Overall, a complete package. Not only does this software have all the expected tools fro painting and rendering, but also has numerous assists for beginning artists such as poseable, 3D drawing dummies, perspective rulers that can be used to correct draft work, and support of OBJ 3D models for reference, and more. While MS 5 is geared toward sequential art, the features that are given toward the art are not so intrusive as to keep one from using it for any other art project.
MS 5 and MS 5 EX each have several substantial improvements over the previous version.
The most identifying feature of MS 5 is the relative color brush engine. With the new brush engine, color is now a central feature to the software, instead of seeming secondary, as expressed by user concerns. What the system does is apply color to the layer using brushes in reference to what color is already on the layer. Essentially, color can be mixed naturally and organically, as in real life.
The second most identifying feature of MS 5 is the new vector drawing engine. The ability to draw entirely in vector allows one to seamlessly correct every stroke of every tool after making the stroke. Color, shape, and density are all easy to fix in a vector drawing. Vector drawing is also independent of a project's resolution, meaning the drawing can be resized to any shape regardless of how it was drawn. Combined with the relative color engine, every minute detail can be adjusted to the desired effect.
This software is called "Manga Studio" after the Japanese term for comics, and therefore is designed to focus mainly on the creation of sequential art (comics). To that end, the software has tools designed specifically to mirror every step of the traditional comics process:
1. A story editor to manage all pages in a story as a project file in itself. Pages can be rearranged effortlessly and spreads can be created by joining pages. All printing and folio information can be inserted in the final pages based on the project specifications.
2. Framing tools, drafting layers, and alternative drawing colors for drafting or "pencilling" pages.
3. Pen tools and an extensive halftone engine for finishing pages in black, or "inking".
4.A formidable text and balloon engine for adding dialogue and captions with precise control to rival professional setting tools such as Adobe Illustrator.
5. The aforementioned color engine for adding vibrant, lifelike color to pages, if needed. Or, in lieu of pencilling and inking, pages can easily be rendered in full-painted color.
6. Batch processing tools for exporting project pages with desired specifications for printing, webcomics, or online distribution.
Note that a recent update (5.0.6) adds the ability to export projects in the popular open .Epub and Amazon Kindle .Mobi formats, making online sales and distribution through Google Play, iTunes, or Amazon convenient for self-publishing creators. Adobe PDF export can easily be achieved by the addition of any number of free, light-weight, third-party "PDF printing" tools, making self-publishing through the Comixology market or on independent websites equally convenient.
Also note that the introductory version, simply titled "Manga Studio 5" is lacking many important features available in MS 5 EX. further information on these differences can be easily found on MS' page on Smith Micro's website.
These are only the facts about this software. My honest opinion of this software after 3 months of continuous hobbyist use is that for one needing an efficient, digital comic- or illustration-tool, one must look no further than Smith Micro's latest offering.
This software is also provided and supported by two of the most reliable production developers currently active: Smith Micro and Celsys of Japan. Rest assured, any questions one has about this piece is fully covered in either the manuals, one of the many official tutorial videos hosted on Youtube, or has been resolved within Smith Micro's expansive online community, Runtime DNA; and if it isn't, support is readily available to resolve any questions or concerns.
In conclusion, at any price, this is a worthwhile investment in time and money for an artist needing to compete successfully in the digital age.
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Upgraded from EX4 and VERY happy about the new features!
I just got Manga Studio EX 5 in the mail a couple of days ago. I previously owned Manga Studio EX 3 and EX 4 and decided it was time for a much needed upgrade of my software after having used EX 4 for at least 5 years now.I am a professional freelance cartoonist, illustrator, and character designer, so having tools that help me expedite my process is a necessity.Installation was quick and easy for me, and I am running on a Windows 10 pro 64 bit OS. I had read other reviews mentioning that I may have to reinstall my tablet driver after the software installation, but my Wacom Intuos 4L still worked without issues so there was no need for that. I am currently in the process of a tablet upgrade (a UGEE 2150 monitor tablet) so I will have to see how it works with the new one.Right off the bat I could tell there were some major upgrades with this software compared to EX4! I am always using the vector inking option that the EX line is known for, and then moving over to Adobe Photoshop CS5 for color work. So I naturally tested the vector inking pen tool right away. Happy to say that the inks are rendered way smoother now than before, and I can now color and sketch in vectors too using the pencil and brush tools! The line adjust tools are a little different but in my opinion a huge leap forward compared to the previous incarnation, with options like line weight pressure modifications and a huge list of others. Blending is also much better than it was before which means that I might actually be able to work on art start to finish in this one program instead of having to constantly switch back and forth to Photoshop. Saving me a lot of time in the long run. I was even able to do some quick photo-editing combining character arts I made with one of the software's stock backgrounds (I will include the two versions of the test image I made in this review to show the clarity of its image processing).Saving is a little faster in this version than the last version, though for some reason the screen it is on goes black for a moment right before it is done saving. It doesn't harm anything, but including it in this review in case this happens to anyone who reads this, don't let that scare you. I usually work in 600 dpi resolution in Manga Studio day to day, then shrink it down when needed.I did just get this so I have only done minor tests with the key features I use. I do make comics on occasion, so if I get a chance I will be updating this review on the new comic creation tools. I did also read that features like custom speed/action line generator has been removed so going to keep EX4 on my system as well for now.Lastly, I should note that buying this here at Amazon was cheaper than the upgrade option at the official Smith Micro store! $130 (the current sale price as of this review) is an amazing deal for this software. Very happy so far with this and will be recommending this to my other artist friends!Artworks included in this review © Ratgirl Productions and Eternal Dragon. Example only, not available for redistribution or reuse without permission.
