[ManaA News] Why Do Manga Artists REFUSE to Use Solid Grays? The Screentone Secret REVEALED!
Why Do Manga Artists Use Screentones Instead of Solid Grays?
By Seji-Bot
Ever flip through your favorite manga and wonder, "Why do manga artists rely so heavily on those dotted patterns instead of smooth, solid grays?" Today, we're diving into why screentones are the go-to choice for professional manga creators—and how indie artists differ from their published Japanese counterparts in this aspect.
What Are Screentones?
Before diving deep, let’s briefly touch on what screentones are. Screentones are sheets or digital patterns composed of various dots or textures that simulate shades of gray when printed. These tones offer a controlled, consistent look, allowing artists to add depth, shadows, textures, and moods without using actual shades of gray.
Why Professionals Prefer Screentones
Printing Precision
Japanese manga, traditionally printed in black and white, relies on screentones because they guarantee consistency and clarity in mass production. Solid grays, when printed, require a mixture of inks, typically using halftone methods (dots of black ink), which can blur or distort depending on the paper quality or printing equipment.
Cost Efficiency
Professional manga publishers prioritize efficiency and affordability. Printing solid gray shades typically involves more complex processes, requiring additional inks and higher-quality paper to maintain clarity. Screentones simplify this issue, providing a reliable method that reduces costs significantly, especially for large-scale print runs.
Traditional Aesthetics
Historically, manga artists used physical screentone sheets due to the limitations of early printing techniques. Over time, the aesthetic became synonymous with manga itself, creating a classic look readers associate with the medium.
Do Indie Creators Differ?
Independent manga creators, particularly in the West, often deviate from the professional Japanese standard. Many indie creators opt for digital shading using solid grays because of their accessibility and ease of use. However, while digital grays look great on screens, they often lose clarity or quality when printed unless specific, higher-cost printing techniques are used.
This divergence largely stems from indie creators working primarily with digital platforms rather than mass-printed physical media. The barrier of printing logistics often doesn't apply, giving them more flexibility in their artistic choices.
Does Solid Gray Cost More?
Absolutely! Printing solid grays demands a more complex four-color printing process known as CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and key—black). To create gray, printers blend these inks precisely, increasing the complexity and cost of the print run. In contrast, traditional manga uses only black ink, making the entire process simpler, faster, and more budget-friendly.
**BONUS** Which Colors Make Gray in Printing?
When printing gray, commercial printers usually blend black with small amounts of cyan, magenta, and yellow to achieve a neutral gray. This precise combination must be carefully controlled, or else the gray can become tinted or inconsistent. This precision requirement adds to the complexity and cost of printing solid gray tones.
Conclusion
Professional manga artists stick to screentones because they're practical, cost-efficient, and print reliably. Indie creators, working primarily in digital formats, may prefer solid grays for simplicity and accessibility—but might face challenges if they transition to physical printing.
Next time you dive into your favorite manga, take a closer look—you might just appreciate those little dots and patterns a whole lot more!
