When it’s time to start inking, I always started with the dialogue. For this I would use a Micron pen, which I found gave a consistent line thickness I liked. For the characters and backgrounds, I would use a brush and bottle of ink, which gave me the opportunity to vary the line thickness for interest and emphasis. Finally I might go back to a smaller Micron pen for some details like eyes and shading that needed more detail and control. Once again none of these strips made the final cut, but they do show a step in the process.

Here you can see the boxes and dialogue inked. This is also an example where I broke with the typical box layout. Story-wise, this was a storyline where I was going to explore the job of the dad character. I had him running an ice cream shop (Inspir…

Here you can see the boxes and dialogue inked. This is also an example where I broke with the typical box layout. Story-wise, this was a storyline where I was going to explore the job of the dad character. I had him running an ice cream shop (Inspired by Vic’s Ice Cream in Sacramento, California) but I stopped producing the strip before that storyline developed.

Here’s another example of the panel boxes and dialogue inked in first. This is also another abandoned storyline revolving around the main character having discussions with his manifested conscience.

Here’s another example of the panel boxes and dialogue inked in first. This is also another abandoned storyline revolving around the main character having discussions with his manifested conscience.

In this example all of the boxes, dialogue, and characters are inked. What’s left are the smaller details that I would follow up with a finer Micron pen.

In this example all of the boxes, dialogue, and characters are inked. What’s left are the smaller details that I would follow up with a finer Micron pen.