Comic paper is often known as Bristol board, although this is not the only type of paper suitable for ink work. Often regular paper is not suitable for drawing comics, therefore special types of paper are good for a number of reasons:
- Thick enough so paper will not go 'dog eared' or bend when penciling or erasing
- Of a certain quality so the ink lines will not feather or bleed
- Acid free so the paper does not become yellow and brittle over time
- The consistent quality of higher quality paper ensures that pencilling is not wasted, which can happen when cheaper papers are inconsistent or faulty
Paper for inking can often be hard to come by in Australia, although now that manga is gaining more attention companies are releasing supplies for the creation of manga. Some brands of paper will state that they are suitable for ink or comic work even if they are not.
Brands[]
Arches[]
Name: Watercolour paper (hot press).
Weight: Usually either 185gsm or 300gsm.
Dimensions: Unknown (approximately 100cm x 70cm)
Description: Large sheets with a 'Decal' edge, hot press (as opposed to cold pressed) is better for wet mediums like ink.
Review: Has been used by comic artists successfully, and Arches has a high standard of quality. The paper is 100% cotton rag which is extremely archival. The expense should be on par with a regular pad of bristol board although you have to cut sheets to suit from the larger piece.
Canson[]
Name: Illustration (BD, Manga, Comics).
Weight: 250gsm / 90lbs.
Description: "Pure white, ideal for pencil, ink, marker and watercolour."
Dimensions: Comes in pads of 12 sheets, both A4 & A3.
Review: This paper is much like other Bristol board type papers and does not bleed with ink. The thickness of the paper allows for multiple erasures and other types of media. The cover suggests that the paper is endorsed by the 'Angouleme BD' comics festival in Europe. The cover is mostly black with a 'Pop Art' style picture of a female with blond hair and blue eyes.
Strathmore[]
Name: Bristol
Weight: 260gsm / 100lbs.
Description: "Smooth surface is ideal for mechanical drawing, pencil, pen, and ink. Ideal for experimentation with airbrush".
Dimensions: 22.8cm x 30.45cm (9" x 12") 20 sheets.
Review: Good for pencil and ink work, will not bleed or feather. Comes in 'Smooth' and 'Vellum'. Also available in a visual journal format.
Eckersley's[]
Name: Bristol
Weight: 180gsm and 250gsm
Description:"Bristol Board is an alternative to Illustration Board where both of sides of the board can be worked on. It is ideal for the Illustrator who wants a light weight board with archival and preservation qualities."
Dimensions: 65 x 50cm.
Review: this no-name brand from Eckersley's stores is suitable for ink work.