

It also touches bases on many catgirl body types.
I feel this book gives you a wide variety of ideas that you can use to create catgirls.

All and all this is one of Mr. Hart's better books. One of the facts is that he put less of his style into this book. Which causes it to become more manga, not americanized/manga that he usually draws.

Which is a good thing.

I really like the section in the back about stylized chibi's from Japan.

Manga Mania's Chibi and Furry Characters is really a must have for Manga Arists........2007-06-08

I myself personally have difficulty drawing chibi character's. This book is very thorough with the basic how to's of drawing chibis. IT even teaches you to think outside out the box when creating fantastical little monsters. I highly recommend this book.

Awesome and Helpful BOOK!!!!.......2007-03-19

OMG! This was the best how-to book i have ever READ!!!!! It is so thorough. I could draw everything, and it came out near perfection. My friends loved, I loved, and heck, my GRANDFATHER loved it! He thought it was really, really good, in terms of teaching you how to draw! I loved it, and recommend it to everyone! The book shows you step by step how to draw cat-girls (beautiful) and cute tropical girl/chibi/cat-girl and other adorable creatures. It teaches you when to use super-deformed characters, and uses cute drawings (eg, questionable little angel (my fave!) to enable you to use different, effective techniques! This is chock-full of great things!

Great for artists' of all age groups!.......2007-01-05

Chistopher Hart has truly out done himself with this book,as well as his other book fantasy worlds. In this book, Hart gives you examples of teaching you how to draw chibi characters as well as telling you what makes a chibi a chibi. A great thing about this book is that they have a large section of how to draw a variety of cat girls!!! That was my most favorite part! I really enjoyed this book alot, and as a bonus I will give you the run down of what to expect in the book....

Chibi basics
What makes a chibi a chibi?
The chibi head
Drawing the chibi head step by step
Full figures: Standard manag versus chibi
Turn any character into a chibi
Personality pointers
The chibi size size chart
Drawing the chibi face and body step by step
full body views

Chibi characters and costumes
Costumes
Mischevious chibis!
Making eye contact
Girl costumes and popular japanese roles
Stupid chibis!
Regular chibis versus super small chibis
Super small chibis
Fantasy chibis: Angels, fairies, and princesses

Chibi Expressions, emotions, and attitudes
Emotions
body language with special effects
Magical effects

Chibi cat girls and furry characters
Furry-style ears
Chibi cat-girls:full figures
Boxing cats
Chibi cat girl types
In-space adventures

Standard-size cat girls
Standard-size cat girls: the basics
Drawing the cat-girls head step by step
Drawing the cat-girl versus human head
drawing cat-girl bodies step by step
From tame to wild
Cat-girl hand and foot markings
Cat-girl prsonalities
Cat-girl poses
Cat-girl scenes
Foreshortening
A world of cat girls!

Chibi and magical creatures
Standard monsters versus chibi monsters
Creating chibi monsters from basic shapes
Creating chibi monsters from inanimate objects
Pterodactyl chibi monsters
Chibi monsters with magical powers
Magicalchibis without owners

Super stylized chibis
Little lady
Super stylized chibi boy
Super stylized chibi cat girl
Super stylized chibi rabbit girl
Chibi trouble maker
Witch in training
Little angel
Wishing on a star
Candy girl
Serious student
Chibi hero fighter
Tropical girl

The rest of the pictures are basically sample images showing you that you can use a chibi in certain scenes of regular sized characters, like when they are emabarrassed or mad. The chibi form of that person shows great expression, as well as hillarity. Plus chibis are ultra cute! This book is a perfect add on to any how to draw collection. I definitely recommend this book to any artist, whether beginner or intermediate, this book is extremely helpful. A must buy!

Great Book For Aspiring Little Artists!.......2006-08-05

The young lady I bought this book for just loves it.

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl

Average customer rating:

great dialog
My inner fanboy and goth girl were amused
Most impressive
What I though of Fanboy and Gothgirl
predictable but a good read

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl
Barry Lyga
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0618723927

Book Description

Is this my hidden Mutant Power--The ability to screw up absolutely any decent situation? Fanboy has never had it good, but lately his sophomore year is turning out to be its own special hell. The bullies have made him their favourite target., his best (and only) friend seems headed for the dark side (sports and popularity), and his pregnant mother and the step-fascist are eagerly awaiting the birth of the alien life form known as Fanboy's new little brother or sister. Fanboy, though, has a secret: a graphic novel he's been working on without telling anyone, a graphic novel that he is convinced will lead to publication, fame, and--most important of all--a way out of the crappy little town he lives in and away from all the people who make it hell for him. When fanboy meets Kyra, a.k.a. Goth Girl, he finds an outrageous, cynical girl who shares his love of comics as well as his hatred for jocks and bullies. Fanboy can't resist someone who actually seems to understand him, and soon he finds himself willing to heed her advice--to ignore or crush anyone who stand in his way. But Kyra has secrets, too. And they could lead Fanboy to his dreams...or down a path into his own darkness.

Customer Reviews:

great dialog.......2007-08-24

This book really shines in the dialog. The friendless (except 1 jock who apparently ignores him in public) Fanboy meets Goth Girl who alternately fights with him and draws him out of his shell. The back and forth between the two is delightful. Even more delightful is the slow realization that Fanboy has been making assumptions about people that may not be true including his best friend Cal, his step fascist...er...father, his own mother and Goth Girl.
Fanboy's emotional development is satisfying and fun. A great read and an easy sell to even book hating teens.

