This was an incredibly piece of work. I'm not someone who can draw very well, so making comics is hard for me, and I know that it's a lot of practice, but I read comics and novels, and I want to write novels.
This book isn't just for making graphic novels, it's for anything you want to create, so don't let the title put you off.
It's extremely helpful in terms of storytelling, creating worlds, characters, and ideas. There's so much in this book and I think it's helpful for anyone who wants to create something!

“Figuring it out as you go along is a key part of comic making. You have to try different things to discover what works for you. There are no right answers and no bad choices –if you’re enjoying it, then you’re doing a great job.” Alice Oseman, excerpt of the foreword

Even though Graphic Novel Builder is intended as a book for children and teenagers, I totally enjoyed my reading. Using the Comic form was an evidence and a great idea all at once. It makes it easy –and quick– to read, pleasurable for the eye and more interactive. And… it makes a point, giving an example to the reader of an original –non fiction– graphic novel.
As the title hints, you won’t really find any advice on how to draw. The book is about creating a story, characters, plot and universe, and delivering keys to how to make choices about it. In this regard, it is a useful tool for any storyteller, even if you decide to use only words. It can make a great memento with key points, with all the indispensable basics, for anyone who would like to tell a story (but if you want to draw it, then it will be even more useful!).

Rate 4.5/5

Thank you NetGalley, Edward Ross and Collins for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

I think this could easily be used in a classroom to develop creative writing. Though it is meant to be used to develop graphic book style writing, it breaks down all the stages and key concepts of story creation in such an imaginative and engaging way that I think it would inspire many reluctant readers. Bright colours, excellent instructions and illustrations. I really liked this book and can’t wait to get a copy in my library. I am sure it will be successful and popular amongst the boys!

Graphic Novel Builder is a delightful and informative resource for young artists eager to dive into the world of comics. The engaging narrative, coupled with bright illustrations, creates a vibrant learning experience. The book’s format, blending comic storytelling with practical exercises, makes it both enjoyable and educational. Readers will appreciate the encouragement to explore their unique creative paths, reminding them that there is no one right way to make comics.

The book moves in order through creating your characters and their background, your settings and their details, the appearance of your story and designing your characters visually. A lot of the ideas are applicable to writing prose as well as comics, so writers might enjoy this as well. The fun illustrations keep things really interesting.

Throughout the journey with the Graphic Novel Builders, readers not only learn about the various elements that make up a comic but also gain the confidence to experiment with their own styles. The emphasis on finding what works for them is a fantastic message for aspiring creators. This book will inspire a new generation of artists to unleash their imaginations and bring their stories to life!

I really liked that this book about creating a graphic novel was written as a graphic novel! This was a clever concept and also a great way to transfer a lot of information in a quick and easily readable way. Plus it was written in a very entertaining way with each of the characters having a distinct interest which applied to creating a graphic novel.

This book would also work well to give prompts and tips for storytelling other than graphic novels. I liked all the building blocks given in each section such as picking from two lists to create characters/plot/setting.

I was looking at this for a 10 year old who enjoys reading and creating graphic novels. I found some of the concepts were more suited to a slightly older age group but there were still lots of good things which would be useful now to all age groups.

I am rating this book 4 stars.

Thank you to the publisher, Collins for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Most of us have drawn comic strips at school as a different way of telling a story. It is now also recognised that graphic novels are a great way to encourage reluctant readers. This book shows anyone how to take a blank piece of paper or computer screen and begin their own creative journey with examples of the artistic and literary skills needed.

There are plenty of books about this very subject, of course, but this is a graphic novel about the process of producing your own graphic novel! There are five main characters and five building blocks to help the reader learn the important elements of this process. From choosing the right type of comic, through the ideas for the storyline, to how to market your novel, this book sets it all out in colourful, easily understood comic strips and explanations meaning anyone can improve their skills and finish what is sure to be a satisfying project.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Collins/Collins Reference, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an excellent book for anyone with an interest in undertaking this creative process no matter their age. Recommended.

This is a fantastic book that any aspiring creative can find useful

A fun s d creative read! Thanks to netgalley for an ARC!!!

This wasn't quite what I was expecting which was more of a how to guide, but this was sweet, funny and informative and I enjoyed it anyway. Highly recommend.

Very fun and sweet graphic novel that not only inspired, but makes you smiles.

The characters are discovered and very lovable. Every one of them is important and represent a different aspect, all crucial to the story.

The story educates the reader about origins of comics, teaches how to build your characters and world. Shares important details and helps to find inspiration.

What I loved the most was the fact that it's not necessarily just for graphic novel creators. I believe that want to be writers would find this story helpful as well, as it does explain really well how to make your main character, how to make it believable and relatable.

Great little book!

This is a fantastic book that any aspiring creative can find useful! It is not just a graphic novel builder, but can also be a mighty resource to enhance a (non-graphic) novel, inspire you to create in more meaningful ways, and get you out of an art block through fun games.
An iconic gem, I'm so happy to have received an ARC!!!

