Comics and Manga have a vast readership, especially among youngsters. If you are a comic or manga creator, choosing the right pen to draw is of utmost importance, pair that with proper colored pencils and you are set up for success.
If you are not familiar with Manga, it refers to comics and cartoons created in Japan. So how do you choose the best inking pen for comics and manga? There are many products out there, but we have handpicked seven of the best brush pens for you.
It takes a whole lot of creativity and imagination to come up with comics and manga. It is a time-consuming, artistic process that should be simplified by your choice of inking and brush pens to use.
Let’s get straight into the in-depth reviews of our top six picks for inking and real brush pens today. Here’s the list of the 6 best inking and tip brush pens for comics and manga today.
1. Bao Core Fineliner Color Pen Set – Best for Versatile, Fine Details
Taking the first spot in our list of recommendations is the Fineliner Color Pen Set from Bao Core. You get a top-notch, versatile set of inking pens in ten vibrant and bright colors – yellow, baby blue, black, green, red, pink, blue, orange, brown, and purple. Each pen in this set measures 6.1 inches in length, making it small and easy to hold.
We especially liked the 0.38mm fine tips of these pens which are perfect for drawing challenging, intricate details in comics and manga. Unlike big tips, you can rest assured that your drawings will be precise and accurate. These pens work efficiently for a plethora of other purposes like coloring, note-taking, bullet journaling, and making cards/photo frames.
We recommend that you use these pens for drawing solid lines using fine, quick strokes. These pens are not supposed to bleed unless you press hard or for long. You should be careful to proactively replace the matt black cap when not using the pen to prevent these pens from drying out quickly.
Each pen in this set is long-lasting, fast, acid-free, waterproof, and quick-drying. Drawing comics and manga will become a piece of cake with this pen set from Bao Core!
What We Like
- It works well for professionals and amateurs alike
- One of the most reasonably priced inking pens sets available in the market
- This pen set offers excellent portability and ease-of-use
- High-quality nibs write smoothly on almost all kinds of paper
What We Don’t Like
- Avoid capping the pen’s back to prevent a loose end.
2. Sakura 50201 Pigma Manga Comic Pro Drawing Kit – Best for Long-term Preservation
At the second spot on our list of brush pen recommendations is the 50201 6-piece Pigma Manga Comic Pro Drawing Kit from Sakura. Each pen in this set is fade-resistant, chemically stable, and waterproof. The primary reason for including this pen set on our list is its ability to provide accurate, minor details that can be preserved for a long time.
We especially liked the Archival Pigma Ink of these pens, which offers significant benefits compared to conventional dye ink. Pigment-based ink eliminates the chance of bleed-through on most papers, is less susceptible to chemical degradation, UV rays, and contamination from oils, and dries to pH neutral.
This set from Sakura consists of three Pigma micron pens – 005 (.20mm), 03 (.35mm), and 08 (.50mm), one graphic 1mm pen, one all-black brush, and one 0.7mm rigid sleeve mechanical pencil. The archival quality of Pigma Micron pens ensures that your drawings will stay in pristine condition for a long time.
This brush pen set is also available in an eight-piece variant. You will be fascinated to know that pigment molecules are a hundred times bigger and more complex relative to dye molecules, assuring top-notch, long-lasting performance. You will undoubtedly find your comic and manga projects to be a breeze with this brush pen set.
What We Like
- Easy application makes it an excellent option for beginners
- Offers versatile use and works well for sketching, drawing, manga, and comic books
- This pen set is highly durable as it is made from the best components
- Its archival Pigma ink is waterproof, fade-resistant, anti-bleed through, UV resistant, and chemically stable
What We Don’t Like
- Ink has a purplish hue, and it’s not jet black, as advertised
3. Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers – Best for Color Variety and Blending
The next product on our list is the 56173 Dual Brush Pens set from Tombow. It is an ideal ink pen set for faux calligraphy, illustrations, fine art, brush lettering, journaling, watercolor pictures, and more. Each pen in this set has a fine tip that produces precise, consistent lines.
This Tombow inking pen set has odorless, non-bleeding, blendable, and acid-free ink, making it completely environment-friendly. You get dual brush tips with these pens – a flexible and versatile nylon brush tip on one end for drawing medium or bold lines, and a fine tip on the other end for writing or drawing straight, smooth lines.
The brush pen set contains ten pens – nine colored and one colorless. A significant win-win characteristic of this set is that you get a wide range of color options, not limited to the nine colors alone. You can use two colors together or use the colorless blender pen to create new colors. The tips self-clean after blending, making blending and subsequent cleaning hassle-free.
We especially liked the sturdy build of the nylon brush which retains its fine point through repeated strokes, ensuring long-lasting performance. The brush pen set includes four bold colors – red, blue, green, and black, and five lighter colors – yellow, purple, pink, peach, and orange.