My inner fanboy and goth girl were amused.......2007-07-09

It was fun. I'm biased. I'm 28, but I'm a fanboy and a goth girl. It wasn't anything groundbreaking, but it made me feel good while I was reading it. Great job on your first novel! I look forward to more!

Most impressive.......2007-06-08

The beginning of this book had lots of red flags for me: a potentially whiny main character, a complicated, slow-to-get-moving plot.

But boy did it succeed. One of the best YA books I've read in ages. Outstanding in every respect.

What I though of Fanboy and Gothgirl.......2007-04-17

Fanboy and Gothgirl is a book about a teenage boy who is in love with comics, excuse me, i mean "graphic novels." He's an outcast to a lot of kids, and is a punching bag to the rest. To get away from all the madness he has in his life including, being a punching bag, the genius in the school, his pregnet mother, divorced parents, and having a jock as a bestfriend he makes his own graphic novel to show his favorite, not to mention his role model, graphic novel writter.
Fanboy meets a girl and they become friends. Fanboy has never really had any friend but his jock friend that usually pays no attention to him, so he's sorta new at the new friend thing. Fanboys' novel is a secret that he hasn't told anyone, but his family, about. He opens up to Gothgirl and tells her about his novel. She ends up helping him with it. Even though they have fights, they still stay close.
When Mr. Andree (my english teacher) told my class about this book, I thought that I wouldn't like it, but I took it to read anyways. It was totally different than I had expected and I couldn't put the book down. This book had helped me through my reality by teaching me that just how the way people look or act doesn't mean that you should treat them differently. They are their own character and you can't, and shouldn't, try to change that, or take that from them. I would defiantly recommend this book out to people of all ages that like teenage drama.

predictable but a good read.......2007-02-02

Not an overly complicated plot (introverted boy meets antisocial girl, her actions bring him out of his shell). Rather good characterizations and very real feeling dialog.
A good quick read that shows the author has imagination and talent. He seems to have restricted himself in trying to simplify this book for a young teen audience.
I would like to see more of these characters and some more adult themed work by this author in the future.

Emily's Secret Book of Strange: Emily the Strange

Average customer rating:

Emily is beautiful
i love everything Emily The Strange!
Long live Emily!
read this then go away!
emily the strange is amazing!

Emily's Secret Book of Strange: Emily the Strange
Rob Reger
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0811839869

Book Description

The secret life of Emily the Strange is quite a bit more strange than was previously understood. Uncover the truth behind her mysterious world in this recently discovered volume, Emily's Secret Book of Strange, the revealing companion to the best-selling Emily the Strange. Enter, if you dare, the house that Emily built. Decipher the secret language of the Emily Strange Posse: Morose Code. Learn little known facts, like what's developing in Emily's darkroom. In the same graphic style, with the same high production values, and featuring all new art, Emily's Secret Book of Strange is an irresistible sequel for Emily fans everywhere.

Customer Reviews:

Emily is beautiful.......2006-08-22

I love Emily the Strange. A lot of people would call her Goth, but she isn't about that. Sure, she might fit, but she isn't about fitting in with a trend or group. Emily is Emily. She scares away scary things by making them her friends. The scary friends also serve to keep sheep-people (who are often scarier) at a safe distance.

The illustrations are beautiful. The few words are often cliches slightly turned. Emily the Strange is clever and lovely.

There is no award for being the weirdest, most morbid, or most violent. Emily wouldn't win those competitions, or enter them. Enjoy Emily or don't. No one cares whether or not you like Emily. No one cares whether or not I like Emily. Least of all, Emily.

This is one librarian's opinion of Emily the Strange. I hope it helps you decide whether or not to buy the book. Anyway, reviews stoke my vanity. If you aren't ready to buy, you could borrow it from your library and form your own opinion first.

i love everything Emily The Strange!.......2005-08-24

Hey there, my name is Emily, that's not why I love Emily The Strange. I am also 12 years old, but 2 years ago, thanks to someone special, I got into Emily stuff. My friend Ashley, well, her big sister showed me some of her Emily stuff, I really liked Emily then, she told me to look out for some Emily the Strange stuff and that it's probably right up my alley. And she's right, 2 years later, I'm an Emily the strange freak! I collect all the cards, I 've got tons of stuff, actually, I think that's all the stuff I have, Emily the Strange stuff. Maybe a few hello kitty stuff, but nothing else. I went onto hot topic, and spent some of my birthday money on Emily the Strange stuff, I have a really nice bed spread and pillow cases that match. Anyway, about the book, I love every single thing about it. It really inspires me. I like the way Emily can speak cat, I like the plan with the cats to attack the dog, I'm an animal lover, and I would never hurt one, I wouldn't hurt someone either. I like the way in one of the pages it says hell-o-kitty, you have to see that. I have 2 cats, who are very friendly, I have my own posse. This book is a must have, I do recommend the Emily's good nightmares book, I only have 2 of Emily's books, I'm looking out for the other one. I know Emily's morose code all by heart, so does my friend Ashley, we do all sorts of letters to each other with the morose code, that way, no one knows what it says but us!But this book is really cool, I like that it has such big, and discriptive pictures, but with such little words, I like that it's simple. A good item for a strange collection, like mine!
Now, get strange, or get lost!
Emily the strange, the stranger!

