This book is a basic guide to drawing yaoi manga, from learning to draw all the way to attending doujinshi markets. This book lists a translator, so presumably this book was originally written for a Japanese audience. Many different aspects of how to create manga are touched on, but don't expect anything in depth.

This book is a bit different than I was expecting. I was expecting it to not have so much basic 'how to draw manga' type stuff and focus more on the specific visual elements of yaoi that are different from other genres. I was expecting it to be something to have in addition to other how to draw manga books, and not try to be an all-in-one book. The best way to take this book is probably as a guide for the basic skills an aspiring creator should learn.

Well, no book can really teach someone how to draw. But, this book does a good job of having good information for people of every level. Can someone take this book and use it to create their very own manga? I don't know as I didn't try. Still, it made for a fun read.



Anyway, Jen looked around to find out more about the author of the book, Botan Yamada. In addition to the 801 Media mascots, she has done Yu Gi Oh doujinshi. Unfortunately, she also did the cover for Zowie! It's Yaoi! She has also done art for BL games like Lamento.

She is a good artist and her style is very inline with typical yaoi art. I would be sad if budding artists learned to draw exactly like her instead of developing their own styles. Since a reader is supposed to copy drawings by her, that could a pitfall of learning by this book. But, on the other hand, people need to start somewhere. It's hard to find hot bishis who are willing to strip down so you can draw them in compromising positions. Umm... not that I’ve tried or anything.
It's also worth noting that this book will not help you learn how to draw naughty bits. It's doesn't even teach how to draw random rods of light or how to outline invisible things in bodily fluids. There is good information on drawing kisses, but nothing beyond that.

Author: Botan Yamada
Publisher: DMP
MSRP: $19.95
Censorship: N/A
Warnings: None
Disclosure: This was a free review copy courtesy of DMP.