Alan Moore's Writing For Comics Part 1
$5.95 & 47 pgs.
From Avatar Comics
Illustrated by Jacen Burrows
Sold at Avatar Pressand comic shops.

If its editor had read Moore closely, he'd have known that Writing For Comics is not a graphic novel as touted on this magazine's back cover. It is not even a comic book. Its random illustrations don't even follow the text. It is an essay, an opinion, about how to write comic books from one of the best and most prolific writers of comic books. Among his works are Watchmen, Another Suburban Night-mare, and Supreme.

Among many subjects, Moore discusses the technical aspects of writing for comics, the differences of writing comics as compared to other media, and plot and characterization.

That other comics writers will have other, conflicting opinions does not negate the value of Moore's beliefs. Conflicting opinions are the stuff of style; without them, everyone would write exactly the same way. If you should choose to write exactly as does Moore after reading his essay, you will have missed his point completely. Moore ends with a new backword reflecting on how his early ideas have changed in two decades. His conclusion? Ignore everything in the essay. Ummmmmm. Interesting.

So what is the value of Writing for Comics?

"For fans of Moore's work," opines the back-cover blurb, "new writers, or anyone interested in comics, this book is an indispensable and fascinating peak [it should read peek] into the thoughts of one of the masters of comic book writing."

Exactly right, except this isn't a book either. Writing for Comics is highly recommended.

Michael Vance

MINIVIEW: Monkey vs. Robot: and the Crystal of Power [Top Shelf]. An adult story packaged as if for children, the doodle simplicity of this allegory about the war between nature and science opens the door to deeper reflection.

MINIVIEW, TOO: Sketchbook Diaries #3 [Top Shelf] A record of boring mundane events drawn in a minimalistic, child-like style. Profanity.

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