DC/WATSON-GUPTILL ANNOUNCE THE DC GUIDE TO CREATING COMICS
04.05.01

Watson-Guptill Publications has announced a new series of ‘how-to/instructional books’ to be produced by and published in conjunction with DC. According to Watson-Guptill, "This marks the first time that DC Comics, the oldest and most successful English language comic book publisher in the world, has tapped into its sixty-five year history and opened its 40,000-story archive to provide an inside look at the craft and art of creating comic books.

The first book in the series, The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics, to be published in June 2001, is written by long-time DC writer and Batman editor, and current DC Consulting Editor and exclusive creator, Denny O`Neil, who has taught writing at New York`s School of Visual Arts and Sarah Lawrence College.

The book features an introduction by Marvel Comics living-legend Stan Lee, "examines the creation of the various genres and formats of comic books, using examples by writers such as Neil Gaiman, Archie Goodwin, Mark Waid, Peter David, Scott McCloud, Chuck Dixon, and Mark Evanier, who contributes an essay on writing humor for comics. Illustrated with famous DC Comics super-heroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, The DC Comics Guide to Writing Comics features work by artists like George Pérez, Jack Kirby, Will Eisner, Neal Adams, Walter Simonson, Steve Rude, John Byrne, Alex Ross, and others.

Watson-Guptill Publications Marketing Manager Ali T. Kokmen said, "It`s thrilling to be involved with this project, and we`re honored that DC chose to work with us on it. Being able to tap into DC`s tremendous pool of talent and experience is simply wonderful. And to launch with a book by Dennis O`Neil, a true living legend? It does a grown-up fan`s heart proud."

DC Comics` Executive Editor Mike Carlin said, "DC has been publishing comics for over 65 years from super-hero and high fantasy to romance and westerns... from war and horror to slice-of-life dramas and everything in between. We`ve worked with thousands of writers and artists, and we`ve never stuck to one particular `house style.` There is no one way to do a story in words and pictures... but with the `Creating Comics` series, we`re looking to explore the numerous different methods that comics can be born."

The second volume in the DC Comics Guide to Creating Comics series will be the DC Comics Guide to Penciling Comics by fan-favorite artist Klaus Janson, to be published in Fall 2001. Future volumes will include books on inking, coloring, and lettering for comics.

Watson-Guptill Publications, a division of BPI Communications Inc., a VNU Company, is a leading English language publisher of illustrated books on art, music, comics & cartooning and popular culture, whose recent books include the Harvey Award-nominated MAD: Cover to Cover. Watson-Guptill's Web site is located at www.watsonguptill.com.