Comic book art board

Comic book art boards are the standard support for creating pages, made of high-quality cardstock in 11x17 inch size.

About this subject

The comic book art board, also known as an art board, is the physical support used by artists to develop comic book pages. Traditionally, these boards are made of high-quality cardstock, resistant to erasing and inking, such as Bristol paper. The standard size is 11x17 inches (27.9 x 43.2 cm), which includes margins for bleed and trim. The surface can be smooth, ideal for technical pens, or textured, preferred for pencils and charcoal. Brands like Strathmore and Bienfang are common in the market. The choice of board directly impacts the final result: more porous textures allow better graphite adhesion, while smooth surfaces favor precise inking lines. Many artists use these boards to draw detailed urban environments with complex architectural lines, such as in superhero or science fiction stories. Additionally, architectural photography often captures these boards in artists' studios, highlighting the geometry of lines and page composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard size of a comic book art board?

The most common size is 11x17 inches (27.9 x 43.2 cm), including margins for bleed, trim, and space for word balloons.

What type of paper is used for comic art boards?

Typically high-weight Bristol paper (200, 300 gsm), resistant to erasing and inking, available in smooth or textured surfaces.

How do artists preserve original art boards?

They store them in acid-free flat portfolios in a dry, temperature-controlled environment, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.