This sketchbook and art tutorial rolled into one helps anyone master the basics of drawing chibis — the super-cute sidekicks, pets, and alter egos that are essential to manga cartooning.

Chibi proportions are different from those of the rest of the characters in the manga universe. Certain aspects have to be emphasized and exaggerated. Through clear, step-by-step exercises, author Christopher Hart leads you through the process of creating their distinctive giant heads, chubby rounded bodies, sweet doe eyes, and mitten-like hands.

An extensive section of the book explores techniques for drawing iconic chibi characters including the samurai bad girl, the sad sack prisoner, the goth boy, the sorceress, the rebel leader, and many others.

Demonstrations of how to draw animal characters such as the hyperactive fur ball, the sleepy sidekick, and the silly songbird are also included. From capturing motion to expressing emotion, The Manga Artist's Workbook: Chibis guides you through it all.

An easy-to-follow instructional format displays each drawing exercise together with a blank practice page (and in some instances tracing paper), making it easy to master Hart's techniques without having to flip through pages or use a separate sketchbook.

Portable, compact, and complete, The Manga Artist's Workbook: Chibis is a must-have resource for anyone interested in creating manga art.

Author — Christopher Hart.

Spiral-bound. 160 pages. 6" × 7¾" (15 cm × 20 cm).