Don Bluth.

For example, in addition to seeing the colorkeys for The Land Before Time, the reader is treated to the story about how Steven Spielberg and George Lucas recommended that 19 fully animated (and many colored) T-Rex scenes be cut from the film because they were too scary. “I mourned for a week,” Bluth writes. “Were Steven and George right to do it? In hindsight, I think yes. Land grossed $72 million worldwide and became one of the supporting pillars of the animation renaissance.”

The volume also takes an instructive approach to such topics as timing and placing the camera on storyboard. “In live-action film, the steadycam can go anywhere, because the change of camera position is observed on screen. No one gets confused about geography. The computer (CGI) can effectively imitate the steadycam, but you will have to design the moves on your boards.” (Page 41).

Don Bluth’s The Art of Storyboard sets down in writing practical animation storyboard and storytelling strategies, delivered with authority, enthusiasm and some great insider stories by animation professionals. Because of its “how-to” approach, the book is great for students.

“Dark Horse Publishing is using Diamond Distribution and Baker & Taylor as their distributors on these books,” Goldman says. “Diamond covers the comicbook stores, while Baker & Taylor will cover the schools, school libraries and conventional bookstores. Dark Horse sent out flyers to over 700 schools that offer film and animation courses. We’ll have to wait and see if the book finds a home in the schools as a mini-text.” The book was released in comicbook stores and on Amazon.com on November 10, and to regular bookstores on November 17.

At just $14.95 for this softcover edition, Don Bluth’s The Art of Storyboard is an economical — and educational — addition to the animator’s bookshelf.

Don Bluth’s The Art of Storyboard by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman; introduction by Don Bluth; Milwaukie, Oregon: DH Press (a division of Dark Horse Comics, Inc.), 2004; ISBN: 1-59582-007-8, softcover, 112 pages, full color, 8 1/2x11, 384 pages, $14.95.

Janet Hetherington is a writer and cartoonist with a degree in Journalism from Carleton University. A regular AWN contributor, Janet also edits the Toy Report and writes Elvira, Mistress of the Dark for Claypool Comics. She shares a studio in Ottawa, Canada with artist Ronn Sutton.