28 Nov 2023

Bob’s Blog: Inkblots- Kevin Brogan: Rest In Peace

Kevin and Bob, July 2023 Terrificon

On Monday November 13 the comic book community lost one of it’s best. He wasn’t an ink artist. Nor was he a contributor to the Inkwell Awards officially. Kevin Brogan was a volunteer of the Hero Initiative and he was a friend to the Inkwells. I’ve been too busy with assignments and obligations to post this article until now but to bring you up to speed I posted the following on my Facebook feed once I got wind that he was no longer with us on Tuesday the 14th. Later I heard from his niece Colleen Moore after reading my post. She had an email thread forwarded to my inbox filling in the details from family and Heroes Initiative members. From that I posted an update on 11/20:
“UPDATE: regarding the passing of The Hero Initiative’s Kevin Grogan, it turned out that this morning at 10am EST was his funeral mass livestream. I missed it but it was saved and can still be viewed here: https://youtube.com/live/A7DI5cAjXAU?feature=share
I did receive and read the email threads that many of Kevin’s peers and friends that discussed his status from having first caught Covid through his back & forth hospital visits and stay over the course of over a month until he developed an infection and was put on a ventilator. It all filled in gaps I was missing to his tragic story. His niece Colleen Moore who’s been the point person for the family and the comic book creator community also announced there will be a memorial service for Kevin in January in the DC area. I’ll share here as soon as I know more. I will also post this info on the Inkwell Awards website once my schedule allows. He was a friend of the non-profit and supported us through his actions and spirit all the while a very active member of HI. That makes him family.”

21 Nov 2023

Artist Submissions Open For The 2023 Inkwell Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Artist Submissions Open For The 2023 Inkwell Awards

(New Bedford, MA/USA—November 21, 2023) The non-profit Inkwell Awards is requesting professional submissions for its annual recognition event. Submissions are open for ink-work samples of two to four interior pages (no covers or pinups) of any US-published and printed comic-book. Webcomics are permitted as long as they have also been printed. Inks may be either traditional or digital (as long as done by hand and not by software). Artists much choose one or more of the following categories for each submission:

1. Favorite Inker: favorite ink artist over the pencils of another artist. (Cannot be nominated for the “Props” category.)

2. Most-Adaptable: showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencil artists (Minimum two pages per penciller, up to six.)

3. Props award: ink artist deserving of more attention for their work over other pencillers.

4. The S.P.A.M.I: for favorite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent comic book ink work over another pencil artist or themselves (Non-Marvel or DC).

5. All-in-One award: for favorite artist inking his/her own pencils.

Submissions must be from comics cover-dated 2023 and sent to inkwellawards@yahoo.com to be received no later than January 20, 2024.

“As the only non-profit organization devoted to public education and promotion of the art of comic book inking, we want the process to be open and fair,” said Bob Almond, founder, and director of the only The Inkwell Awards. “While our volunteer nomination committee (the ‘NomCom’) can still submit their choices, they just can’t see all the wonderful work during the year from all publishers large and small. Submissions help both voters and artists to hopefully make the process easier and fairer. It’s up to the artists to be recognized for their talent, skill and hard work.”

The Inkwell Awards requires all submissions to meet certain rules and guidelines, which can be found on their website, or by emailing them at the above address, which may also be used for questions.

Ray Burke: Submissions, assistant director

The Inkwell Awards is the only official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and educate regarding the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize the best ink artists and their work. Established in 2008, the Inkwells are overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.

27 Oct 2023

Inkwell Awards Announces Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight on WALT SIMONSON Event

Inkwell Awards Announces Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight on WALT SIMONSON Event

Pic: Luigi Novi, 6/13/2009

(New Bedford, MA/USA—October 27, 2023) The non-profit Inkwell Awards, devoted to promoting the art of comic book inking, has released the list of artists participating in its seventh annual Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight. This year’s Challenge features legendary creator Walter Simonson‘s take on Marvel Comics’ Ben Grimm, the Thing from the Fantastic Four. Walter had a much-lauded run on the series as writer and artist from 1989-1991 issues 334 until 354. The pencil image was originally intended as a donation on an FF blank sketch cover variant over the summer until Inkwell Awards director Bob Almond approached Walter about the annual event.

