I used trueSpace 5, but truespace3 is now free--and it's easy as hell to learn. I did those comic scenes in it as well:
Here are the details and features of tS3:
http://www.caligari.com/products/tru....asp?Cate=BTS3
And here is the free FULL version:
http://forms.caligari.com/forms/ts3all_free.html
I actually use tS3 more than tS5--because it renders faster and does what I need.. When I need more complex effects, I do use tS5....
Anyway, this is the easiest 3D Modeling program on earth, and fun to use!