Long live Emily!.......2004-03-26

Emily is an intelligent little black and white child who started out as a small internet idea but spawned into a large merchandise line and nows the chance to see for yourself why this little goth girl is so popular. With wit, sarcasm, insight, and her four dangerous cats, Emily will show you the dark side of life that has already been favored by many of us. I love the awesome cover, the illustrations and each page in the book has many secret codes and messages for you to find. I've had this book for months and theres still things i find myself noticing for the very first time! Rock on Emily!

read this then go away!.......2004-01-31

It's essential for any chick who is drawn to the darker things in life to own at least one Emily item but once you enter her bizarre world it's hard to go back. I received both "Emily's Book Of Strange" along with the 2004 calendar for my birthday and those were a perfect introduction to this quiet (but nowhere near shy) cat-luvin' Goth grrl who's preferred favorite color is everything black...or red. Her attitude is anything but cheery but sometimes us open-minded people have to shield ourselves from the ones that are afraid to venture outside the box and to explore what's beyond the edges. I could be wrong but I believe her image is a symbol of encouraging individuality. Or, in other words, to think for yourself without following the crowd by listening and dressing according to what's considered "normal".

There's not a lot of text within these pages (there's often a bare minimum of two words) but the illustrations by Rob Reger and Buzz Parker are creatively "strange" and pure (or is that tainted?) candy for the eyes.

I especially enjoy perusing this on cold, rainy days.

emily the strange is amazing!.......2003-10-24

I really like the Emily's Secret Book of Strange because it has really cool pictures. Although, it doesn't really have that many words in it either but the pictures are amazing and fun to look at. the secret messeges that are on the pages are really cool, but you have to look closely to see them. If you like to look at a lot of pictures, Emily's Book of the strange has a lot of them.

Average customer rating:

ALG are sooo funny
Great Gift for my Angry Little Teenager :-}
expected more cynicism
hysterical!
wonderful!!!

Angry Little Girls
Lela Lee
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810958686

Book Description

This hilarious collection introduces the online comic started by Lela Lee when she was a sophomore at U.C. Berkeley in 1997. The comic now has a dedicated following of thousands of fans, and Angry Little Girls products are showing up everywhere as hot new licensed merchandise.

At the center of Angry Little Girls is Kim, the little Asian girl who's so angry she shakes. There's also Deborah, the disenchanted princess ("Dear Diary," Deborah writes, "I feel fat"); Maria, the crazy little Latina given to overly profound thoughts; Wanda, the fresh little soul sistah who can be just a bit too upbeat; and Xyla, who's so full of doom and gloom that a cloud of rain follows her. The book also features a problematic boyfriend and a quiz to determine "What kind of angry are you?" AUTHOR BIO: Lela Lee is an actress who has appeared on such shows as Will & Grace, Friends, Scrubs, and Sci-Fi Channel's Tremors. She lives in Los Angeles.

Customer Reviews:

ALG are sooo funny.......2007-04-01

i think this book is so funny and cute. it is a hardcover book with cartoons in them. i really like it. it is funny. not a children's book so if you want to buy it for your kid find them something else. it is cute for a teenager or adult.

Great Gift for my Angry Little Teenager :-}.......2007-03-17

I purchased these postcards as a gift for my 16 year old and she absolutely loved them. The 'Angry Little Girls' books help to bring a lighter side to the very roller coaster life of a teenage girl. Even though they are silly and fun, they really created a common iterest between me and my daughter. Also, she loves sharing the postcards and the books with her girlfriends. Both make great gifts. :-}

expected more cynicism .......2006-03-11

Being a fan of Angry Little Girls, I thought this would be an amazing calendar with lots of sarcastic remarks. While there were a few months that did use such headings, for the most part it was verging on corny. Example: March states "Anything is possible!"

hysterical!.......2005-08-18

She has a fun website: http://www.angrylittlegirls.com and you can sign up for a free e-mail address, like [...]. So funny! I love this book b/c it really addresses the random anti-asian feeling in the "where are you from? no really, where are you from?" comments I always receive. Also, the mom is just like mine. spot on crazy asian mom. hooray!

wonderful!!!.......2005-08-15

I really love Angry Little Girls. I think it says what I have been feeling but never brave enough to say. The thing about anger is that it is at times explosive, pensive, seething, or it's just ridiculous to be angry. I get this book and the way it delivers the irony about anger. People who have left reviews of the book that expected the book to be edgier, or more angrier, or wanted less cursing, or thought there was too much cursing just don't get it. ( I also suspect the ones who don't viscerally understand this book are men, who don't get why women are angry in the first place!) Anger comes in many forms. (the quiz) The comics in this book reflect the many changing forms anger might take and pokes fun at being angry as well. I say "YAY" for this book and that someone finally said what I feel in a fun and colorful way. Reading this book makes me feel good. I love it!

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 2 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)

Average customer rating:

Well...OK
Good, not as good as the first.
Jeane Volume 2

Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne: Volume 2 (Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne)
Arina Tanemura
Manufacturer: CMX
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401205569

Book Description

The battle continues against demon-possessed paintingsas the competition between Kaito Jeanne and Sinbad heats up! Meanwhile, life at school grows complicated for Maron, as she must deal with her growing feelings for Chiaki and her guilt over being kissed by Sinbadnot realizing theyre one and the same! And Chiaki hides a dark secret that could shatter everything.