What We Like
- It does not bleed through most papers
- The colorless blender pen effortlessly blends colors
- Tips self-clean and save a ton of time and effort
- Consistent and accurate ink flow, in the long run, makes it an optimal inking pen set
What We Don’t Like
- It is not one of the most comfortable inking pen sets to work with, and beginners might find it challenging to blend colors
4. Prismacolor Premier Manga Illustration Markers
Prismacolor offers the Premier Manga Illustration Markers in two color variants – Black & Sepia and Manga Colors. We have reviewed the eight-count black & sepia set, which contains six black illustration markers and two sepia illustration markers. You get the black markers with 005, 05, 03, 08, brush, and chisel tips, while the sepia markers come with 005 fine brush tips.
As the name suggests, these brush pens from Prismacolor are best suited for drawing Manga illustrations. We especially liked this set as it contains pens with ink that is lightfast, water-resistant, acid-free, permanent, smear-resistant, and does not bleed through most papers.
You will appreciate the vast array of fine tips on this dual brush pen set that allow you to draw precise lines and crisp details. The chisel tip enables you to get broad coverage, and the flexible brush tip gives you the option to draw thin, thick, or varied lines in a single stroke.
Prismacolor inking sets come equipped with an alcohol-based, richly pigmented ink that ensures your art stays in pristine condition for a long time. The brush pens are also available in 10-count, 12-count, and 23-count sets.
Check our best Prismacolor markers review here for more markers from this brand.
What We Like
- Great option for beginners due to its ease of use and affordable price
- It is one of the best inking pen sets in the market for drawing and sketching manga illustrations
- High-quality pigmented ink does not fade, smear, or bleed through the paper
- Prismacolor inking pens blend well and allow you to create a wide array of colors conveniently
What We Don’t Like
- None
5. Ignart Watercolor Brush Pens Set with Desk Stand
This list of brush pens would not be complete without a watercolor paint tool for Manga and comic books. Ignart offers the Watercolor Brush Pen set that contains 33 pens of different colors and one water brush. We can assure you that if you want to create a Manga, Anime, or Comic with a watercolor finish, this is the perfect inking pen set for you.
One of the most daunting challenges of watercolors, especially for beginners, is the mess that is made if something goes wrong. With these pens, you won’t have to deal with that problem as you get precision control which allows you to do everything effortlessly.
We especially liked this pen set as it features odorless, non-toxic, and easily washable ink. If you accidentally spill ink on your skin or clothes while working with this pen set, cleaning up is a piece of cake! This pen set offers a great deal of convenience compared to most of the other products in a similar price range.
There are some tips you should follow to get the most out of these brush pens. Ensure that you replace the cap as soon as you stop working to prevent the pens from drying out quickly. If the ink flows slowly, place the tip of the brush pen in an upright position for about two minutes. If the tip of the brush pens becomes dry, use some water to wash it gently.
What We Like
- Each color pen in this set has a nylon-tip which makes it durable
- Easy to use and clean, everything about this pen set screams “Convenience”!
- Vivid colors allow you to create diverse Manga and comic illustrations
- Easily washable ink eliminates all kinds of fuss, muss, and hassle while using this pen set
What We Don’t Like
- It takes time to perfect watercolor illustrations, and this set might be better suited for veterans
6. Docrafts Artiste Permanent Dual Tip Pens
The last inking pen set to make it to the list is the Artiste Dual-Tip Permanent Brush Marker Pens set from Papermania. The set includes brush markers in 12 bright colors – Black, Yellow, Light Salmon, Orange, Red, Pink, Violet, Lapis Lazuli, Sky Blue, Chartreuse, Blue, and Green. These brush pens are ideal for doodling, journaling, stamping, drawing, and more.
We especially liked the dual tip feature of each of the pens in this set – a brush marker on one end and a fine tip on the other. These brush pens allow you to accomplish a diverse range of drawing tasks with ease. The brush marker enables you to draw thick, broad lines and the fine tip will let you draw fine, precise lines.
You will appreciate the reasonable price of this pen set. There are not many products out there that have dual tips and 12 different colors in this price range.
The light purple in this set is very light and has limited application (you may have to layer it for it to stand out). With this inking pen set, you will not have to worry about the pens drying out quickly or leaking.
What We Like
- Each pen in this set consists of acid-free, non-toxic ink
- A comprehensive mix of bright and uncommon colors to cater to all your requirements
- It offers immense versatility, owing to its dual tip feature
- An excellent option for all Manga and comic illustrators, whether novice or expert
What We Don’t Like
- The marks spread in contact with water and ink permanence can be improved
- Black pen does not give a very dense black color
What is the Best Inking Pen for Comics and Manga?
