The Complete Idiots Guide to Drawing Manga, Illustrated Paperback Illustrated, May 3, 2005

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Drawing Manga, Illustrated has garnered a mixed reception from its readers, who appreciate its strengths while also noting some limitations. This book is particularly praised for its beginner-friendly approach, featuring a step-by-step method for breaking down complex manga figures into simple shapes and stick figures. New artists find the book’s pacing and detailed instruction helpful for acquiring fundamental drawing skills, as it covers essential topics such as body proportions, facial features, and character types. However, some reviewers caution that the book may not meet the needs of intermediate or advanced drawers. It is notably slow-paced and may feel overly simplistic for those with a grasp of the basics. Additionally, while it offers a substantial amount of information and insight into various manga-related elements like mechas, backgrounds, and poses, some readers found the artistic quality unsatisfactory. The illustrations, described as generic and lacking in creativity, did not resonate with everyone, and the use of colored ink made some illustrations difficult to see. Educators have found value in the book as a teaching tool, using it to engage students and encourage drawing skills in a fun manner. Some criticisms also arose about certain illustrations that may not be suitable for younger audiences, prompting some instructors to omit specific pages. Overall, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Drawing Manga serves as a comprehensive introduction for budding artists, while its artistic execution and readability limitations suggest that advanced learners might require a more specialized resource. **