Customer Reviews:

Well...OK.......2006-08-20

This book was somehow a let down, but still very good. Chiaki's secret is revealed, while a little more of Maron's parent's story is revealed. After finding Chiaki's secret, Maron disowns Chiaki, convincing herself that she hates him, but in the end, after Chiaki helps Maron get through some troubling news, maron realizes that she doesn't hate him. In fact, it's the exact opposite.

Good, not as good as the first........2006-04-21

I somehow thought that the secret about Maron not knowing that Chiaki is Sinbad should have stayed unrevealed through the second volume. It doesn't leave a hanging ending as good as the first one, at the end of volume one you're just so hung that you MUST buy the second one to see what Jeanne's response to Sinbad's requested promise. I knew Jeanne would say no but I was hoping for something a little more exciting. It's good and I really want to continue reading the series but I really hope it get's a bit better because I sort of lost the feeling of REALLY wanting to purchase the next volume.

Jeane Volume 2.......2006-03-02

The Book was great really made me want to get the third book when it comes out.

How To Draw Manga Volume 15: Girls' Life Illustration File (How to Draw Manga)

Average customer rating:

Cute Book But Not Worth Buying
Great Coloring and Illustrations
For Completists
parents really don't get it!
Very Kawaii!

How To Draw Manga Volume 15: Girls' Life Illustration File (How to Draw Manga)
Kazuko Tadano
Manufacturer: Graphic-Sha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Product Features:

Sporty Girl: The most physically active character appearing in the book. She has a strong sense of
Dreamy Girl: Na?ve and optimistic, this character avoids using her head and is so laid back that sh
Perky Girl: Very candid, this girl is capable of talking comfortably to absolutely anyone. Owing to
Shy Girl: This girl is rather shy and tends to be clumsy with words. A fan of books (especially hor
Precocious Girl: Given to making risque comments without batting an eye, this girl puts those aroun

ASIN: 4766113381

Product Description

The book is in English with 132 pages, (80 in full color) measuring approximately 10 inches long by 7 inches wide. Girls: You gotta love 'em. But when designing or drawing a female character, an artist--especially a male artist--may have trouble pinpointing the specific qualities that make young women so, well, unique. For instance, what is it about a young woman's room that makes it so inviting? What secret weapons do they keep hidden in their purses? Do they really lie asleep in that sultry manner so seductively portrayed by actresses on television? And when you pass them on the streets, why do they smell so darned good? This book answers those questions and many more as it takes an intimate look at the private lives of six very different young women. The information within serves as a reference and inspiration in your own character design. You'll meet the following cast of characters: Author: Kazuko Tadano Manufacturer: Graphic Sha

Customer Reviews:

Cute Book But Not Worth Buying.......2007-08-28

Honestly, I found the book to be very intersting. It illustrated the different girl's lives. "Perky" girl, "Precocious" girl, "Uppity" girl, "Dreamy" girl, and "Shy" girl, and "Sporty" girl.

So it generated on those six types of girls lifestyles. It was pretty cool. It gave an insight on how each one of their bedrooms would be, what clothes they wear, what undergarments they wear, what their bathrooms would be like and the list goes on.

It does also show what Nude positions they would be on, based on their personality. But whatever, I mean come on. That's how we all start out when we're born right. If someone's complaining about that, just make sure you send a slip to your teacher not to be assigned to a health class. It goes MUCH more into detail. A health class will not hide anything. This book only shows the nude body, keeping all private parts hidden.

Anyway yeah like I said it's pretty cool. But i wouldn't buy it. I mean all I had to do was read over it and I had a general understanding of how to set up the different types of girls. I suggest if you have a friend who already has this book, you ask them if you can borrow. You can buy it, but I feel like it would be a waste after a bit.

Great Coloring and Illustrations.......2007-07-11

This is a great book to give you an idea of various girls of variours personalities ranging from a perky girl to a shy girl. This shows some of the most loveliest illustrations that are both black and white and color. It's mostly in color though which is absolutely amazing and great! I recommend this book for those who like to draw females to kimonos to various other things. Perfect if you want to make your female character come out great

For Completists.......2007-04-04

This makes five of the "How to Draw Manga..." series I own, and I have browsed others at the bookstore. I also own a fair smattering of books about the art and architecture of modern Japan, and have visited (briefly) myself. Thus my reaction to this book is that it basically duplicates information you can get elsewhere, but it is nice to have it collected in one place.

The best part is the actual floor plans of several girl's bedrooms/apartments, although these would be even more useful if they included a little more of the complete house/flat/apartment floor. Annoyingly, these are not duplicated by floor plans of locker room, classroom, sento...these are annoyingly difficult for a westerner to get right, in the detail needed to draw a complete manga scene in one of those settings.

The details of bedroom and entry-way furniture are a handy reference, as are the cosmetics, and some of the handbag and other contents give tantalizing glimpses into activities (like blotting paper or mini-photo books) that could be worked into great little bits of on-stage business in a well-drawn manga.

As with many of the books in this series, I could do with a smaller font that would allow at least twice the text. Too often the captions or explanations are too brief to be informative.

This book contains essentially nothing on anatomy, perspective, manga drawing conventions, or how to draw. It is strictly a reference, and a very specific reference at that. If you are building up the books to draw your own shoujo manga (or something very similar), this fits on the short shelf. If your interests are larger, look elsewhere in the series.

parents really don't get it!.......2006-12-03

im 11, and i found NOTHING provocative because im a manga artist and sometimes when i draw comic or a pic you need to draw them putting on make-up, or taking a shower!
aleast its not show there private parts!
and i found it very useful, sometimes you need detail like that.
and i have a brother who draws too and he being a boy he dosen't know all about girls like i do, so it was helpful.
so if you need a book to help you draw girls and things like their rooms and stuff. its a VERY good book!
and all the revews that kids wrote found nothing wrong with it! only the parents found something wrong with it! and its not going to wreck your childhood anything!

