[Buecher] Writing for Comics with Peter David

Baerbel Haddrell
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Diesmal bespreche ich keinen Roman sondern ein Sachbuch. Peter David
schreibt in diesem Buch ueber Comics. Schliesslich ist er nicht nur ein
erfahrener Buchautor sondern ist auch fuer seine Comics bekannt.

Ich habe meine englische Besprechung so stehenlassen, moechte aber
hinzufuegen, dass die Teilnahme an den Strange New Worlds Wettbewerben
auf US Staatsbuerger beschraenkt ist. Es ist ein wenig komplizierter
aber darauf laeuft es im Grossen und Ganzen hinaus.


I have been reading comics, especially Marvel, since childhood. My
parents were sure I would lose interest quickly but they were wrong: I
am in my mid-fourties now and although my daughter can`t read yet, she
loves looking at the comics while I am reading them. She especially
likes Spider-Man.

When I got the book, she immediately said "Peter David". She can`t read
but she does recognize certain words. I thought, this was pretty funny.

There are quite a few people who think media SF is something inferior
compared to non-media books, something I never agreed with. In many
cases this is a prejudice people would forget very quickly if they would
approach them open-minded. The same applies to comics. Also comic books
can be very intelligent and have thought provoking stories. They have
given me a lot: Not just entertainment but they helped me to learn
English before I started reading English novels. And today it is
something interesting to share with my child. It wouldn`t surprise me at
all if my comic collection will also help her to learn how to read.

Peter David`s book shows that also comic books are about writing good,
entertaining stories. In that regard, there is not a big difference from
novels. Most of the chapters deal with topics like characterizations,
continuity, conflict, story arcs, plot and pacing. Only the last few
chapters deal with comic specific topics like using and placing word
balloons and sound effects. Also scripting and the use of art is
mentioned.

This book presents facts but in a very entertaining, fun way. He gives
several examples from his long experience as a comic writer that are
very amusing sometimes and interesting.

I think this book is an interesting read for any fan who enjoys reading
in general, not just comics. It is certainly a useful book for fan
fiction writers and participants of the Strange New World contest.

Baerbel Haddrell
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