You Can Draw Transforming Robots

Rating:
Summary: Mecha and Transfomers fans - buy this now!
Review: I've purchased every English-language how-to draw manga book I could find pertaining to mecha. This one ranks near the top.
Some books I've seen give good instruction on the step-by-step of how to draw, but are lacking in inspired designs. Others have good art, but are lacking in teaching you the thought process and steps needed to render your own work-they're just showcases.
Jackson-sensei manages to accomplish both his roles as teacher and source of inspiration. The book includes everything from what equipment to buy to get started to how to add character and personality to a mech.
The book covers a tough subject: transforming robots. Yet it manages to convey its concepts clearly in a manner highlighted by beautiful art.
Mr. Jackson ought to get a job at Hasbro or Takara. His designs definitely follow a the "Transformers" design philosophy, yet are unique in their detailing. The transformations look like they really work too.
What made me happiest was the last page, which promises a forthcoming volume titled "You Can! Draw Mecha".