Very Kawaii!.......2006-11-30

When I saw this book, I knew I had to have it! The illustrations are wonderful, and packed full of ideas you can use for a girls manga. This book contains info about the kind of things young women like to buy. It gives you examples of different kind of girl personalities, what that specific girl would wear, how she would behave, and what she enjoys doing. If you're looking for a book that shows some Yukata's, as well as how young women put on makeup, then this is definately a book for you! I think it is very adorable. If you are looking for more than what the title suggests, then you will be sorely dissapointed. This book is not misleading at all. It depicts exactly what the title advertises, girls' life illustration file. I would definately recommend this book if you would like to have a reference on girls activities.

From Girls to Grrlz : A History of Women's Comics from Teens to Zines

Average customer rating:

Great Work of Research
More of an overview than a history
A Tough One to Peg
A cotton candy book: cute, pink and you'll get a stomachache
Shows that comics aren't just for boys

From Girls to Grrlz : A History of Women's Comics from Teens to Zines
Trina Robbins
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0811821994

Amazon.com

This collection is in many ways an indispensable history of women in comics since the 1940s. Author Trina Robbins used to hang out in comics shops with her boyfriend, waiting impatiently, assuming that comics was essentially a boy's medium. Looking closer, Robbins realized there was a hidden history within the comics world, one that reflected cultural shifts in ideas about women--if you look at how women are drawn, you learn a lot about how women are imagined. Robbins edited the first all-women comic book, It Ain't Me, Babe, and her insider knowledge is clearly encyclopedic. Before the grrrl comics like Ellen Forney's Tomato or Jessica Abel's ArtBabe, there was 1943's Girl's Life, narrated by a cartoon teenager named Patsy Walker who wants nothing more than to become a beautiful movie star. Then there are Betty and Veronica with their impossible breasts, and Wimmin's comics of the early '70s, in which the drawings pulse with angry life, druggy and hopeful.

From Girls to Grrrlz occasionally suffers from tunnel vision--analysis is not Robbins's strength. She's so immersed in the world she's documenting, she's never objective about it; she never rises out of the cartoon world for a feminist discussion of what it means for women to start drawing themselves, to start telling their own stories via this boy-dominated medium. Nevertheless, it is a well-organized, beautifully presented tribute to women as creators and characters. The full-page reproduction of "The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp" is by itself worth the price of admission. --Emily White

Book Description

Boys aren't the only ones who read comics-girls do too! From Betty and Veronica to Slutburger and Art Babe, Girls to Grrrlz explores the amazing but true history of girl comics. Pop culture fans will delight in author Trina Robbins’s chronological commentary (with attitude) on the authors, artists, trends, and sassy, brassy characters featured in comic books for the last half-century. Meet the bubble-headed bombshells of the '40s, the lovelorn ladies of the '50s, the wimmin libbers of the '70s, and the grrrowling grrrlz of today. Her commentary is paired with a ton of rare comic book art pulled from the best girl comics published since World War II. Bridging the gap between Ms. and Sassy, between Miss America and Naomi Wolf, From Girls to Grrrlz reminds us how comic book characters humorously—and critically—reflect our changing culture.

Customer Reviews:

Great Work of Research.......2005-04-16

Robbins gives us a great deal of information about the world of girl/grrlz comics in USA. She showed me that there was more than super heroes stories to read at American comics, and she was able to make clear the politics of Women exclusion in comic market in USA. Great book, I deeply recommend.

More of an overview than a history.......2002-10-25

Subtitled "A History of [Female] Comics from Teens to Zines", this colorful and attractive book attempts to chronologically plot the development of "girl" comics from 1941 into the '90s. Stuffed with page and cover reproductions, this is a history in which girl's consumed more comics than boys until the 1960s, ranging from preteen fare like Archie to more advanced romance and morality tale comics. In the '60s superheroes began to dominate the market, and the mainstream female comic largely faded into the background. Thus, the late '60s gave rise to "underground" women's comics scene that blossomed in conjunction with the feminist movement. Which eventually begat the full on "grrrlz" comics of the '90s.

This makes for fairly quick and simple reading under Robbins' pen, although one that could use a great deal more perspective and analysis. She is more interested in documenting the names or artists, and the plotlines of various comics than she is in a broader discussion of what it all means. She does touch on it from time to time, but these are more interjections (often a little whiny in tone) than a coherent theme. As with most Chronicle books, the production (design, layout, color, quality of reproductions) is outstanding. It's a breezy overview of the subject, but hardly a comprehensive history. I also found myself wishing for information on women's comics from other countries, for comparison.

A Tough One to Peg.......2001-07-14

In Trina Robbins' Afterword, she concedes, "This is not a book about women cartoonists -- I've already written that book..." Then what the heck IS this? Robbins' book "From Girls to Grrrlz" does -- in a fantastically broad sense -- chronicle the changes in women's moods from the 1940s to the present day by examining the comics produced during each era, with a feminism that is, at times, downright suffocating. But good luck if you expect to find a real focus in this book; maybe Robbins thought she didn't need a real subject, since she'd "already written that book." Nonetheless, this book is well-researched, sometimes delightfully slanted, deliciously illustrated, and in the end, hopeful for the future of alternative fiction. While Robbins never seems to step in the poo of a real live topic, this book is nonetheless a glorious, helpful sampling of the comics of yesterday. Just don't wait around for the Point of it All to be handed to you on a platter.

