Folks,
As of this afternoon, the boobishi plods on. As I have mentioned I plan to use it for my third dan thesis. To date I have completed over 300 illustration of the 5 Pinan, Heian, Pyung An kata.

So far the project is without text, by choice.

The manuscript is laid out in this fashion.

5 chapters.

Each chapter has

1. A title page.

2. A sequential set of illustrations of the form.

3. Illustraions of applications against Habitual acts of violence.

I could use your opinions. I think the work can stand on it's own without text. Do you feel that it would be necessary to have an introduction or an additional chapter to introduce the material. What would you like or need to see to make the book most compellng/ interesting or helpfull.

Thanks

oldman

thanks for the update!

I think it'd be interesting to either have a 'forward' or 'authors note' kindof deal...with perhaps a short blurb of how your artwork and martial art converged to make the book. also perhaps mention a short ditty about the real bubishi. and then make sure you give your thanks to "some guy named Ed". lol j/k

[add]oh, and make sure you reference Pat McCarthy's HAOV work if you mention that source. "Habitual Acts of Violence" is practically (but arguably) a copywritten phrase.

Ed,
It's funny you should mention the aknowledgment. A friend of mind just had his first book, a graphic novel published by Dark Horse publishing. He did a great job with it. I bought a copy of it and while browsing saw the aknowlegements. My name was conspicuously absent. I was like WTF!!!! I embarrassed to admit I'm still peaved about it.

Tough call re: text or no. I would almost be inclined to say no text, but I guess it depends on who you think the demographic for the book is. Beginners might need text, but more advanced folks will be able to "get it" without.

Best to speak with a publisher and get their opinion.

Maybe each graphic could have a short caption that could serve the same purpose. Perhaps, if you display an example with and without text we could give better advice.

Laura

Laura,
I'm not considering adding text with the images only in a previous chapter or intro. Eyrie I am considering producing it myself. That could be a whole other discussion... self publication vs. finding a publisher.

If you're going down the self-publishing route, then I would say let the illustrations speak for themselves.

I do have some sources that I am looking into. My Judo instructor has both self published and had work published by turtle press. He has provided me with a source for printing and his editors contact info. Even so, I find you guys help me think of things when I put something out there. One of Victors comments stuck with me. It was the phrase "Vanity press" I believe. Any other thoughts Victor?