Any recommended books on [2D] character design?

[Kaidonni]

Hey, was wondering if there are any books on character design as concerns 2D animation that anyone might recommend. I was thinking about the November animation, and fancied trying it in 2D rather than 3D. The thought of all those pencil tests, etc, for 2D animation...so artistic and creative (not that I have anything against 3D - I like both, in fact). Just that, looking on Amazon.co.uk and Play.com...there doesn't seem to be much there, and without any customer reviews or second opinions, I'm just put off the idea of even entertaining the thought of certain books. There were even issues with the descriptions of some of the books that didn't look like they were 3D or manga or whatever - it was too sketchy, too little, not informative. I'm looking for something along the lines of Disney.

Any help is much appreciated. Just that those sites were rather lacking in anything that looked like what I'm after. And those are the sites I trust most with any finances...I'm careful about where I buy things from online.

[Dave_]

You don't really need a book. just find some characters that you like. redraw them and think about how the armor is done, how its layered. how drapery is used and extra accecories like bags, vials, pouches etc.

than put it away somewhere, or rip it up and throw it away (like me most of the times). thats just to forget about that character and not being a copycat.

[Zaxser]

Why do I get the feeling that you're looking for the "one magical thing I can buy that'll fix everything?"(TM) You really shouldn't make the jump to books when theres so much more available online.

This is a good place to start (http://forums.megatokyo.com/index.php?showtopic=1715168)

Also, some DVDs/digital downloads offered by Massive Black will probably help you if you want to help this site out. If you've really got a hole in your pocket, I've heard good things about the DVDs from The Workshop. (http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com/) (I keep trying to edit it so it says The G.nomon Workshop. I don't know why it's stopping me.) Theres a lot to sift through, but I'm sure there's some stuff specific to character design.