The "Special" in the title refers to the Original Drawing aspect—this is not about printing or screen tones. It is about creating a one-of-a-kind piece of physical art.

: Detailed instructions on integrating markers with airbrush systems for soft, atmospheric backgrounds. Comprehensive Technical Lessons

This book is about digital coloring. It teaches:

While early volumes in the series focused on the basics—perspective, anatomy, and screentone application—Volume 9 represents a pivot toward the professional polish that defines high-quality manga and concept art. This article explores the enduring legacy of this volume, the specific techniques it pioneered, and why it remains a relevant resource for digital and traditional artists today.

is widely considered an essential manual for artists looking to transition from monochrome sketches to professional-grade color illustrations. Published by Graphic-Sha as part of its iconic series, this volume specifically targets the "Colored Original Drawing" (or color genga ) process, focusing heavily on alcohol-based markers and traditional coloring techniques. Core Focus: Mastering the Copic System

In the world of art instruction, few series are as iconic or as foundational as the How to Draw Manga series originating from Japan. Among the dozens of volumes released during the peak of the manga boom of the early 2000s, one title stands out as a perennial favorite for artists looking to graduate from black-and-white line art to full-color illustration:

: Combining markers with pastels and oil pastels to add texture and depth to original drawings.

Heavyweight paper, Acrylic gouache, Flat brushes (#4, #8), Liner brush.

Final advice from the book: “Your original drawing is a physical object. Treat every stroke like a performance—because you cannot press Ctrl+Z.”