Walter’s remarkable and influential career spans six decades as an artist and writer for every major publisher and several independent ones on series/characters such as Thor, Fantastic Four, Detective Comics (Manhunter), Metal Men, Orion, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars and X-Factor among others. It was on Walt’s first of two runs on Thor that he was inked by Joe Sinnott, from which this Inkwell event was named. He’s also known for creating Beta Ray Bill and his creator-owned properties Star Slammers and Ragnarok. These works earned him a multitude of awards from the Eisners, Shazam, Inkpot, Harveys and even the “All-in-One Award” from the Inkwells in 2022. He serves on the Hero Initiative Disbursement Committee and is married to the just as legendary writer and editor Louise Simonson, both of whom had cameo appearances in the 2011 MCU film Thor: The Dark World.
According to Bob, the Spotlight Challenge grew out of the original Joe Sinnott Inking Challenge but showcases legendary and contemporary, “fan-favorite” talents on a more limited scale with various veteran published inkers. In chronological order, previous Spotlight pencillers were Jim Lee, Neal Adams, Erik Larsen, David Finch, Ivan Reis and Mike Deodato Jr.
The limited to 30 artists (in alphabetical order) are:
Ken Branch
Brett Breeding
Sergio Cariello
Keith Champagne
Kevin Conrad

Inks: Andy Smith

Marc Deering
Michelle Delecki
Adriano Di Benedetto
Guy Dorian Sr.
Anthony Fowler Jr.
Eber Ferreira
Scott Hanna
Don Ho
Christopher Ivy
Jose Marzan Jr.
Mark McKenna
Allen Milgrom
Dan Parsons
Andrew Pepoy
Norm Rapmund
Craig Rousseau
Oclair Alberto Silvério
Andy Smith
Bob Smith
Jonas Trindade
LeBeau Underwood
Dexter Vines
Keith Williams
Walden Wong

 

Changes in the roster often take place with artists needing to drop out due to work schedule conflicts and others subsequently pulled in from a waiting list so the final line-up may differ by auction time.

Inks: Elisabetta D’Amico

“Every year we are thrilled with the response from the artist community,” Almond said. “We realize schedules are crazy and amorphous, so we are very grateful to those who can step up.”

The Challenge Spotlight furthers the inking advocacy’s dual mission of promoting the artform and educating the public. Blue-lined art files featuring a pencilled Walter Simonson pinup are sent to the artists to finish in ink. Each inked page will be signed by Simonson and the inker, and include a certificate of authenticity signed and numbered by Almond. All pages will be previewed at the Inkwell Awards Facebook group page and subsequently auctioned off as part of a major fundraiser in two to three waves, with subsequent waves in two weeks‘ intervals, at the Inkwells’ eBay page starting after the holidays in mid-late January with a specific date to be announced as we get closer. As displayed in the animated gif of samples, fans will be able to see the difference in the pencilled and inked versions to better understand how much inkers contribute to the art form.

“On behalf of the Inkwells,” said Almond, “our sincerest thanks to Erick Korpi and Tom Schloendorn on the team behind the scenes, the participating inkers, and all involved for their cooperation, support of our program, and appreciation of ink artists.”

The Inkwell Awards is the only official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and educate regarding the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize the best ink artists and their work. Established in 2008, the Inkwells are overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award. This year they celebrated their 15th anniversary.

17 Aug 2023

INKBLOTS: Legendary artist RUDY NEBRES currently seeks client commissions and show invitations!


Rudy is an exceptional, meticulous illustrator and a master from the Bronze-age Filipino Studio of comic book sequential storytelling.
He emerged along with his many contemporary countrymen like Alfredo Alcala, Ernie Chan, Tony Dezuniga, Nestor Redondo, Alex Nino
among others which led to generations influenced to carry the torch through the latter Bronze-age, the 1990s and up with current rock stars

Jay Anacleto, Francis Manapul, Jerome Opeña, Carlo Pagulayan, Whilce Portacio, Philip Tan and Leinil Francis Yu among others. Our art form is all the more richer thanks to their contributions and inspiration. Many of Rudy’s peers and friends from those days have passed on but having just turned 86 he is still passionate, energetic and skilled as ever to do what he does. He received an Inkpot Award at the San Diego Comic-Con  in 2012 for lifetime achievement.

