How to edit manga with Photoshop (QC Guide) (Photoshop Tips)

I had a big long rant here, but I doubt anyone really cares, so here you go. Some level of photoshop competence is assumed, though some things I explain a bit more in depth. In the end, experience makes the biggest difference, so go ahead and tinker around in photoshop, read general photoshop guides or other edit guides, and see what works for you.

While this guide is written for Photoshop (mainly CS2 and CS3, though most of it still applies for 7 or CS), Paintshop Pro and Gimp generally work just as well. I've seen guides for Fireworks, but Fireworks sucks. And I don't care how awesome you think you are, never use paint.

Also, while we're on the topic of general things to avoid, never use camera images as raws. With a lot of work, they can almost be made usable, but I've yet to see anyone take the time and effort to correct the radial warp and shading distortion with these things anyway, so just avoid them (I thought this was an obvious thing, but apparently not).