Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com

Average Customer Rating:

Already dated, and the business model is not realistic

Customer Rating:

I'd still buy this, but be warned: the business model is unprofessional and unreliable. This may be why two authors of four carry full time jobs. The advice about what kind of comic to pursue does not match with what kinds of comics are successful, probably because these are black and white strip artists with a long record of newspaper rejection. An alternate business model would not rely on Kellett's questionable anecdotal data and would involve real research and footnotes. For all the cheering about a career in webcomics, the authors become defensive when asked to substantiate claims, and seem to feel the fact that a career in webcomics is possible is proof enough. I am of the opinion that any book called "How to Make Webcomics" should explain exactly that, including the essential business portion, which is shaky and lacking key data. The fact that the authors are quite willing to hurl written insults at web reviewers who are merely lukewarm suggests a lack of confidence in their own work. Cartoonists who question the business assumptions, including those with accomplished careers, are called "bitter failures" on the web by the authors. "Not everyone can be a cartoonist," preaches co-author Kurtz ignorantly, to a cartoonist whose circulation actually appears to exceed most of the four authors' titles. These are the most pugnacious authors since Norman Mailer was throwing punches at cocktail parties. My message to shoppers is there is value, but the pitch about becoming a cartoonist is unrealistically hyped, using greatly exaggerated numbers and hype to excite people into opening their wallets. Webcartooning is one of the riskiest career choices one can make, and competitors number in the thousands. The authors claim frequent cautions to readers, but these vague qualifications are outnumbered by cheerleading and "on to the next step" formulations that don't match reality. It's a shame these authors are so defensive. Simply absorbing comments and recording the best for volume 2 would leave their micro-celebrity status untarnished, but they seem to come from a background where truth is devalued and shouting down critics is OK. It shows in the book.

A Comic Artist's Must-Have

Customer Rating:

There are a handful of making your own comics and scads of books on drawing them, but there's not much on making a living off them, particularly with webcomics. "How to Make Webcomics" spends very little time on the stuff that's been covered elsewhere and does a great job filling the niche that other books have missed. Again this book focuses not on "10% inspiration" fine art aspect of comics that there are already have shelves worth of books about, but the "90% perspiration" topics that are the difference between a talented artist and a successful talented one. Topics like maintaining a good update schedule, proper site design, self promotion, merchandising, dealing with supporters, working comic conventions, and other aspects of building a fan base that leads to a lucrative webcomics career. This is also one of the best examples of a multi-author book I've ever seen. Most books written by more than one person have no difference in who's "speaking" or have clunky transitions between authors. In this book, you always know who's talking and each author is established as a unique, experienced voice on the matter and will actually butt it on another person's chapter to offer a different opinion on a subject. The lessons passed on in "How to Make Webcomics" apply beyond online funny pages and are required reading for any artist looking do more for themselves on the internet. And if nothing else there's plenty of funny comic strips throughout to keep you entertained.

Complete guide to Webcomics

Customer Rating:

This has is all. From start to finish, if you want to get going in Webcomics...this really has it all. Damn this is cliche! But its true. Everything you need to know about it. Hosting services. Publishers, merchandising your web comics and a bunch of great stuff. You won't regret buying this book. Sure the comics in it are dry., the information in it is sound and got me going! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a go and wants a complete understanding of the business.

The Sad State of Amazon

Customer Rating:

While the book is great and Amazon itself did a great job of shipping and giving me a good quality undamaged book. It took me almost a month dealing with Amazon's partners who offered the book much cheaper and claiming to have it in stock before I was able to cancel and order with Amazon directly. Days and weeks after submitting the orders both sellers all of a sudden claimed that the item is out of stock but they would be getting it in. Why are they allowed to offer it as available when it is not? This to me is false advertising and a bait and switch scheme that Amazon needs to look into. After dealing with these partners I ordered from Amazon directly and they were quick and efficient. - Kevin Johnson

Love the book!

Customer Rating:

Scott, Brad, Kris and Dave draw upon everyday household items you might have laying around to create a time machine or a flying car. For good measure they also pass on the secret to eternal youth and the location of the lost Ark. Well, they might as well have. Starting from the idea that the reader can already draw enough to make a comic (there is no "How to draw a..." section), they mold the reader into a writer, agent, techie and business person. They pass on all of their secrets in a full confession sharefest that reads like a conversation between the authors (similar to the discussions on their "Webcomics Weekly" Podcast). The book is full of humor and brilliant ideas. The art comes from each contributor's comics and really adds to the points of the book. You should buy two books as one will likely fall apart from constant use and you will need the second to give to your children someday. I bought four extra copies and hidden them at the corners of the world, and in my will I have clues to find each copy in an elaborate race to determine who I will leave my entire fortune to.