Smith Micro Software Inc. announced the general availability of Manga Studio(R) 5, the most efficient and advanced solution for drawing, laying out, illustrating and publishing manga comics. To commemorate the launch, Smith Micro will unveil a limited edition "Axe Cop" image created by Manga Studio artist and Axe Cop creator, Ethan Nicolle. Manga Studio 5 fans can enter an online contest for their chance to win a signed copy of the print, as well as a Wacom Cintiq tablet.

Manga Studio 5 allows artists to create professional comic and manga-style art from start to finish. With an all-new intuitive user interface and a new graphic engine, users can draw and paint with a more natural feel. Manga Studio 5 adds power and flexibility to the design process with 64-bit architecture and multi-core CPU support to handle high definition and multi-layer artwork with ease.

Scan in existing artwork or draw from scratch within the application using a mouse or the natural feel of drawing on a tablet. Add amazing styles and effects to any project with Manga Studio 5's screen tones or create a unique background with the pattern brush. Artists can customize projects and save hours of work using the large collection of special effects and features.

Smith Micro and Wacom Technology Corp. continue to work together to provide Manga Studio users with comic creation technology. Wacom's line of multi-touch tablets, including the Bamboo and Intuos, provide an added bonus to Manga Studio 5 users, allowing them to easily ink and modify their drawings, as well as scale, rotate, pan and zoom in and out of the canvas with ease.

Manga Studio 5 key features: New graphics software interface for creating illustrations and comics; Natural drawing and new graphic engine; 64-bit architecture and multi-core CPU support.