In 2017, Nebres was awarded the Inkwell Awards Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame award for “an inking career in American comic books of outstanding accomplishment.”  These are tremendous accolades that he’s proud of but he could use the kindness of others to help him through some challenging times following the passing of his wife Dolores. He needs the work, something his friend and current art rep/agent/handler Anthony Isaza (sazatonio@yahoo.com) has been trying his best efforts to promote about and circulate. Rudy is a treasure and he is deserving of more attention and from our view he should be in more demand which can only materialize through exposure.

For commissions he’s active to take on all kinds of sizes from sketch cards to 9×12 up to 11×14. However, thanks to suffering from eye strain
and arthritis, he’s had to give up doing 11×17 requests in almost all cases and has regrettably chosen to put down the inking tools. Should
you contact Anthony about hiring Rudy for pencil commissions he can discuss details and rates. There could be an added fee for more
complicated character designs. See the attached chart of categories and sizes.
He’s available for public appearances at shows, especially if within the New Jersey area, but limited to 2-3 hour drives. Anthony must be there to assist Rudy at his age so he’d be an extra guest pass in lieu of his family who used to travel with him. But he must have a comped table and green room access, more than reasonable for an artist of his stature. But he can only attend one full day so there’s no reason to discuss the need for hotel expenses being covered. But an appearance fee would be HIGHLY APPRECIATED. You bring him in and he’ll bring the adulation and admirers.
BOB ALMOND
04 Aug 2023

John Floyd: 1962-2023

Following my Terrificon convention on Monday 7/31 I read on Facebook from mutual friend Denys Cowan that John had passed away. I posted a notice on our feed since I couldn’t find any press on the loss. He had been getting treated for months for pancreatic cancer and kept it to himself and his immediate family. Before he passed he asked his sister Cindy to inform comic book inker and friend Jim McWeeney to post it to inform the community family he was part of. I posted the following below on my Facebook feed:

“Ink artist John Floyd has died. I read about it from his friend, artist Denys Cowan. I haven’t found a news source yet so I cannot share an article but John had been still relatively active posting his work up until last month. I had no idea he was sick but it stunned me as I would see him time to time at cons and he was an Inkwell Awards donor/supporter and was prolific in the Joe Sinnott Inking Challenges from the start but not recently but I’m not sure if that was from being busy with work or if he’d been getting treatment for his sickness. I don’t yet know his age or any other relevant info and I wasn’t close to him but there was a mutually friendly relationship over the years and he was dedicated to the artform as well as utilizing digital art into his work. Besides Denys he collaborated many times with Barry Windsor-Smith. He was kind, generous and a friend. Below is the pic that gets a lot of social media sharing but not everyone realizes that this is 13 year old John. He started out like a lot of us as a dedicated super fan and made it to the top in this special community. Sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and fans.”

On 10/5/2021 I post a Facebook photo album for “Joe SInnott: A Celebration of Life” memorial event and here’s a shot with myself & John. My caption for the pic said: “John Floyd & I, ink artists both. He met Joe in his youth and Joe was a mentor to him as well. He was a regular participant in the Sinnott Inking Challenge over the years.” John replied: ““In my youth…” Bob, “I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now”- Dylan and “I’m a proud Inkwell Award nominee as well.” I’m the one honored to know you, John.<3

Hailey Skaza-Gagne, 1st appearance of her as the now iconic Inkwell spokesmodel in a pic with John at Heroes Con.

25 Jul 2023

JOE SINNOTT LEGACY INKING CHALLENGE featuring ALEX SAVIUK’S SPIDER-MAN & MJ remainder pages of OA to be discounted & for sale at the INKWELL AWARDS BOOTH @ TERRIFICON!

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Bedford, MA/USA-July 24, 2023) On July 20th on Inkwell Awards founder & director Bob Almond’s facebook feed he announced that the spring 2023 educational and fundraising event the Joe Sinnott Legacy Inking Challenge featuring Alex Saviuk had some as of yet unsold pages of inks over blueline pencil original art and that they’d be available for sale at a discount at the Terrificon show July 28-30 at tables R1-R2 in artists alley. “There were over 50 pieces done up over the spring by vet mainstream professionals, indie/small press pros and a few non-pros learning how to ink by experience that were auctioned off on eBay but after relisting the remainder pages we were still left with 17 and now 14 pages. So I thought a different venue might help with no shipping or bidding involved, first come first serve. Plus Alex will be in attendance in case anyone wants to take a pic with him and the page purchased.” The 14 pages are inked by Rusty Gilligan, Marc Rubino, Jeff Austin, Guy Dorian Sr., Edward Murr, Victor Moya, Criss Madd, J.E. Lozano, Mark Pennington, Luis Rivera, Matt Santorelli, Bob Smith, Mark Stegbauer and Larry Welch. Prices range from only $25 to up to $45 and anyone interested to buy but cannot attend can email Bob at dmralmond@gmail.com If any pages are remaining post-show they will be available at the same prices but with shipping added.

