How to Draw Comics the Lost in the Dark Way Part Three
Ok, so we've got the script. We've got the layout. We've got the pencils. Now we need to throw down some ink and chuck it into the computer to slap on the gray tones.
I prefer Micron pens to do my inking with, which can be found at pretty much any art store, or online by doing a simple google search. This is what a gang of Microns looks like:
Stunning.
Anyway, I only use three pen sizes: 0.20mm, 0.25mm, and 0.5mm. I like how the thick line looks against a really thin line. I don't worry too much about balancing white/black too much, as it's all gonna be rendered in gray tones later. Here's the inks:
Then it's into the computer. I erase all the pencil marks first, obviously, then scan it in at 600dpi. I adjust the levels to make the inks nice and black. Then, in Photoshop, I create a new "multiply" layer and start the toning process. It's essentially just like coloring, only using shades of gray. Here's what the final image looks like, prior to lettering.
This particular page had about 40 layers, but I use a Dual 1.8 Powermac G5, so it handles it all real well. Each layer consists of a different aspect of the piece. For example, one layer is Esau's skin tone, one layer is the ambient light, one layer is a blurred portion of a panel to suggest depth of field. I know there are other ways of going about it, but this way works for me. That's all that matters, really. Pen or brush, computer coloring or not, if you're happy with the end product it doesn't matter what method you use. Hope this was helpful; if anyone out there has any questions, hit us up at feedback@lostinthedark.com.
