Book Review: STAN LEE'S MASTER CLASS by Stan Lee

STAN LEE’S MASTER CLASS by Stan Lee and various co-writers. Subtitled: Lessons in Drawing, World-Building, Storytelling, Manga, and Digital Comics From the Legendary Co-Creator of Spider-Man, the Avengers, the Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man. (Watson0-Guptill, November 2019) Paperback, 224 pages.  ISBN # 0823-98435 / 9780823098439  

Summary on the Goodreads website . . . . .

From the co-creator of the Mighty Marvel Universe and some of the most popular comic book characters of all time comes an in-depth comics drawing instruction book revealing the tools, styles, and techniques of today's top comics artists. 

In Stan Lee's How to Draw Comics Master Class, comics icon Lee provides aspiring comics artists with the modern tools they need to succeed in the comic book creating world. Focusing on topics like anatomy, perspective, and character design, as well as brand new topics like manga art styles, digital art, and more, thisi s the next step for those looking to perfect their superhero rendering and create fantastic comics worlds perfect for today's modern comic book audience. 

     With examples from his classic collaborations at Marvel Comics and from today's top comics artists, Lee builds on concepts only touched upon in his previous instructional offerings and provides a pathway for aspiring artists to bring their comic book artwork to professional-quality levels." 

My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     This is the fourth and final book in Stan Lee's instructions and guidance for aspiring artists (with some information of use to writers as well). It should be essential for artists, but provides enough insights into the industry, terminology, and story-telling techniques to remain of interest to anyone curious as to how modern comic books are assembled. 

     When I saw five industry vets (Danny Fingeroth, Keith Dallas, Robert Sodaro, David Roach and Robert Greenberger) listed as co-writers I became suspicious, assuming that this volume was mostly ghost-written and Stan Lee slapped his name on it for better marketability. That is not the case. This is written with Lee's trademark humor and as I read the various sections I could hear his voice in my head. I'm guessing he wrote the scripts and consulted with the experts on the details. Here's to you, Stan!

     Numerous art examples are included to make Stan's points, and they are fantastic choices. Stan keeps it simple and easy to follow, even for a novice. I especially liked the section on manga, which helped to enhance my limited knowledge of this art form. There's an update in the latter sections of the books that detail how digital technology and various apps are making life easier for artists.