This table outlines essential attributes for a range of inking pens tailored for comics and manga, including product type, ink formulation, quantity of pens/markers, tip type, and presence of a stand/case.
| Product | Type | Ink Type | Number of Pens/Markers | Tip Type | Stand/Case Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bao Core Fineliner Color Pen Set | Fineliner | Water-based | 24 | Fine | Yes |
| Sakura 50201 Pigma Manga Comic Pro Drawing Kit | Pen Set | Pigment-based | 6 | Multiple (bullet, chisel, brush) | Yes |
| Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers | Brush Pen | Water-based | 10 | Brush and fine | No |
| Prismacolor Premier Manga Illustration Markers | Marker | Alcohol-based | 8 | Fine | No |
| Ignart Watercolor Brush Pens Set – with Desk Stand | Watercolor Brush Pen Set | Water-based | 33 | Brush | Yes |
| Docrafts Artiste Permanent Dual Tip Pens | Dual Tip Pen Set | Water-based | 12 | Fine and ultrafine | No |
Buying Guide for the Best Inking Pens
There is no generic answer to the question “Which inking pen is the best?” While one of these seven brush pens might seem perfect to some of you, another might appeal more to others. It depends on your needs.
To help you narrow it down to one product from our seven recommendations, here is a list of some vital factors that you must consider when buying your next brush pens.
1. Ink Quality
A pen is only as good as its ink – no matter how ergonomically it is designed, its functionality and utility are solely dependent on the ink quality. If the quality of ink is optimal, it will be waterproof, smudge-proof, fade-resistant, anti-bleed through, and permanent.
You should choose a pen set that boasts top-notch ink quality to derive maximum functionality of the brush pens in the long run.
2. Nib Size
The nib or tip size of the pen is crucial when it comes to the texture and depth of each part of a comic or Manga drawing. You will ideally want an inking pen set that allows you to choose from a range of nib sizes.
Whether you have to draw fine lines or thick lines, precise lines or shaded lines, your pen set should be able to do it all.
3. Additional Features
There are some other features that you might want your inking pen set to have. If you buy brush pens that have a lightfast dry feature, you do not have to worry about smudging or smearing your drawing. You could also do well with a pen set that has UV-resistant ink to provide enhanced longevity to your art.
Having an ink set with additional features like these is undoubtedly a win-win situation.
4. Value for Money
One of the most important factors to consider is your budget and your requirements for brush pens.
If you are a beginner and relatively new to the Manga and comic field, you would not want to spend a lot and should buy a set that allows you to practice and learn in the best way possible. If you are an expert or professional in the field, you would be willing to shell out more money to get a premium inking pen set.
You should get your money’s worth, and your requirements should be met.
What type of paper should I use for inking comics and manga?
The best type of paper to use for inking comics and manga should be smooth, heavy-weight paper. Try to choose a paper with a weight of 140 lbs or higher.
How do I create a consistent line width when inking comics and manga?
To create a consistent line width, you can use a ruler. Additionally, you can use a brush pen to create a more organic line.
How do I make my inks look smooth?
When inking comics and manga, use light strokes and build up the darkness gradually. Additionally, try to use a brush pen instead of a technical pen for a more organic, smooth look.
What techniques should I use when inking comics and manga?
Some techniques you can use include hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and screentone. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
How do I create different line widths when inking manga and comics?
When inking manga and comics, using a dip pen is the best way to achieve different line widths. You can also use a brush for thicker lines or a technical pen for thinner lines.
What type of ink should I use for inking manga and comics?
Water-based inks are best for inking manga and comics. Popular brands include Copic, Sakura, and Pigma.
How can I prevent smudging my inking when drawing manga and comics?
To prevent smudging, use a light touch when drawing, and be sure to use archival-quality inks. You should also wait until the ink is completely dry before adding any color.
As we come to the end of our analysis of the best inking pens for comics and manga, it is evident that there are plenty of high-quality options to choose from. These pens offer a variety of unique features, ink types, and colors, catering to the diverse needs of artists, whether they are professionals or beginners. Inking pens can play a crucial role in perfecting the intricate details in comics and manga, so, selecting the right set is imperative for every artist.
Out of these 6 inking pens, here are the top three expert recommendations. The Bao Core Fineliner Color Pen Set is an ideal option for those who require a versatile set with fine tips for intricate details in their artwork. Offering a range of vibrant colors, these pens work efficiently for several purposes and ensure precision in every stroke.
The Sakura 50201 Pigma Manga Comic Pro Drawing Kit is a good option for artists wanting to preserve their work long-term, as it features fade-resistant, chemically stable, and waterproof ink. The archival Pigma ink provides significant benefits, making this pen set perfect for accurate, minor details.
Lastly, the Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers are the right choice for artists looking for dual brush tips and a wide array of color options. With odorless, non-bleeding, blendable, and acid-free ink, these environmentally friendly pens ensure optimal performance and durability.
No matter which set you choose, investing in a quality inking pen set will help elevate the quality of your comics and manga creations. The ideal set will depend on individual preferences and artistic styles, but all ensure an enjoyable and rewarding drawing experience.
