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.

Excellent book for young people interested in comics and graphic novels. Lots of creative and practical advice that I think will inspire readers to start creating. Told through a comic story which makes it an engaging read. Will recommend to all my library customers who want to be the next Alice Oseman

An ideal book for those looking to get into making their own comics or graphic novels. Whilst clearly aimed at younger audiences, the advice is suitable for ALL creatives. Highly recommend.

Graphic novel builder is cute comic book about creating comics ☺️ It’s written in the funny and a bit childish tone but children and teenagers are priority group for this type of writing. It’s reading fast and I enjoyed it.

I really liked the layout of this Graphic Novel Builder. I think it is great for children with lots of tips and ways they can make a graphic novel. The text is easy to read and follow and the images are great too. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

If you have a child interested in telling stories, you’ve come to the right place.
Graphic Novel Builder has a modern and inclusive art style coupled with useful, accessible and insightful information about the making of graphic novels.
Bonus: it is written like a graphic novel in form and content.
Bonus 2: there are useful details that are about general storytelling, finding the right audience and writing with them in mind and other publishing.

What a fantastic comic book that shows you with lively art and entertaining text how to make a graphic novel. I absolutely loved the characters who lead us on a fun-filled journey to create our own comic book. Graphic artists and comic book fans will adore this, as will newbies who will find this a treasure trove as they try their hand at this most exuberant art. A winner!