Joe Sinnott was featured in eight Inking Challenge events named after him until he retired some months before his passing. In 2021, frequent Marvel art collaborator of Joe’s, Ron Frenz, was featured in the Joe Sinnott Tribute Inking Challenge with Thor a year after his death in tribute.

Then Alex Saviuk, whom Joe inked for years on the Amazing Spider-man Sunday comic strip series, agreed to be featured for the first Legacy Challenge. The artists for this event are decided by Bob and Joe’s son Mark Sinnott annually. It is a bit different from the spin-off event, the Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight.

The Inkwell Awards is the only official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and educate regarding the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize the best ink artists and their work. Established in 2008, the Inkwells are overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award. This year they celebrate their 15th anniversary.
25 Jul 2023

Ms. Inkwell Gallery Book HC 15th Anniversary Edition Launches

Bob Almond here! Sorry I’m late to the newsroom due to my recent/current nutty, no pun intended, work schedule. Our Inkwell Kickstarter campaign organizer Richard Boom ran this article below on his Comics for Sinners site so since that is his wheelhouse way more than mine we are running his announcement to bring people up to speed. It looks like we are finally getting a hardcover edition thanks to the success of the campaign so far, something I dreamt about back in the early 20 teens, but I didn’t see happening due to the expenses and time used up for books that barely got attention or barely sold for education and/or fundraising purposes. It was Billy Tucci who constantly suggested using Kickstarter and then when later Richard joined the team as senior contributor and press coordinator he offered to make it happen because he had been involved in and run dozens of successful campaigns. I got to give him his props for a job well done! More in the future? We’ll see. It’s been brought up so just a matter of riding out this campaign until fulfillment and completion and assess what’s next. Thanks to everyone for their support! ~B

Published on July 18th, 2023 | by Richard Boom

Non-profit, all-out amazing 160 pgs good/bad girl pinup art gallery hardcover showcasing our spokesmodel in various fantasy poses.

In 2016, Bob Almond’s personal pet project became a physical reality! Unlike the Inking Challenge books which target both education on inking and act as a fundraiser, this ‘Good Girl / BAD Girl Art’ Gallery book is strictly for fundraising. That full color 120-page book with cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz examined the creation and history of the non-profit Inkwell Awards’ sexy spokesmodel since her debut in 2010. It reproduced past covers, collected Ms. Inkwell artist donations, and in the gallery 32 B&W and color interpretations including comments from several of the contributors. Plus, the live spokesmodel photo rollcall of ladies in black and their show stats.

Featuring the Ms. Inkwell Gallery artwork of: Bill Sienkiewicz, Alex Saviuk, Howard Chaykin, Philip Moy, Louis Small Jr., Michael Netzer, Mike Pascale, Neil Vokes, Tommy Castillo, Trevor von Eeden, Joe Sinnott, Elias Chatzoudis, Mark Texeira, Randy Green, Scott Hanna, Mike McKone, Billy Tucci, Mike Lilly, Dan Panosian, Buzz and many more!

Now in 2023, the MS INKWELL GALLERY BOOK will undergo an upgrade, with YOUR help, coming in at a whopping 40 pgs extra, totalling 160 pgs in total!!

With new contributions by Eric Basaldua, Monte M. Moore, Mark Beachum, Yonami Teles,Vinz el Tabanas, Ian Churchill, Silvano Beltramo, Markus von Renthe-Fink, Chiara Di Francia, Jorin Evers, Alfredo Reyes, Andrew Pepoy, Dan Parent, Sean Mendoza, Randy Green & Laura Martin, Roberto Dal Santo, Michelle Delecki, Ken Hunt, Vince Rodrigues and Bill Sienkiewicz.….

With a special foreword by industry legend Jimmy Palmiotti!!!

