If you’re an artist or a crafter (or even if you aren’t), you may have noticed a new brand of marker popping up in craft stores lately. Or perhaps you are a Japanophile and are already familiar with the brand name “Copic.” If you have noticed these professional-grade pens, you’ve probably also noticed how expensive they are. And at about $8.00 apiece, these are no Crayola markers. But why are they so expensive? Do they really possess special qualities that make them worth their exorbitant price tags? The short answer is, yes, depending on what you are using them for. Needless to say, investing in a set of Copics is a big (and potentially pricey) decision, and one that can be confusing and difficult to make. As a Copic user myself, I’m here to break down the types of markers (there are several), their uses, and whether or not they are the right option for you as an artist or crafter.