A cotton candy book: cute, pink and you'll get a stomachache.......2001-07-05

This book is poor. It suffers from an overdose of "hip", cloying design and a severe lack of info and worthwhile opinions. The author does not look critically at any comics but seems the attitude of "I used to like Archie, uh...girl comics forever!". Info about individual comics is limited to plot descriptions. It reminded me of the local newspaper's "Kids Reviews"..."I liked this comic because she came out! Awesome! And there's girls in it!". The examples from comics could have been selected to better match the content, instead she seemed to be flaunting her collection ("this comic had a print run of forty! And I own one!"). It was a "design" issue, but many pages were half white space, which could have been filled with interesting clips from comics. Also, certain passages were in enormous letters of a different color and typeface, and looked as though they were not part of the text, which made for a confusing, choppy read. The author talks about herself far too much. She was a comic artist in the '70's and there is a very amusing couple of paragraphs where a higher-up criticizes a comic of hers about a young girl coming out. Her reaction: "Geez!" Many important girl comics were excluded. (Some may disagree but I thought it was awful that "The Sandman", with so many powerful, clear-thinking women was left out.) In short, this book is for people who need to buy things to affirm their hipness. For a good book on comics, read _Comics, Comix, and Graphic Novels_ by Roger Sabin, which includes any useful info from this book plus coverage of many wonderful comics.

Shows that comics aren't just for boys.......2001-03-20

I was one of those people who thought that comics were all superheroes with overdeveloped muscles. I saw this in a bookstore and flipped through it, amazed at what a rich girl-comic world I had been missing. Makes me sorry I wasn't into comics when I was younger.

I agree with the Amazon review that states the author suffers from a bit of tunnel vision, but someone who was more periphery probably wouldn't have had the love to put this together.

As the title states, it is a "history of" comics for women so don't expect to see any comics fully reproduced. You will get a timelined commentary that will probably educate even the most knowledgeable comic reader.

Book Description

In volume 3 of the internationally best-selling fan favorite, Maron races to save a friendwho's also an enemy! When Chiaki's kidnapped by his demon-possessed father, Maron transforms into Kaito Jeanne to save him. But the demon dad is ready for Jeanne and has a space reserved just for her in his collection of living mannequins! And it doesn't help matters when the imprisoned Chiaki refuses to move back home, even if Jeanne can set him free.

Customer Reviews:

Maron rocks!!!!.......2006-07-28

This is my favorite out of all of them. This book is also the funniest of all, but also very sweet. this book includes Maron and Chiaki's little romance, and even a little bit of Acess' and Finn's(although it's one sided love). this book takes you through valentines day and other adventures by Maron and Chiaki.
And there's a new character, a mysterious Shkaidou, who knows Maron's secret!!! If you buy this book, you definitely won't regret it. every page is full of humor, adventure, and a little romance.

Average customer rating:

Girls Bravo Volume 7 (Girls Bravo)
Mario Kaneda
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 159816046X
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Book Description

When the girls visit Fukuyama's mansion for some hot fun and games, Yukinari steps in to save them from Fukuyama's perversions--dressed as a girl! Then, to escape the dreaded school marathon, Yukinari and pals enter a drama competition with their rendition of a fairy tale--with Miharu as the princess and Kirie as the prince! In this sizzling volume of Girls Bravo, girls will be boys and boys will be girls!

Average customer rating:

Together again - for the first time
Enthusiastically recommended reading for ages 8 to 80
Oz at it's best
Dorothy and Scarecrow's Adventures in Oz: The Complete Eric Shanower Collection
The only true heir to Baum's legacy

Adventures in Oz
Eric Shanower , and L. Frank Baum
Manufacturer: IDW Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1933239611

Book Description

In the marvelous Land of Oz, magic is always around the next corner. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and their many Oz friends can't stop plunging into one adventure after another. Come journey over the rainbow to help save Oz from the Wicked Witch of the South, to ride an enchanted whirlpool that leads to a hidden island, to explore the spooky Great Gray Gillikin Swamp, to prevent a war between dragons and wood-nymphs, and to soar in an emerald unicorn to the frozen land of the mysterious Ice King.

Customer Reviews:

Together again - for the first time.......2007-03-06

Eric Shanower is a true Oz genius. He is one of the only authors I know that not only give you a written word story that is close to the original tone and feel of the Baum classics, but he lets you really =see= the stories through his wonderful art.

These five stories, formerly available only as long out-of-print graphic novels, are collected together under one cover and one imprint. Formerly First Comics published these wonderful fully illustrated titles in a single issue graphic novel format, in a size (about 8 by 10 inches) that really lets you enjoy Shanower's wonderful art.

"Enchanted Apples of Oz," the 1st story, takes us on a journey to see the Wicked Witch of the South and what happens when someone falls in love with her (for a while anyway... :-). The story is about Bortag and his quest for the Enchanted Apples of Oz. I won't ruin it for you, but I loved them all, especially Quox the Flying Blue Marlin.

"The Secret Island of Oz," the 2nd story, takes Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Eureka on a journey to find the Crimson Tailed Quipperug and what happens to them along the way. I think you'll enjoy the story of Knotboy and Princess Trin.