Come join at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/inkwellawards/ms-inkwell-gallery-book

A brief sampling of new interpretations of Ms. India Wells by Ian Churchill, Eric “eBas” Basuldua, Yonami Paulo Teles, Chiara di Francia, Vinz el Tabanas, Monte Moore & Jorin Evers

20 May 2023

2023 INKWELL AWARDS BALLOT WINNERS

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Bedford, MA/USA—May 19, 2023) The Inkwell Awards has announced the winners of its 16th annual awards for excellence in the comic-book inking art form.

Nominees were chosen by a separate and independent nomination committee based on their own research as well as from artist submissions. Voting by professionals and fans took place for two weeks in April-May on the official ballot at the non-profit advocacy’s website. After 2748 ballots were tallied, one winner was chosen in each of five categories for 2022 cover-dated interior American published comic-book material.

The winners are listed below in bold with their credits, votes and the percentage of votes received, along with the other nominees in alphabetical order.

 

 

FAVORITE INKER (Favorite ink artist over the pencil work of another artist; cannot also be nominated for the “Props” award): Walden Wong (857 votes, 31%): Amazing Spider-Man, Darkhold Omega, Edge of Spider-Verse, Marvel Voices: Community, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Wakanda, What-if? Miles Morales [Marvel]

Other nominees: Jonathan Glapion, Cam Smith, Dexter Vines

MOST-ADAPTABLE (Artist showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencilers): Walden Wong (688 votes, 25%): Amazing Spider-Man, Darkhold Omega, Edge of Spider-Verse, Marvel Voices: Community, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Wakanda, What-if? Miles Morales [Marvel]

Other nominees: Scott Hanna, Matt Santorelli, Cam Smith, LeBeau Underwood

PROPS AWARD (Inker deserving of more attention. The same inker cannot be nominated for this award and Favorite Inker; nor past Favorite Inker recipients): Adriano Di Benedetto (1687 votes, 61%): Batman [DC]

Other nominees: Andrew Hennessy, Matt Santorelli, Le Beau Underwood

The S.P.A.M.I. AWARD (Small Press And Mainstream Independent, non-Marvel or DC work): David Cabeza (866 votes, 32%): Rivers of London [Titan]

Other nominees: Terry Moore, Chuck Morgan, Andrew Pepoy

ALL-IN-ONE AWARD (Favorite artist known for inking his/her own pencils): Nir Levie (1042 votes, 38%): BioRipple [Heavy Metal]

Other nominees: Andrew Pepoy, Greg Smallwood

Full acceptance statements from the award recipients and much more can be found in the EXPANDED 2023 Winners Results article and they will be found in the “Award Recipients” section of the Inkwell Awards’ website in the near future. 

The internal/community Above & Beyond Awards were announced recently. The internally-chosen lifetime achievement accolades, the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award and the Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award (SASRA), were announced earlier on March 9th.

Since the pandemic the Inkwells have been reporting annual results online (as it originally did from 2008-2010) and will continue to do so until another convention offers to be a new host show for the live ceremony.

20 May 2023

2023 Inkwell Awards Ballot Winners (EXCLUSIVE Expanded Results Version)

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Bedford, MA–May 20, 2023) The Inkwell Awards has announced the winners of its 16th annual awards for excellence in the comic-book inking art form.

Nominees were chosen by a separate and independent nomination committee based on their own research as well as from artist submissions. Voting by professionals and fans took place for two weeks in April-May on the official ballot at the non-profit advocacy’s website. After 2748 ballots were tallied, one winner was chosen in each of five categories for 2022 cover-dated interior American published comic-book material.

The 2023 INKWELL AWARDS VOTING RESULTS were circulated earlier today and now we present the expanded “Racehorse” version like those that were posted in our annual Sinnott Inking Challenge Books and were inspired by the past Comic Buyer’s Guide/CBG Fan Awards results. This one supplies all of the nominees’ votes, percentages, race observations and all the winners’ statements.

Favorite Inker Award: Favorite ink artist over the pencil work of another artist. (NOTE: Cannot be nominated for the PROPS award.)

