I’m an avid listener to the webcomics podcast put out by the guys at Halfpixel, and since they’re constantly plugging their book, I decided to order a copy for myself at work.

After a few hiccups, including the fact that my boss forgot to tell the manager at the main store that it was a special order for me and I only found out it was in because I walked by the shelf it was on,  that copy was in my hands as of yesterday, and was read completely as of today (note, I do nt recommend reading this book in one sitting. Details on why in the review!).

I was very excited to read this book for a number of reasons, the most prominent being that, as far as I was aware, there were no books like this. I was on the verge of writing one myself, but this book has said everything I could ever say and more.  So, without further delay, a review!

An excellent guide by several webcomics giants.

How to Make Webcomics

The go-to guide for a new generation of cartoonists!

For years, cartoonists of all stripes have dreamed about making a living from their comics. But until recently their only avenue of success was through a syndicate or publisher. Now, more and more cartoonists are doing it on their own and self-publishing their comic strips on the Web. This 200-page book from Image Comics takes you through everything you’ll need to take your idea from concept to strip…from strip to hobby…and from hobby to full-time job.

Written by four pros who know the ins and outs of the Web — Dave Kellett (Sheldon), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Brad Guigar (Evil Inc.) and Kris Straub (Starslip Crisis) — “How To Make Webcomics” takes you on a step-by-step tour of everything you need to know to make, post and profit from your online comics.

Now, the most notable aspect of this book is that it is not at all about how to draw–it assumes that you already know how, and that you’ve already got a few ideas in terms of how you want your webcomic to be presented, or how you would like your project to pan out.

It is full of relevant resources, links included, and is written in four ‘voices’ that don’t always necessarily agree with each other all of the time.  However,  despite their different takes on webcomics and different processes in making them, the one thing they seem to all agree on is that you have to be dedicated, and that you have to love what you do. Webcomics are hard work, especially if you want to eventually use them as a legitimate source of income.  Far too often do I hear or see kids these days starting gamer comics, BL manga, etc., not because they love them, but because they want to make money, sell t-shirts, get fans, and so on. They want to be like Penny Arcade or Looking for Group, but with instant fame and none of the work. This book serves as a reality check in that respect.

On top of that, for those talented webcomic artists who do update on time, who do have amazing art and something fresh to sell, well, this book could very well be a springboard for the kind of marketing you need to get into to make sure people are reading your comic, and to keep them reading.

I definitely recommend this book, and think all aspiring webcomic artists should pick up a copy.