"The Ice King of Oz," the 3rd story, takes us on a journey to the land of the Ice King. My favorite character was Flicker, the candle-maker, and his vital role in rescuing Ozma from a frozen fate.

"The Forgotten Forest of Oz," the 4th story, tells about Nelanthe, a wood-nymph, and how she falls under the spell of the King of the Trolls, and what Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, and the Sawhorse have to do this time to save Oz.

Finally, "the Blue Witch of Oz," easily one of the best illustrated, tells the tale of what happened to the Good Witch of the East and also what happened to her and her family.

Oz fans will find very little to quibble with here - Eric tells these tales as though he had the ear of Baum himself - and even non-Oz fanatics will find these stories easy to read and very fun.

I highly recommend buying this - especially since Shanower gives you such wonderful stories you can even read to young children while showing them what they see. A real gem to add to the crown of Oz.

Enthusiastically recommended reading for ages 8 to 80.......2006-11-05

L. Frank Baum's delightful Oz books have entertained every generation of readers, young and old alike, since they first appeared more than half a century ago. Indeed, so popular was the world of Oz and its myriad of colorful characters, that after his death other writers took up the task of creating more stories set in that colorful land over the rainbow. Now Eric Shanower has imaginatively written and beautifully illustrated five more stories that are combined in a large format graphic novel called "Adventures In Oz". The stories include 'The Enchanted Apples of Oz', 'The Secret Island of Oz', 'The Ice King of Oz', 'The forgotten Forest of Oz', and 'The Blue Witch of Oz'. Carrying and expanding the mythology, legendary, and fairy-tale fantasy first established by Frank Baum and enthusiastically recommended reading for ages 8 to 80, "Adventures In Oz" does full homage and credit to the growing library of Oz books, - and this time with the added visual and storytelling benefits of the graphic novel format. For school and community libraries (and dedicated Oz fans) it should be noted that IDW Publishing plans to release a hardcover edition next year that will have 70 additional pages of behind-the-scenes materials, including material from Eric Shanower's sketchbook, character designs, an essay by Eric about his experiences creating Oz comic stories, a variety of illustrations he has created for other Oz publications, short Oz comic stories, and more.

Oz at it's best.......2006-09-29

This book far exceeded my expectations. I like comics that have brilliant, bright, beautiful artwork and I have to say out of any comics I have ever read, this is by far the best. The illustrations in this book are more like book illustrations that comics. The story lines are wonderful and "fit" with the other Oz stories. The book is a high quality paperback with thick glossy pages. It is well worth the price.

Dorothy and Scarecrow's Adventures in Oz: The Complete Eric Shanower Collection.......2006-05-03

