Stan Sakai (on Facebook) wrote:I just turned in the cover for Dark Horse Usagi Yojimbo #171 (issue #237 in the complete UY series). Here is the process. As usual, the image area is 10x15.5 inches on 11x17 inch 2-ply Strathmore cold press Bristol.
The story is The Hidden, part 6 of a 7-part story.
Roughing out shapes with a 2H .3mm mechanical pencil.
Finished pencils drawn with a HB .5mm mechanical pencil. I used a meter stick to determine the vanishing points for the perspectives and a French curve for the swords.

Inked with an Koh-i-Noor ArtPen (now discontinued) and Platinum Carbon Black ink.
Erased with a Sumo Black eraser.

Background textures added with the ArtPen.
I wanted this piece to be bottom lit to increase the drama and mood.

Details added to finish the art.
Now it will go to Tom Luth for coloring.