Comic Related - John Wilson shares a "How To" review

Girl to GRRRL Manga: How to draw the hottest Shoujo Manga

by Colleen Doran

Impact Books, ISBN 1-58180809-7, $19.99

I must admit, I am very late to the party in terms of appreciating Manga Art. The big eyed over emotive characters have just never been my style. It just takes me right out of the story. In truth, the only reason I picked up Girl to GRRRL is for the author: Colleen Doran. I have long been a fan of Ms. Doran’s work (hers is one of the two pieces of original comic art that I own) and was willing to give the book a chance on that strength alone. After reading the book, I think I may need to give the genre another try.

Doran’s book and the artist herself are set apart from other how to books in a number of ways. Firstly, all the art in the book, from the tutorials to the chapter dividers is done by Doran herself, rather than the team of artists that generally handle the basic chores in an art book. Also, the artist is a self proclaimed student of how to books, saying that her training comes from pouring over how to texts and practicing her drawing every day (the single most important piece of art advice for anyone who is serious about their craft). And lastly, the artist sticks to the subject of Shoujo Art: beautiful characters in beautiful clothes, a subject that she explores in great detail.

Detail is the most apropos word to describe this book. Ms. Doran goes into detail at a level far greater than most how to books. She begins with the basics of drawing; as most do, but she then goes on to spend several pages describing the creation and placement of the eyes. She even shows how the drama of a scene can be heightened by the size and complexity of the tears. She spends a good deal of time showing how the face and body is built, from a simply stick drawing to full Shoujo complexity. She even takes time to discuss the subtle differences that help show the characters age and gender.

Another area the artist treads anew is her love of the folds of fabrics and the complexity of costuming. She details seven basic folds and how the movement of the body is translated into the movement of the cloth. She describes the difference between historical and fantasy costumes and gives a brief but absolutely beautiful look at the proper way to draw the Japanese kimono (which she admits would take its own book to truly do it justice). She also pays particular attention to the decorative element of a characters hair. And if you know anything about Ms. Doran’s art, it is that the hair of her characters has a personality all its own.

The artist closes out the book with a chapter detailing the character differences between the seven styles of Shoujo Art: Classic, Contemporary, Retro, Children’s, Aesthetic (which is apparently the style I draw in…who knew?), Modern and Illustrative. She offers head and figure studies for each and in some cases, tips on backgrounds and styles of clothing that makes each section unique. In terms of tips, throughout the book, Doran offers brief asides with words of encouragement, tasks or cheats to make the art really sing.

The idea of small changes making a big difference is a strong theme in this book. Colleen Doran shows that from the simplest beginnings comes incredible complexity. Seeing this has changed my opinion of the genre and may open a new avenue of enjoyment to me. Can any teacher ask more from their student?