Author: inkdev

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(New Bedford, MA/USA—February 22, 2018) The non-profit Inkwell Awards, devoted to promoting the art of comic book inking, is having their eighth annual Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge, beginning in April. They also have their third annual Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight, which focuses on the pencil art of a legendary creator/artist/writer/publisher. This year it’s Image Comics’ co-founder Erik Larsen. Artwork from both will be auctioned afterwards for fundraising.

“Due to the ongoing success of the original Sinnott Challenge, we expanded the program to include the Spotlight Challenge two years ago, with even better results,” said Bob Almond, founder and director of The Inkwell Awards (AKA “The Inkwells”). “We chose to showcase other contemporary, fan-favorite talents on a smaller scale with published and established inkers who may not have participated in the original challenge. We proudly featured the amazing pencils of DC co-publisher Jim Lee for 2016 and last year we were thrilled to have the great Neal Adams.”

The original Inking Challenge educates the public about inking by having industry legend and Inkwell Special Ambassador Joe Sinnott do a tight pencil of a character plus a “breakdown,” or rough sketch of another. This year, the characters are from Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok” hit film with Loki and Hela. Sinnott’s art was scanned and the file sent in blue-line form to various inkers around the globe to finish and/or embellish in ink.

Ink artists contributing their skills this year include Ken Branch, Anthony Fowler, Jason Moore, Joe Orsak, Terry Pavlet, J.L. Straw, Scott Rosema, Tom Schloendorn, Mark Stegbauer, Neil Vokes, Keith Williams and dozens of others, plus members of the Sinnott family. Submitted art may be viewed at The Inkwells’ ComicArtFans gallery. All pieces will be personally signed by Sinnott and include a certificate of authenticity.

Coordinated by Almond, this year’s Challenge Spotlight on Erik Larsen is different. Unlike previous years which featured a published art page, Larsen is the first to create a cover-quality drawing, featuring his “Savage Dragon” creation and cast members, exclusively for this Inkwell event. All pages will be signed by Larsen and the inkers, and include a COA. Completed pages at press time include those by Keith Champagne, Richard Clark, John Dell, Geof Isherwood, Mark McKenna, Rudy Nebres, Andy Owens, Joe Prado, Rodney Ramos, Scott Rosema, Alex Saviuk, Mike Sellers, Andy Smith, Le Beau Underwood, Neil Vokes, Keith Williams and several students from the Kubert School.

Almond added, “Much kind thanks to Erik, Joe and Mark Sinnott, and all involved for their cooperation, support of our program, and appreciation of ink artists.”

Auctions for the Larsen Challenge original art will commence in February (date to be announced) on eBay and every other week thereafter, followed by the Joe Sinnott Challenge art and other late additions. The Sinnott art will eventually be collected into a book (the sixth such edition). Tentative plans are to also release a Larsen “Savage Dragon” book. Previous editions, along with other merchandise, are available for donations to the organization through their web store.

The Inkwell Awards is an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize the best ink artists and their work. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and numerous contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

Inkwell Awards spokesmodel Hailey Skaza-Gagne with Pat Broderick (2017 Boston Comic Con)

(New Bedford, MA/USA–January 12, 2018): The 501(c)(3) non-profit advocacy group, the Inkwell Awards, began its 10th season anniversary by electing artists Aldrin Aw (aka Buzz) and Pat Broderick as new creator ambassadors to help further the group’s mission of public promotion, education and recognition of the art form of inking and ink artists in the US comic book industry.

Both ambassador artists are veterans of Marvel, DC and other publishers, illustrating covers and interiors of many popular characters. Broderick began his career in the 1970s, Buzz in the 1990s.

“It’s always thrilling to have two veteran and fan-favorite creators like Buzz and Pat accept our invitation to add further credibility and exposure,” said Inkwell Awards founder and director Bob Almond. “I grew up enjoying Pat’s work. It’s been wonderful the last few years seeing him and his wife Pat return to convention touring, working on commissions and being back on comic assignments. He has been nothing but respectful of our mission and supportive of our non-profit. Buzz, meanwhile, has been a top professional and prolific Inkwell donor over the years. I was pleasantly stunned last year when, unsolicited, he offered to join us as a Special Ambassador to assist with fundraising and maximize those efforts. Buzz’s massive show exposure, his recognition, contacts and influence make him a worthy and extraordinary asset to us. With improved funding and resources, we can aspire to accomplish more than ever before.”

Inkwell Awards spokesmodel Hailey Skaza-Gagne with Aldrin Aw/Buzz (2017 Terrificon)

Since the organization was formed in 2008, the roster of Inkwell Ambassadors has included Adam Hughes, Mike Marts, Ethan Van Sciver, Mark Brooks, Trevor Von Eeden, Sal Velluto, Cully Hamner, Eric Basuldua, Phil Jimenez, Jim Shooter, Brian Pulido, Jim Starlin, Laura Martin along with the late Joe Kubert and Rich Buckler. The more-involved Special Ambassadors include Joe Sinnott, J. David Spurlock, Mike McKone and Clifford Meth. Inkwell seasons commence in late summer and end with their awards ceremony at the annual host show of HeroesCon in June.

The Inkwell Awards is the only existing official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to publicly educate and promote the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize the best ink artists and their work. Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the organization is overseen by a committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and contributors from within the community. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

Today family members and close friends reported on his Facebook wall that Marvel Comics’ ink artist Jim Sanders III had passed away yesterday, Monday the 20th of November. It was not reported what he died of but Jim had been sick for quite some time. The Inkwell Awards first became aware of Jim’s misfortunes when Josef Rubinstein brought it to Inkwell director Bob Almond’s attention in 2013. Hero Initiative had assisted Jim earlier but they do not normally assist return requests for help due to budget limitations. Jim and Bob had correspondence thereafter and the Inkwells circulated a message to the comic book community showing need, and subsequently, with the essential help of Inkwell special ambassador Clifford Meth, the non-profit was able to run two weeks of fundraising auctions to assist him with living conditions and expenses thanks to auctioneer Michael Kellar. Longtime Inkwell member Danny Best also assisted with this situation on his blog. Regrettably, requests for news/social media support fell short and the non-profit advocacy was only able to raise $455 not counting private donations. He again contacted Bob in 2016 after divorcing his wife, their last correspondence, and he said “thank you-I am overwhelmed by the support from those who gave it-very difficult time for me emotionally-disappointed by some but overall very greatful for those who helped and came thru-especially you knowing things have been rough for you these last months.” He was living in a nursing home but was soon actively taking on private commissions.

Born in Jacksonville, FL James Sanders would enter the comic book industry as a professional artist in the 1980s and would work for several publishers, primarily as an inker, over the years and into the 1990s such as Marvel/Marvel UK/Malibu/Epic, DC Comics, AC Comics, Valiant Comics, Image Comics and First Comics. “The Colonel”, as he was affectionately called by his friends, listed the following as his career summary on his Facebook account (edited): “freelance artist-formerly for Marvel and DC comics-primarily an inker, but has done coloring and character design- has worked with pencillers Ron Lim, Bryan Hitch, Todd McFarlane, and Erik Larsen- I am now open for commissions, both pencil and/or inks of comic book and fantasy characters-no nudity or porn plz”.

The Inkwell Awards offers our sincerest condolences to Jim’s family and loved ones for their loss.