Materials used for Comic strips/ Graphic novels:
Any illustrator, comics or graphic novel artist need tools create their work. Due to the technological advancements, it has pushed the medium of sequential arts to a whole different level. Nevertheless, here are some primary traditional tools used:

Pencils and Erasers
The classic wooden pencils are widely used in drawing. But there are various graded of pencils out there differing in hardness, lightness and softness. The HB, H graded and B graded pencils are some options to choose from according to the artist’s preference.

The mechanical pencils are also another alternative artists use for their layouts. Experimenting with different options will help find the best one.

Eraser is also a valuable tool while the drafting is being made. Any eraser will do, but there are some different types also found in the market. So experiment and look the best suited for the job.



Pens
There are various kinds of pens to choose from. There are fine tip pigma pens, which have different tip thickness. The dip pens and crow quills, such that of speedball are also used by artist for the fineness. Black thick markers and alcohol markers are also much in use by artists.



Brushes
The sable brushes series are commonly used among artists, which are graded from 0 to 8-10 sizes. So depending on the type of inking, you can try out with different brands and sizes, to find the best fit your work. Pens having a brush tip are also another option, where the ink is put on a cartridge. Some Japanese pens have such types of brush pens.



Inks
The most common, the black India inks are widely used but comic book artists. But you can experiment with other black inks brands as well, which suits the work you are doing.



Art Board
Art board is known to be the illustration paper on which the final comics/ graphic novel pages are made. These are usually two- ply Bristol board, with size of 11 x 17 inches. There is even smooth or rough finish in the market, and many brands are available to buy from.

Drawing Board
Drawing board is a flat board, which supports to put your art board at any angle according to the artist’s preference. It is suggested not to draw keeping flat on the table as it distorts the drawing.

Rulers
A transparent raised edge rulers are most comfortable as in case it keeps the ink from flowing and transparency helps in see under it.