I really like how this book about creating graphic novels is, in itself, a graphic novel. Inspiring and engaging, this is a great choice for teens and older who are looking at creating their own graphic novels and want hints and tips.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing the earc.

I really enjoyed the way the explanations were presented making a book about the creation of comic be an actual comic felt really funny. I liked that each of the characters had a really strong personality.
Personally this book felt more introductory that i was hoping for but it's a great & fun way to start delving into creating and i can't wait to start using some of the info and tips presented here.

Thank you to Edward Ross, Netgalley, and Collins Reference for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

Graphic Novel Builder exceeded my expectations. The title might give the impression that the book will break down the stages to crafting a graphic novel step-by-step in a prescriptive way, and I suppose to some degree it does. However, I was struck by the creative way the book and the process of graphic novel writing was presented. In writing circles, the statement, ‘show don’t tell’ is often thrown around to remind authors to give characters and their environments a life, rather than narrating everything from a sole perspective. This book combined ‘showing’ and ‘telling’ simultaneously, thus, creating a wonderful teaching aid that can be referred back to throughout the crafting process. In essence, this was a huge comic about graphical writing with a dedicated cast taking us through the lessons.

At the point of reading the book, I was not in the midst of writing a comic or larger works. This enabled me to read the book cover to cover without distraction. I would recommend anyone picking up this book to do the same regardless of what stage of the design or production stage they are in. each chapter was dedicated to a specific area including drawing characters, breathing life into them by adding their personality traits, world building and what the use of colour might mean vs adding details like weather-worn buildings to add a sense of realism. It requested the artist take time to doodle, practice with facial expressions and angles, and basically all the little intricacies that could prevent a good comic/graphic novel from being a great one.

The one thing that I greatly appreciated about this book is that it continued to state that these were not hard and fast rules. It presented an array of options and demonstrated them. Using different colour palettes to change the mood, a variety of panelling options, and the overall exhibition of all the techniques discussed prompts the reader/crafter to imagine their book in parts, which they build upon before definitively putting pen to paper to document the final product.

I would recommend the book especially for a young audience around 10-17 years with an interest in graphic novels, but I certainly would not discount adults, particularly those new to the genre from reading the book. It is full of great tips in an easily digestible manner that is fun and informative to explore. Absolutely top marks for someone that has tried and tested his own techniques and continues to work in the industry.

This is brilliant! I showed this to my kids (age 14 & 16) and it was so much up their street. My eldest already makes his own comics and graphic novels, so any further influence or inspiration is perfect. Very clear, very helpful and, of course, done as a graphic novel - I mean, why wouldn't you! My favourtie thing was it pushing to find inspiration in any type of art form and beyond. It's not just about graphic novels at the detriment or exclusion of anything else. In a word, great!

Thanks to Netgalley and Collins Reference for the ARC.
Excellent manual for taking the first steps in the world of comic book storytelling.
It is very introductory but it covers all the topics of storytelling and addresses them in a fresh and modern way compared to historical manuals. Absolutely recommended for those who want to approach the subject.
Not exhaustive, like all manuals, but an excellent starting point.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6766707542

Thank you so much for NetGalley and Collins for letting me read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Right now, there is no better resource for kids to get into drawing and writing their own graphic novels.

The format of a comic with a narrative, where each character represents another facet of the graphic novel process is really engaging and fun but also each step in the creative process is afforded a full chapter, bursting with great tips and tricks anyone - beginner or not - can take and utilise well in their own work. The writing is clear, filled with humour, and will appeal for those at the very end of the age spectrum as well as those at its upper limit. This only enhanced by the bright art style that accompanies the words really bringing the novel together in a fun, engaging way.

My only 'issue' with the book is that it is placed under the Teen & YA category. While yes, it definitely has appeal to the older audience; there is absolutely no reason why this can't be recommended to younger graphic novel fans too. I know I certainly will be recommending it to our KS2 teachers because there is nothing content-wise nor difficulty that should prevent those on the younger end enjoying and learning from this handy guide!

This is a book I see being in rotation for a long time. It's simple, full of practical, and fun enough to get kids and adults alike into the comic spirt. And, with the boom we're seeing in graphic novel's popularity at the moment, I'm sure I will be recommending this book for a while.

Graphic novel lovers and especially those who would like to create their own will love this indeoth, but very accessible book about the genre.

This is a fabulous book which I'm sure will be popular with the students at my secondary school library.

It covers many different aspects of creating a graphic novel, in more detail than I expected, but all in an approachable fashion. The information is useful and presented in a really engaging format. Readers will be able to dip in and out as needed but it's just as enjoyable to read in one go.

A FANTASTIC book on how to make comics! The whole read is incredibly lively and fun, while giving out excellent, detailed, nuanced information broken up into super-accessible chunks. Ross' passion and enthusiasm shine through the book, making it a truly inspiring read full of cool ideas, prompts and projects. This one's a must-read for anyone who enjoys comics or even stories in general, and is definitely the perfect gift for budding artists!

This is a must-have for all graphic novel fans. It is a book about a group of people building a graphic novel. It is fun to read and packed with information.