What techniques are used for pencil sketching in manga creation?

Manga creation often starts with loose, gestural sketching using light pencils (like 2H or HB) to capture the flow of the character or scene. Artists then refine these sketches, defining forms and proportions with more precise lines. Emphasis is placed on clear linework for characters, often with varying line weights to suggest depth and form. Erasability is key during this stage, allowing for easy corrections and adjustments before moving to final inking.