When you say tablet do you mean a tablet as in something like an iPad or something? Or do you mean a tablet as in a drawing pad where you connect it to a computer by a wire?

Using a tablet like an iPad certainly would be better because you draw directly on the screen, and Intuos has some pretty nice ones. If you want a drawing pad, Intuos also has some pretty good ones. Just check our their website and take your pick.

As for programs, Photoshop is good.
But, if you want to make vector images and text bubbles for comics or just really detailed and complicated things you can't bother to do by hand, Adobe illustrator is good.
(Anything by Adobe is good... for different things, though)

I use an iPad. As for programs, obviously Photoshop (though kind of expensive), and I also use Sketchbook (if you're looking for something free).

Thanks guys. I do already have an ipad, just never thought about sketching with it. Maybe I'll try that first

Krita is one of the best art programs out there