[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

By guy from downtown manhattan on 4/11/2008

i've just started using Pictorico GEKKO Black on an HP B9180 printer.

i'm told by Mistsubishi Paper that it was introduced just this year. so far, it comes only in 8.5" x 11" and 13" x 19". if it sells well enough, though, more sizes will be forthcoming.

as i understand it, the GEKKO series of papers are b&w ONLY -- not colour materials used for b&w as an afterthought.

the GEKKO Black is the matte finish offering in the GEKKO line.

i printed it out using the downloadable On-sight BW Evaluation file. i compared it with prints of the same file made on Museo Portfolio Rag, Museo Max, and (the much vaunted) Museo Silver Rag.

the GEKKO Black is noticeably superior in displaying subtlety of tonal change. its black is just a fraction of a step less dark than on the Museo Silver Rag (which is glossy); but, unlike the Museo Silver Rag, the GEKKO Black has no bronzing of course.

it is a bit on the cool side, but well worth the improved tonality for doing exhibition quality prints.