With Inking comic pages by Hand, what type of pen do you use to get the Grays? Basically could all you talented inkers out there who ink pages by hand non-digitally tell me what type of pen it is that you use to get the grays (or is there more than one way to get them?). I know all about black inks but what about the grays...Like in manga, how is it done? But also I just wanted to get your personal opinions on whether they're even need or not in a black and white comic. I need some advice. Thanks.


John Jr.

Well, in Manga, there usually is two different ways to get the "grays".

You could invest in some screentones, which I've been told are hard to use, and usually are pretty expensive. You can get them on the internet for free.

Or, get a few gray copic markers. That's what I did. Any kind of marker, for that matter, whether it's Prismacolor, Copic, or whatever. Just don't get anything low-end, because it'll look terrible. Copic markers are a pretty good investment, but they're kind of expensive (about 7 or so bucks a piece?) but the refills are only about 5 or so. I'd look into it if I were you. Read some reviews, buy one of each, test them out, seeing what you like.

Hope that helps! :)

Thanks, anymore advice?

I used to do grays manually using pencil on tracing paper over the original artwork, The I scanned both originals. I later manipulate the grays and "tone it" in photoshop. The good thing of this approach is that I can manipulate the tones, add colors or effects but it takes lots of time.

The cool thing of using a tracing paper over the original is that you don't ruin your artwork in case you mess-up the grays.

Jabali
I used to do grays manually using pencil on tracing paper over the original artwork, The I scanned both originals. I later manipulate the grays and "tone it" in photoshop. The good thing of this approach is that I can manipulate the tones, add colors or effects but it takes lots of time.

The cool thing of using a tracing paper over the original is that you don't ruin your artwork in case you mess-up the grays.

I forgot about pencils! Good call Jabali!

But looking at your comic, you just use pencil, right?
Unless you plan on inking your comic, whether it's with Microns, brush pen, or whatever you feel comfortable with (I know someone who uses regular Bic Pens, and it turns out fantastic), then I would probably stay away from Copics. I don't think it'd look good with the pencils.

But, if you plan on sticking with pencil, I highly recommend you just shade with pencils. You can buy artist pencils at any art supply/hobby store. I'd be really careful about it though, it can get very messy. Which is why you need to make sure your pencils are clean. Just make sure to use an eraser around the shaded areas, so the graphite doesn't rub off and smear.

I just thin out black ink with water for grays. I draw with a brush, but it'll probably still work with dip pens.