Expressive Anatomy for Comics and Narrative: Principles and Practices from the Legendary Cartoonist (Will Eisner Library (Hardcover))

Your browser does not support HTML5 video.  Expressive Anatomy for Comics and Narrative is one of the three Will Eisner instructional books. The other two are Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative and Comics and Sequential Art.I bought the book to learn how to pose characters properly and create strong silhouettes. I'm glad to say that this book provides tons of examples selected from Will Eisner's years of comics.Will Eisner started the book but unfortunately passed away in 2005 before he could finish it. Enter Peter Poplaski, an artist who have worked long time beside him. Peter Poplaski was engaged to add the finishing touches for the book with some additional drawings. The majority of art work is still from Will Eisner's archive.The first few chapters explain the anatomy and how it affects movement. It offers a basic introduction to the latter chapters and is definitely not a substitute for an anatomy book.The core concept of the book is actually this: human actions come from reflex and emotions.The bulk of the book is devoted to showing examples of how certain feelings are express through body language and gesture. Each example is clearly explained and exceptionally easy to understand. Even if speech balloons are taken away from the example comic panels, readers will still know how the characters are feeling. Such is the power of a strong silhouette.Included are also many other techniques to help breath life into characters, such as staging, composition, positioning of characters etc.This book is very useful for any artists who wants to create believable characters people can relate to.I think I'll also be getting the other two books.(More pictures are available on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

Gave as Christmas gift

Excellent reference for artists! Less time spent on anatomy and more on how the body reacts to emotions. A must for comic artists or animators

If you've ever taken an art class you do not need this book. It's full of fantastic drawings, but the info is pretty standard.

Yet another useful set of instructions and attitudes from Will Eisner. For story-telling artists, this goes with the other Eisner books. Everything here can be applied to today's static and sequential art.

A very helpful addition to any anatomy library. I reference this often along with other more technical books. Good if you are interested in comic book art.

Will Eisner's books are a must have for anyone interested in animation. I was classically trained in college of fine arts. I must say I love learning new techniques and these books do not disipoint.

This book arrived fast and was exactly what my aspiring artist wanted. Great resource material, quality item, good investment! Recommended!

Was in two minds at first - but soo glad I bought the set. Enjoyable to read, the artwork is fantastic, and the knowledge is priceless. 10 outta 10

What a fantastic book.It is the kind of book that any artist would appreciate.You don't have to be into comics and graphic novels,although that is where it is pitched.Mr Eisner was one of the greats.This was his third and final work and as others have pointed out probably the best one.Sadly he passed away just before completion,but the book delivers in every way.

probably best to get the hard copy Kindle doesn't display well

Master of animation, must have if an artist. No excuses.

Almost all of his comics and books about comics are a must-read for anyone who wants to do some drawing or some story for comic.