“Lively, sophisticated, and comprehensive, Abel and Madden's course in visual storytelling covers every narrative and graphic element, from drawing figures and character development to panel transitions, composition, lettering, depicting action, and penciling and inking techniques. Technically precise, zippy, and inspiring, this is an outstanding teaching book.” —Donna Seaman, Booklist

“Smartly designed and easy to understand, Abel and Madden's text is an edifying course in creating comics ... A valuable resource for all interested in the field and a natural companion to Scott McCloud's quintessential texts Understanding Comics and Reinventing Comics. (appendices, index, bibliography) (Nonfiction. YA & adult)” —Kirkus Reviews

“Comics are increasingly appreciated as complex, sophisticated blends of illustration and text, and this volume is a timely, in-depth examination of the format. This exhaustively comprehensive guide to creating comics features fifteen individual lessons that take readers from concept to finished product ... Serious readers seeking information will be drawn by the witty, informal tone and casual narrative voice as much as the impeccably designed and accessible lessons.” —BCCB

“The text, designed for classroom use by teachers or as an individual tutorial, comes with further reading suggestions, homework assignments, and extra credit projects at the end of each lesson ... This book is not designed to teach would-be artists how to draw but how to write and give dimension to drawings through penciling strategies, lettering techniques, and inking with pens or brushes. Students looking to create their own mini comics for publication will welcome the design pointers.” —Laura Panter, VOYA