THE MAKING OF A GRAPHIC NOVEL by Prentis Rollins
Original release date: January 1st, 2006
The Making Of A Graphic Novel
Prentis Rollins
(Watson-Guptill)
168 pages
This is actually a flipbook – on one side you get Prentis Rollins’ original 96 page graphic novel(ette) The Resonator, while on the other is a step-by-step guide by the author through the creative process that brought the story into being.
The Resonator itself is an interesting although not essential sci-fi story with an intriguing twist, boasting intricate (while perhaps a little staid) art. The “how-to” part of the book is detailed and informative, and is just as applicable to standard comic books as it is to the recently trendy graphic novel field. It features a sound run through the tasks of pencilling, inking and lettering, as well as a look at the writing process, which many similar books give short shrift. The ability to relate each step to the finished product is a particularly useful touch.
This is a valuable guide for the beginning comic artist, and its depth means there’s bound to be a few insights even for a professional.
Owen Heitmann