musikman : I think the key to failure or success is ones faith in ones self.
threw bad days n insane days don't give up. if ya stick with it ya will win in the end.

I can't say about buying online.
and I have a personal policy that I only buy from the company.
So I never get the run around with any problems.

 

for the learning the app part.
http://my.smithmicro.com/manga-studio-5.html has some video's n there's more at youtube
for you tube n google "Manga Studio or Clip Studio Paint"
& MS5 forums are very helpful .
I'd say with in a 40 working hours easily you alt to know MS5 just fine.
"Shatter" the girl in the blue heart is what I made while I was learning MS5 took about 40 working hours.
if ya get stuck on some thing ask at the MS5 forums n move on to something else till ya get a answer.

for the learning to draw part
google has a endless supply of how to draw stuff.
I'm sure there's how to draw forums on the web also.

just believe in ya self n don't give up.your be fine.

 

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The Artist that will fight for decades to conquer their media.
Even if you never know their name ,your know their Art.
Dark Sphere Mage Vengeance