So YOU want to make manga, these are the top three books that I would recommend before you get started. After you read these books, you’re going to be so glad you did, because they’re going to set you up with the perfect mindset to finally get started making your own story. 

When I read these books they actually changed my life, and got me thinking about making manga in a totally new way.

The books listed below are in no particular order, they're just the most important books that you’ll need to read before you get started, if you want to have a better & more productive mindset for making manga. 

1. Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

Personally, I would start with Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. 

This book comes in the form of a graphic novel and goes over the overall significance that sequential art has and it’s role in human culture. It blew my mind and I don’t think I would understand how important manga is, without it. I would say it is a must read for anyone interested in making manga.

This is a book written by the creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures and details exactly how he formulated characters and everything he keeps in mind when telling a story for Shonen Jump. It’s filled with golden nuggets of info that will surely help you when crafting your own manga. 

3. Bakuman Vol: 1 by Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata

The third book I highly recommend is actually a manga. It starts with volume one of a series called Bakuman written illustrated by the writer / artist duo of Death Note, Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata. 

This manga is about a writer artist duo who team up and pursue their dreams of creating manga just like you are now. I think it’s important, (even though these characters are fictional) to see them actually creating manga because it will motivate you to do the same. The characters are so determined and worked very hard and you’ll get to see first hand what it takes to follow your dreams.

These books helped me get to where I am today. I’m currently working on my own manga series Cold Monster Steel, which will be available in stores sometime in the future. For now you can follow along in my journey, get my digital tools and templates over on my patreon. Link Below

JOIN my manga creator discord and share what you're working on.  Link Below

Enjoy,