I have about a dozen Copic markers -- purchased from an Art Supply store when they were on sale and purchased one by one. I probably paid a bit under $5 each (yikes!) I have about 2 dozen Prismacolor markers that I probably paid about $2.75 each -- purchased singly, not in a set.
BOTH of them have a big, clunky end that I never use. The Prisma markers have a smaller end that is good for coloring -- but not for tiny lines! The Copics other end is a brush style like Tombows.
I also own a coupple of sets of the Marvy Markers and I broke down about a year ago and bought the big box of Zig Markers (100 markers from Joanne's with a coupon). I have purchased a couple of Tombows to see if they are worth it. I have several sets of Brushables -- markers with brush ends and 2 shades of the same color on each end.
First of all -- I HATE the Zig Markers. Not juicy -- some seem dried out -- don't like the tips -- yuk! Waste of $50.
Don't particularly like the Marvy Markers -- they were the ones that I started with when I got into "this business". I find that they tend to tear up the paper when I am coloring.
Love the Tombows! Nice brush end, nice coverage. REALLY love the Brushables -- great coverage and I love the fact that you can get 2 shades of the same color. I bought them online here: http://store.scrapbooking-warehouse.com/brushables.html
Prisma Markers -- great colors, terrific coverage -- wish there were more color choices (sounds weird -- I know they have a zillion colors -- just not the ones I want!) Price is not bad -- and they have them on sale at Michaels and ACM periodically.
Copics -- SOOO expensive! Have a few colors that I absolutely adore (flesh tone, and a tan color that I find I use over and over).
For the Prisma Markers and the Copics -- I want intense LIGHT colors so I can use my pencils to add depth and interest. So the really dark, pretty colors aren't what I want! I'd like more shades of really, really LIGHT blue, pink, etc.
For those of you thinking about Copics -- I would not buy a whole set unless you win the lottery and don't know what to do with all of your money. But I do think it makes sense to pick up a couple in colors you use a lot. I understand that they have a "junior" version of the Copics now for a cheaper price, but I haven't seen them or used them.
Hope this helps someone!
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Love the brushables and the tombows. I was lucky enough to find the tombows on a major clearance at Joannes some months back. Good to know about the flesh tone copics.
