While digital tools are increasingly used for inking, coloring, and lettering, the vast majority of comics start with a hand-drawn pencil sketch. This is because the artist's individual style and creative vision are most clearly expressed in the initial drawing.
Here's a breakdown:
* Traditional Method: Pencils are used to create the initial sketches. These are then inked, usually with a brush or a technical pen, to create the final lines. Finally, color is applied with paints, markers, or digitally.
* Digital Method: Artists might use a tablet and stylus to draw directly into a digital program. This allows for greater flexibility and control over the artwork. However, the fundamental process of creating the artwork remains the same: the artist uses their hand to translate their vision into a visual form.
While there's a debate over the "best" method, both hand-drawn and digital comics have their own unique qualities and appeals. Ultimately, the choice depends on the artist's preference and the specific needs of the project.