1. Jonathan Glapion: 677 (25%): Batman/Spawn [DC]; We Have Demons [Dark Horse], Gunslinger Spawn [Image]

2. Cam Smith: 571 (21%): Batman: One Bad Day- Penguin [DC]; Avengers, Avengers Forever, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Planet Hulk: Worldbreaker [Marvel]
3. Dexter Vines: 645 (23%): Sensational Wonder Woman Special [DC]; The Mandalorian [Marvel]
4. Walden Wong: 857 (31%): Amazing Spider-Man, Darkhold Omega, Edge of Spider-Verse, Marvel Voices: Community, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Wakanda, What-if? Miles Morales [Marvel]
And the winner is WALDEN WONG! Walden last won an Inkwell Award three years ago in 2020. Throughout this race someone different took the lead every few days. Early on Jonathan was in the lead, and a few days after that Dexter shot up ahead of everyone. But Walden came up from behind and took the race in the final week. This marks his third win in this category. Jonathan, Cam and Dexter have all been nominated previously in this category.
 

Most-adaptable Award: Artist showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencil artists.  (NOTE: Every nominee must have at least two sources cited.)

1. Scott Hanna: 682 (25%): Batman/Superman: Authority Special, Batman: Urban Legends, Duo, Justice League, Superman and Robin Special, Superman: Son of Kal-EL [DC]; Amazing Spider-Man, Avengers Forever, Daredevil, Devil’s Reign: Villains for Hire, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, X-Men Legends [Marvel]
2. Matt Santorelli: 662 (24%): Superman and Robin Special, Task Force Z [DC]
3. Cam Smith: 338 (12%): Batman: One Bad Day- Penguin [DC]; Avengers, Avengers Forever, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, Planet Hulk: Worldbreaker [Marvel]
4. LeBeau Underwood: 380 (14%): DC vs. Vampires: Killers [DC]; Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land, Mighty Marvel Holiday Special: Ghost Rider Infinity, Wolverine: Patch [Marvel]
5. Walden Wong: 688 (25%): Amazing Spider-Man, Darkhold Omega, Edge of Spider-Verse, Marvel Voices: Community, Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Wakanda, What-if? Miles Morales [Marvel]
Repeating the 2020 ballot results, Walden took both of these categories again! But again there were several changes with vote gains as the first week Matt was in the lead but only a few votes ahead of Scott. The gap widened in Matt’s favor as the second week arrived and Walden was still far behind them. But in the final week Walden was catching up with Scott and in the final days they pulled ahead of Matt. Walden ultimately won but it was tight with Scott only six votes behind him. Scott and Walden have been tied for many years as the most Inkwell awarded recipients with nine ballot awards each. This year Walden pulls ahead to eleven. Matt, Cam and LeBeau have all been nominated previously in this category.

 
WALDEN: “Thank you to the Inkwell Awards for these two awards. I’m humbled to be nominated in the same categories with legendary artist and peers who I’ve admired since before I even worked in comics. It’s quite a honor. Thank you so much!”

 Props Award: Ink artist deserving of more attention for their work over other pencil artists. (NOTE: The same inker cannot be nominated for both this award and Favorite Inker; only one or the other. Winners in the last 5 years are not eligible.) 

1. Adriano Di Benedetto: 1687 (61%): Batman [DC] 
2. Andrew Hennessy: 177 (6%): Earth Prime: Legends of Tomorrow [DC]; Timeless [Marvel]
3. Matt Santorelli: 488 (18%): Superman and Robin Special, Task Force Z [DC]
4. LeBeau Underwood: 398 (14%): DC vs. Vampires: Killers [DC]; Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land, Mighty Marvel Holiday Special: Ghost Rider Infinity, Wolverine: Patch [Marvel]

After being the runner-up in this category the past two years, ADRIANO DI BENEDETTO wins this category and his first Inkwell Award with a whopping 61%!  Unlike the first two categories, Adriano was in the lead from the start of the race until its conclusion with Matt being runner-up the whole time as well. LeBeau has been nominated in Props five times since 2019. Matt and Andrew are new nominees to the category.


ADRIANO: “Wow, after two years in a row as a runner-up, it feels fantastic to win my first Inkwell Award. But first of all, I would like to congratulate all the nominees. So many talented artists that really elevated the competition. We all know how hard it is to be an inker and it’s so great to have an award such as this, shining a light over our art form. Thank you to all the fans who voted, my family and friends for all the support and also, the pencillers and editors for trusting me and my work.”
 
 
The S.P.A.M.I. Award: Favorite Small Press And Mainstream/Independent ink work over another pencil artist or both are the sole artist. (non-Marvel or DC work; inkers who inked their own pencils are now acceptable in this category).

