Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Flexible Pen Review

Image via JetPens.com

Everyone knows I love a good brush pen, but not for the normal artistic reasons. I like writing with them, and the added flair they add to my lettering is enjoyable. Some are better than others in the writing department though, so where does the Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Flexible stand?

First off, Kuretake has become one of those brands that can do no wrong in my book. The Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Outline Pen is my favorite plastic tip pen, beating out stalwarts from Sakura and Copic, and the Fudegokochi Super Fine Brush Pen is the best writing brush pen I own. Just look how clean my lettering is in those reviews. Hard to not be impressed.

The Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Flexible Pen is a different animal from those two. It is a soft tip brush which allows for a range of both thin and thick lines. Essentially, it is exactly what you should think of when you are thinking about a brush pen.

I don’t have the hand skill to do this pen justice but I was impressed with the quick, clean transition from wide to narrow in the lines. The meat of my letters were solid and the end of the lines had that nice snap you want to see in a brush. This is an effect you cannot get from a standard drawing pen.

For my daily writing purposes it isn’t all that great - the Fudegokochi works better for that. But in the right hands - artistic hands - the Mangaka Flexible would sing.

(JetPens is an advertiser on The Pen Addict and I received this product at no charge.)

Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Outline Pen Review

Well surprise, surprise, surprise.

Never one to pass up a new art pen, the Kuretake Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Outline Pen is the latest to hit my desk. I have tried many over the years - most are good, a few not so much - but even fewer are elite. The Sakura Pigma Micron comes to mind at the top of the list and it might now have company.

My test subject was the 02 Violet. Like many pens in this category, the barrel is no great shakes. The most important thing it can do is stay out of the way, and the Zig Cartoonist does just that. It is lightweight and comfortable, and even does a nice job in the grip area by not having any sharp edges like so many of its competitors.

Where this pen really shines is in the tip. It is very firm and performs exceptionally. My lines were tight and look great on the page. I haven’t put it through a true use durability test to see how it holds up over the long term but I am not seeing much breakdown in the tip so far. And have you noticed the color? I am a fan of purple inks, and this is one of the best I have seen.

So what’s next for me and the Kuretake Zig Cartoonist? I am going to try a few other colors and tip sizes and see if I can get a better gauge on its durability. Look out Micron - I’m coming for you!

Kuretake Zig Letter Pen CocoIro Roller Ball Review

Artists have enjoyed the customization of the Kuretake CocoIro Letter Pen system since it was introduced last year. 16 different barrel colors and 13 brush pen refills are at your disposal to mix and match as you see fit. Earlier this year, Kuretake snuck in a 0.3 mm roller ball refill so I figured it was about time for me to check it out.

You don’t hear 0.3 mm and roller ball in the same sentence too often. Gel ink yes, but pretty uncommon for liquid ink pens. With the CocoIro system, I was able to pick out the barrel color that I wanted - Chestnut Brown - and the refill just screws right in. I found it odd at first how the end of the refill pokes out the end of the barrel, but it doesn’t really affect anything. It is more useful if you are constantly swapping out brush pen inks so you can see which color is currently loaded.

The line and the ink quality is similar to the Uni-Ball Signo DX 0.38 mm. The liquid ink is going to bleed a little more of course, but it is not a major issue. This might be a good option for lefties looking for a micro tip pen since it dries quickly.

I find myself reaching for CocoIro more than I thought I would. It is a fun option when you are bored with your standard stick or retractable pen. Be sure to check out Geminica’s original brush pen review as well.