What is the best paper to use?

[SirGutsalot]

I have always wondered, as someone who uses ink to do my comics, what the best type of paper to do my comic, Galaxy Guts https://tapastic.com/series/Galaxy-Guts, on. At the moment the paper I'm using is super thin (70 gsm) and bleed-proof to ink but I still feel like I could be doing it on something better and sturdier.
If you have any ideas that would be awesome!!
Thanks.

[Amelia]

Most professional comic artists use Bristol Board. It's really nice to use, and ink on. But it's pretty expensive.

I actually use Card Stock for most of my work. It's easy to work with, and I haven't had any problems inking on it. If you ever get Copic Markers, Card Stock is wonderful!
I can buy reams of 8.5x11in Card Stock at WalMart for around $5. Getting 11x17in Card Stock is about $30 on Amazon.

This was drawn on Card Stock. I used a Micron 01 felt tip pen, and a brush to ink it.

What do you use to ink your comics?

[SirGutsalot]

Thanks for the great info Amelia!
I do use copic markers and sometimes the real deal but on the thin paper I'm using, it would only take copic.
I use a variety of brush pens all the way to 0.03 multi-liner pens.
Here's a close up example of my profile pic:

[eleoza]

I've used Deleter manga paper in the past. It's awesome paper, doesn't 'bleed', is smooth and has rulers near the edge of the paper, along with Deleter ink and other supplies, I loved that brand.

[Kayke]

I do mine on strathmore bristol vellum. I like how thick it is, I can actually use both sides if I want to without one bleeding through to the other.

I also tend to mix media and layer things when I'm inking and I've found it can take a beating and absorb enough of the ink that it doesn't smear when I go over it with white ink, like I did here on Sam's hair and shirt.

I don't think there's a "best" paper though, it's just whatever you feel comfortable using.

[Captian_Cardshark]

My personal favorite is Borden & Riley #234 Paris Paper for Pens. It's smooth and fairly sturdy. 40 sheets for about the same price of a 20 sheet Bristol pad.

[ryoko]

I second using Deleter paper. They have it on Amazon if you don't have a Kinnokuniya bookstore or art store nearby that supplies it. It's pretty reasonable, too for price. Usually around $10 for 40 pages and it ships free with Amazon Prime. What I like about this paper is it's smooth, takes ink without fading or bleeding and having ruled edges makes creating lines a breeze. They also have different types depending on the style of paneling you do for your comic. It also scans well.

[Ringarune]

I guess it's up to personal opinion, but I personally like bristol board, but to be honest any paper with a smooth finish that isn't ultra thin works fine.

[Shanny8]

I use 11X17" vellum finish bristol. I'm not big on the smooth finish, plus like @Kaykedrawsthings said, bristol can take a lot of ink(I use india ink/nibs/brushes when inking). When I'm doing quick little pieces though, I will use micron pens & brush pens(for fill-ins)

Truthfully, you could use whatever paper/board works best for you- as along as you can get the quality of finished lines that you are looking for.

[ashriott]

At the moment I'm using 110GSM cartridge paper(not sure what it's called in other parts of the world?) It's not amazing, but definitely a step up from the photocopy paper I initially used lol. The cartridge paper only costs $11 AUD for 50 sheets.

I am thinking of investing in good manga manuscript paper in the future though. I have never tried using it before though. It is a lot pricier, about $26 AUD for 40 sheets. So I'll need to meditate on this.

Definitely try out different types of paper that suits your work and inking materials. I sure as heck did xP

[phen]

Best paper to use, it will make you cry the moment you touch it -- SOMERSET. Printmaking paper, ANY serigraphy paper is beyond heaven. It hangs the moon in comparison to bristol board. Serigraph paper is MADE for ink (screenprinting ink ideally, yes, but I've experimented with a wide variety of other inks including standard commercial/industry and it's always stellar). It absolutely does a brilliant, velvety job with it. I think lithograph paper is also pretty nice but the issue is the cost. It's not cost-effective to buy packs Somerset for something like comic-making.

So, if money is of no concern, if you're looking for tight, velvety, rich ink lay, go for serigraph paper. It WILL NOT let you down. Otherwise, bristol board'll have to do. It comes at a great price, does a fairly good job with proper inks (cheap/entry-level media doesn't work very well on it), and comes pre-cut at standard sizes.

[SirGutsalot]

Me: furiously writing notes down!