1. David Cabeza: 866 (32%): Rivers of London [Titan]
2. Terry Moore: 743 (27%): Parker Girls, Serial [Abstract Studio]
3. Chuck Morgan: 503 (18%): Cold Kutter [Kickstarter]
4. Andrew Pepoy: 638 (23%): The Adventures of Simone & Ajax [Kickstarter]

 
This race was consistently in the order of placement among the nominees from the start with DAVID CABEZA in the lead until he reached the finish line. Terry Moore was runner-up, as he was last year up against Tim Townsend, and he closed the gap towards the end but not enough to gain close enough to David. David was a two category nominee last year including this S.P.A.M.I. category and a runner-up to Stefano Gaudiano in 2020 in the same slot. Andrew Pepoy won this category in 2014 and was runner-up to Stefano Gaudiano in 2019. This is Chuck Morgan’s first Inkwell nomination on the ballot.
 
DAVID: “I am honored by this distinction. For me it was already incredible to be nominated for the third year, but winning the award in front of such good professionals who were also nominated in the same category is a surprise and a great joy. It encourages me to keep working and trying to improve as an inker and also as an artist. Thanks to the jury and the public who voted for me. And a special mention to José María Beroy, the amazing professional author of the wonderful pencils under my inks!”
All-in-One Award: Favorite artist known for inking his/her own pencil work.

1. Nir Levie: 1042 (38%): BioRipple [Heavy Metal]
2. Andrew Pepoy: 961 (35%): The Adventures of Simone & Ajax [Kickstarter]
3. Greg Smallwood: 747 (27%): (Human Target [DC]

Winner NIR LEVIE was neck-to-neck with Andrew Pepoy out of the gate and a few days later Andrew shot way ahead of him. In the final days Nir crept up and gained enough to be the winner. Nir and Greg Smallwood are new to the Inkwell Awards ballot. Andrew was nominated in 2019.
 
NIR: “Looking back at the trail of my own art can be sometimes cringy, but is necessary in order to acknowledge the fact that art is a voyage and not a final destination.

This humbling award helps us as artists look at our work and feel intrinsic to the creative process of humanity. Sometimes we repeat ourselves, but other times – 
The real magic happens when we get bored with ourselves.
A heartfelt thank you to all of my supporters and to the award organizers.”

The Inkwell Awards express CONGRATULATIONS to all award recipients!

24 Apr 2023

Public Voting For The Inkwell Awards Open From April 26 – May 10

(New Bedford, MA/USA—April 24, 2023) The Inkwell Awards is now open for fans and professionals to choose their industry favorites. The official public ballot will be available on the Inkwells’ homepage for two weeks, from Wednesday April 26 through May 10.

Voting is open in five categories: Favorite Inker, Most Adaptable, Props (inkers deserving more attention), The S.P.A.M.I. (Small Press And Mainstream/Independent for non-Marvel/DC work) and All-In-One for artists who ink their own pencils. The awards cover all printed American comic books cover-dated 2022.

“This year we continue with the new addition to our ballot,” said Bob Almond, founder, and director of The Inkwell Awards, the only non-profit organization devoted to public education and promotion of the art of comic book inking. “In answer to myriad requests, last year we were able to link sample images submitted by the nominated artists on the ballot. This will help both voters and artists to hopefully make the process easier and fairer. The Inkwell core committee team and our webmaster Steven Freivogel spent much time and effort in discussion and preparation to make this work and we’re confident it will help everyone.”

He added, “Our nomination procedure continues to include inkers who submitted their work in addition to those chosen by our internal nomination committee. Too many ink artists are passed over and go unnoticed by most awards events. Ours caters specifically to inkers so they can be recognized and appreciated for their best work. We encourage all who appreciate quality artwork to participate and share on social media; the more voters, the better.”

The internally-chosen lifetime achievement accolades, the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame award and the Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award (SASRA), were announced March 9, separately from the ballot categories like we did last time. Without a host-show awards ceremony this year, there are currently no restrictions on how and when winners are announced.

The Inkwell Awards is the only official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and educate regarding the art form of comic-book inking, as well as annually recognize the best ink artists and their work. Established in 2008, the Inkwells are overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various professional ambassadors and contributors. They sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award. This year they celebrate their 15th anniversary.