Language: English, Chinese
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Redcode, Michael Chuah, Kenny Chua, Ageha, Jo, Clay, Zint, Ho Seng Hui, Scho, Tan Eng Huat
Category : Drawing
If you’re an anime fan, chances are you’ve ever dreamed of one day drawing a popular hit comic and becoming a renowned mangaka (anime author) in the likes of Akira Toriyama, Kishimoto Masashi and CLAMP. However, being a great mangaka doesn’t just mean having a fantastic story in your head; you also have to learn how to perfect the art of drawing cute cuddly anime.
Unfortunately, learning how to draw anime isn’t an easy feat here in local shores. Aside from learning the trade on your own, there’s very little in options to help you mark up your drawing skills aside from taking expensive art classes, which more often than not require years of experience. The stronger US dollar isn’t helping much either, as many self-help manga books published in the States cost a hefty stone here – some books sell for as much as RM 60.00 to RM 70.00 – on average.
Fortunately, our very own band of local mangaka have identified this need, and together have produced Comic Classroom, a revolutionary manga teaching guide in its own league. Marrying the concepts of affordability and quality, the end result is a simple, average comic book-sized print which teaches us (ahem) not-so-good manga lovers how to perfect the trade.
Comic Classroom comes in two flavors, which are the Chinese language and the English language. Basically, what it presents are hints and tips from a collection of local authors, with reputable names such as Kaoru, Keith and Kenny Chua contributing their share of talent. Some of you may recognize their works such as Helios Eclipse and the cute bunny robot mascot of Gempakz which we’ve all come to know and love.
Language: Chinese
Publisher: Gala Unggul Resources Sdn. Bhd.
Cartoonist: Xanseviera, Slaium, Keith, Oga, Zuan, Santa Claus, Puyuh, Puppeteer, Kaoru, Nizam Bachok
Category : Drawing
The books open with an introduction of the respective author, giving a brief biodata which give readers an insight into their favorite mangaka. For instance, did you know that Keith has been honored for his work in Hong Kong and Japan? He also recently co-authored a comic chronicling the ups and downs of our very own local radio celebrities of the Chinese radio station 988, K6.
The guide continues with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to draw manga, briefing readers with tips on drawing, such as starting with the foreground before giving attention to the background. Readers will also be exposed to the expert computer software mangakas use to give life and color to their subjects, some of which include ComicStudio EX and Painter 9.0. Last but not least, there’s a host of finished comics and trial examples to keep readers entertained throughout the read.
Ratings: 4.3 out of 5
Comic Classroom brings a huge range of content and teaching techniques which I personally find hard to disappoint. The way the comic brings the authors together allow readers to compare the various drawing styles from the individual mangakas so they get the whole package. Plus, the books are relatively affordable, so practically anyone can pick up a book from a store to catch a glimpse into manga drawing.