From 1986-92, Eric Shanower made 5 Graphic Oz Novels (comic-like books) that told the fascinating stories of 'the Enchanted Apples', 'the Secret Island', 'the Ice King', 'the Forgotten Forest' and 'the Blue Witch' of Oz, all of which followed the adventures of Dorothy and Scarecrow with their friends, saving good people (sometimes one of them being misguided into doing bad things) from even worse people. Here, 'Adventures in Oz' is not a new story book by Eric Shanower, but a COLLECTION of ALL 5 Stories. Both the black-and-white and colour artwork for the graphic novels and other books have been rescanned by the publisher IDW Publishing, and Eric made sure that printing mistakes from the original editions would not be repeated (i.e. bits of a picture without colour) and did some minor revisions to the artwork, so therefore this book looks better than the orginal printings. The advances in the past 20 years makes the colours look far closer to what Eric Shanower originally painted than in the original printings of his Oz graphic novels - also his artwork changes from nearly good in 'Enchanted Apples' to Incredibly Fantastic and Lavish in 'Blue Witch'.
"Adventures in Oz" is actually published/printed in 2 different editions: a restored all-5-stories PAPERBACK (normal, currently still available) and a Deluxe LIMITED Signed Edition (which I am the lucky owner of!! Now Sold Out, Sorry!), which not only contains the original 5 stories in one volume but also includes some new, little seen and never-before-published material, such as Character Designs, Sketches, Colour Studies, Advertising Art, Abandoned Concepts and other things (just like the final Issue "9/Epilogue" of 'Oz: the Manga') not seen in the paperback version. The section for the extra material is more than 30 pgs and Eric was very keen on adding these special bonuses. Unfortunately it does not include the Introduction to 'Enchanted Apples' by Harlan Ellison.
BOTH Books have (in the following order) the same front and back cover design, Ozma & her tiny piglette on "This book belongs to", 2 red-dressed trolls, Scraps the Patchwork Girl with Toto and the Saw-Horse and tiny Flicker on the Book-Title pg, a re-scanning of the front & back cover for 'Enchanted Apples' but with 'Adventures' instead of the original title, Abatha the Blue Witch on a publishing pg, Nelanthe the Wood-Nymph with the Chapters, Eric Shanower's portrait of Ozma, "Just a word before you start", a Map of Oz (which again has the Blue East and Yellow West switching places!), Acknowledgements, 'the Enchanted Apples of Oz' story, 'the Secret Island of Oz' story, 'the Ice King of Oz' story, 'the Forgotten Forest of Oz' story, 'the Blue Witch of Oz' story (all 5 dedicated to someone special) and a colourful panel strip with the Oz characters. There are also ENDPAPERS, but both editions have different designs: the PAPERBACK has originally colourful yet b&w scanned pictures of the Famous 5 of Oz on the Yellow Brick Road (front) and the Forbidden Fountain of the Water of Oblivian (back), while the DLSE has new artwork of Eric's characters with 3 Denslow characters and two 'OZ' emblems. Also, in the DLSE after the 'colour-Oz-panel' comes the following: Eric's writing on him & Oz (throughout most of the book's ex. material), childhoods drawings (among them a history of the magic land), "General Jinjur of Oz" Pt. 1 in colour & Pt. 2 in design, design sketches for characters and books and location/places etc., Thanksgiving in Oz, Original opening for 'Forbidden Fruit of Oz' which became 'Enchanted Apples', rescanning of Eric's original graphic novel covers (without the writing), advertising art for the books, pictures made for magazines etc., origin of 'the Ice King', a try-out for Roger S. Baum's "Dorothy of Oz", original 'Story of Nebelle' before becoming Oz - which would've been out of place for Oz, alternate/cut-out endings, colour studies, cards & pin-ups, b&w pictures from Oz books illustrated by Eric Shanowers such as 'Wicked Witch' along with 2 Colour-Plates not in the book, 'Giant Garden', 'Runaway', 'Third Book', 'Invisible Inzi', 'Paradox' (which illustrates such films like 'Return', 'Journey Back', 'Cinar', silent films, etc.!), 'Oz-Story 6', 'Salt Sorcerer & Other Stories', another Ozma portrait, 'Oz-Story 3', 'Rundelstone', the annual Munchkin Convention and Winkie Convention of the International Wizard of Oz Club, 'the Living House' (which is seen on the 3-Disk MGM DVD!) and finally "If 6 Great Cartoonists had drawn Oz Characters'!
For me, I saw (and quickly scimmed through) "Forgotten Forest" and "Enchanted Apples" in 'Comic Kingdom' (which is also where I ordered copies of "Oz: the Manga") and I've always wanted to get 'the Blue Witch' which of course is out of print, but now that they are altogether in one brand-new collection, it doesn't hurt to get the one story I've always wanted with the other 4 stories and some extra delights (So Worth Looking at the Others!). Since I have never actually looked through or owned the orginal 5 books, I can't specify what has been changed or improved, but Eric did mention fixing the way he drew some of Dorothy's faces and the skin colour for the (human) characters, but unfortunately Dorothy still looks a bit too skinny and Ozma's hair isn't really tidy in 'Enchanted Apples'. Since I got 'Wicked Witch' long before 'Adventures' I often wondered at the drawing of "Who is that tiny little man with fire for hair?" Well, thanks to this book, I found out that it was Flicker from "Ice King (Oz)" and learned everything about him, so now I am no longer in the 'Not Know'.
I am VERY pleased to know that something OTHER than MGM is given a 'Special Anniversary Restored Edition' (it has been 20 years since the first publishing), and because of all the hard work that went into making this an 'Excellent Extended Edition' is why it took so long for its release. And I am REALLY GLAD to finally have my copy.
Eric Shanower also illustrated Rachel Cosgrove Payes' "the Wicked Witch of Oz" (which is not as scary or dark as it sounds, and can be bought through 'Hungry Tiger Press'), and even both written/illustrated other Oz books (Giant Garden, etc.). Although I never really liked his idea of giving Dorothy, Betsy and Trot modern-day clothes (shirts, shorts/pants, sneakers and socks that look suited for Summer) and copying John R. Neil's idea of all 3 girls having short hair (which can be confusing), his art is wonderful (ESPECIALLY in 'Blue Witch') and unlike John R. Neil, actually drew Betsy older than Dorothy and Trot younger than Dorothy, as originally written by L. Frank Baum in 'Lost Princess'. In 'Blue Witch', however, Eric redraws Denslow's Long-Haired Dorothy.
Once again, I am proud of some Classic Oz Books being restored for a Brand-New-Collection-Edition, especially since this saga was originally started by someone as talented as Eric Shanower, one of the greatest Oz Illustrators to ever live and draw!
Wouldn't it be GREAT if Eric did a Graphic Novel of L. Frank Baum's 'the Wonderful Wizard of Oz'?
P.S. On the MGM Oz - 3 Disk DVD, we actually see ERIC SHANOWER and some of his art in the 'Because of the Wonderful Things It Does: The Legacy of Oz' featurette, along with Willard Carroll! - but what about William Stout?

The only true heir to Baum's legacy.......2006-03-09

I grew up on the original Oz series by L. Frank Baum but was never terribly impressed with attempts to continue the adventures of these beloved characters -- until Eric Shanower.

Shanower's artwork is evocative of the original art in Baum's volumes but even more important, Shanower captures the spirit of the books and characters beautifully. There is not a single false note in any of his portrayals. Adventures in Oz collects all of his standalone Oz graphic novels into one volume and it is long overdue. My favorite is the Blue Witch of Oz, but all of the stories are told with great love and imagination.

I've long been frustrated that few studios have tried to adapt the other Oz books into movies and the few times they did we ended up with atrocities like Return to Oz. From a storytelling standpoint, I understand the dilemma -- Dorothy's not in the second boo, Land of Oz, yet it's essential to introduce key characters like Ozma. If some studio ever does solve the problem -- or just take the chance on an Oz movie without Dorothy -- their next purchase should be the rights to Shanower's Oz stories. After filming the rest of Baum's books, Shanower's stories are the next most logical and satisfying candidates.

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