Dynamic Anatomy Book Cover
Burne Hogart’s Dynamic Anatomy was my first anatomy book. I got it 20 years ago, at the age of 13. Since that time I have collected many more anatomy books and “how to” books, however when I recently decided to finally start drawing I chose this one.
The reason is that this book has the cleanest and easiest to read illustrations together with enough detail to draw perfect comic heroes. That’s probably the reason the latest updated edition has high praise from such comic artists as Todd McFarlane, the creator of Spawn.
It has 256 pages and 400 illustrations. The new version also has some previously unpublished pictures and several illustrations are re-done in color, which doesn’t really change anything but it looks nice 
Overall I believe this is the best anatomy book to start with if not the absolute best in general if you want to learn male anatomy. On the other hand avoid it if your goal is to learn how to draw women. The few illustrations he has are not very flattering and kind of vague. Another con would be the 52 pages at the beginning about the art history of the human form. Its just my personal opinion but it’s a waste of paper. If I wanted to know something about history I would buy an art history book.
BTW: I am practicing my anatomy skills 2 hours per day and I started with this book. You are welcome to join me on CGtalk.com
Short summary:
+ probably the best anatomy book for comic book artists wanting to draw superheroes
- get another book if you want to learn how to draw women
My opinion:
Fantastic, highly recommended. 
You can buy this book on Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com/Dynamic-Anatomy-Expanded-Burne-Hogarth/dp/0823015521
Last time I checked it cost $16.47
Product Description
Praised by critics and teachers alike for more than 40 years, Burne Hogarth’s Dynamic Anatomy is recognized worldwide as the classic, indispensable text on artistic anatomy. Now revised, expanded, and completely redesigned with 75 never-before-published drawings from the Hogarth archives and 24 pages of new material, this award-winning reference explores the expressive structure of the human form from the artist’s point of view.
The 400 remarkable illustrations explain the anatomical details of male and female figures in motion and at rest, always stressing the human form in space. Meticulous diagrams and fascinating action studies examine the rhythmic relationship of muscles and their effect upon surface forms. The captivating text is further enhanced by the magnificent figure drawings of such masters as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rodin, Picasso, and other great artists.
Dynamic Anatomy presents a comprehensive, detailed study of the human figure as artistic anatomy. This time-honored book goes far beyond the factual elements of anatomy, providing generations of new artists with the tools they need to make the human figure come alive on paper.
About the Author
Burne Hogarth’s (1911–1996) remarkable career spanned over 60 years. He wore many hats in the worlds of fine art, art education, and art publishing. He is most famous for his internationally syndicated Sunday newspaper color page feature “Tarzan” (1937–1950) and for his illustrated adaptations of the Edgar Rice Burroughs novels Tarzan of the Apes and Jungle Tales of Tarzan. A co-founder of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Hogarth remains one of the most influential figures in art education today.
Popularity: 45% [?]
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