Is Isola: The Making Of + Colouring by MSASSYK worth it if you’re shopping in Comics & Graphic Novels?
If you’ve ever stared at a finished comic panel and wondered how the colourist actually pulled it off, you’re not alone. The gap between “I like the palette” and “I can replicate that mood in my own work” is where most inspiration dies. That’s exactly the space Isola: The Making Of + Colouring fills. It’s not a generic tutorial; it’s a 35-page visual diary compiled by Michele Assarasakorn, the colourist behind the fantasy series ISOLA. For $10, you get a rare peek behind the curtain of a major Image Comics project, specifically focused on how colour is used to build atmosphere and character rather than just filling in lines.
Quick answer
| Best for | Digital artists and comic creators who want to study professional colour workflows and mood-building in fantasy settings. |
| Skip if | You are looking for a step-by-step “how-to” software tutorial or a printable colouring book for children. |
| Price | $10 |
| Format | 35-page digital zine (PDF) with a Spanish version available. |
| One-line take | A $10 masterclass in visual storytelling that feels like a conversation with the colourist, not a lecture. |
What you’re actually buying
At $10, this isn’t just a PDF; it’s a curated look at the creative decision-making process behind ISOLA. Michele Assarasakorn, the colourist, has compiled 35 pages that break down the “making of” and the “colouring” of the series. The value here isn’t in teaching you how to use a specific brush tool, but in showing you why certain colours were chosen for specific scenes. You get to see the progression from line art to final colour, which is invaluable for understanding how light, shadow, and saturation work together to create that lush, Studio Ghibli-inspired atmosphere that ISOLA is known for.
The zine is split into two conceptual books, mirroring the limited print run that is only sold at conventions. This digital version ensures you can access this process documentation anytime, without needing to catch a con. It’s packed with visual examples that demonstrate how colour drives narrative. If you’ve been stuck in a creative rut where your colours feel flat or disconnected from the story, the visual breakdowns in the zine offer a fresh perspective on how to let the palette do the heavy lifting.
Why it’s on our radar
This product stands out because it bridges the gap between fan appreciation and professional insight. Most “behind the scenes” content is either too high-level for practical learning or too technical for casual readers. Isola: The Making Of hits the sweet spot by being an illustrated, compiled resource that feels personal. The fact that the printed versions are limited to convention sales makes this digital zine the only accessible way to read the full process. It’s a specific, high-quality resource for anyone interested in the craft of colouring comics, particularly in the fantasy genre.
The collaboration with Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl adds significant weight to the material. You’re not just looking at a random artist’s work; you’re studying the colour work on a series from Eisner Award-winning artists. This context makes the insights in the zine more impactful, as you can see how the colourist’s choices complement the underlying art and story. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from a professional who is actively working on a major ongoing series. (Isola: The Making Of + Colouring by MSASSYK)
What actually matters
When evaluating a resource like this, the depth of the visual examples is key. You want to see not just the final image, but the steps that led to it. The zine provides this, showing how the colourist approached different scenes and characters. Another important factor is the clarity of the presentation. Since it’s a zine, the layout should be engaging and easy to follow, which it is, given the curated nature of the content. (Isola: The Making Of + Colouring by MSASSYK)
Finally, consider your own learning style. If you learn best by seeing how others solve problems, this is a perfect fit. If you need a rigid, step-by-step software tutorial, you might find it less useful. However, for those who want to understand the why behind colour choices, the detailed visual analysis in the zine is a goldmine. It’s a small investment for a significant boost in your visual storytelling toolkit.
Mid-check
If you’re ready to dive into the creative process behind ISOLA, you can grab the digital zine right now. It’s a quick download and a great way to spend an afternoon studying professional colour work.
FAQ
Is this a tutorial on how to use Adobe Photoshop or Procreate? No, this is not a software tutorial. It’s a visual diary about the artistic process of colouring ISOLA. It focuses on creative decisions, mood, and narrative, not on button clicks or tool settings.
Can I use the images from the zine in my own work? The zine is for personal use and inspiration. You should not reproduce or redistribute the images without permission from the creators. It’s a learning resource, not a clip art pack. (Isola: The Making Of + Colouring by MSASSYK)
Is there a physical copy available? Yes, but only in limited quantities at conventions. The digital version is the only way to access the full content if you can’t attend a con. It’s a great way to support the creators and get the material instantly. (Isola: The Making Of + Colouring by MSASSYK)
Bottom line
Isola: The Making Of + Colouring is a compelling $10 investment for any digital artist or comic creator who wants to deepen their understanding of colour in storytelling. It’s not just a collection of pretty pictures; it’s a window into the mind of a professional colourist working on a major fantasy series. If you’re looking for inspiration and practical insights into how colour can elevate your work, this zine delivers. It’s a small price for a significant boost in your creative toolkit.