101KEYS  After spending an obscene amount of cash over the years for Photoshop and illustrator for the PC, I wanted to find an efficient and cost-effective drawing application for my new Macbook that would allow me to create quality comics and manga pages.

Enter Inkscape. This impressive freeware graphic tool is quick to learn and easy to use with results comparable to the two above mentioned applications. Whether using a mouse or a graphic tablet (which this app will allow you to control the tip pressure), the lines are fluid and clean. The calligraphy tool is outstanding, allowing you to easily product beautiful handwritten text, or with light tweaking, comic book quality characters.

With Inkscape you to draw in layers, use perspectives, import images, export, add brushes and use other features you would find in those other "expensive" programs. For the kids, there's a star stamp and spiral button for decorating drawings or photos.

Aside from getting use the tricky gradient and text features, Inkscape is a perfect powerful application for those who wish to draw and edit with professional results on a shoestring budget.  
(Version 0.46.3)