01 Mar 2024

(New Bedford, MA/USA—March 1, 2024) 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 Monday March 4 through March 18.

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 2023.

“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, a couple of years back we were able to link sample images submitted by the nominated artists on the ballot and we’ve been refining it. This will help both voters and artists to hopefully make the process easier and fairer.”

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) will be announced along with the ballot categories at the Saturday June 29 live awards ceremony at the recently announced new host-show Hershey Comic Con.

18 Feb 2024

Paul Neary passed away four days ago at the age of 74 after a long illness, but unfortunately this has been my first chance to break away to post this regrettable development. I’ve never met Paul, worked with him or interacted with him but I followed much of his output at Marvel & DC in the 1980-1990s printed in the States as opposed to his work across the pond. His oft-art partner Alan Davis had this to say about Paul:

“Extremely sad news about Paul Neary. A mentor, colleague and friend.
Paul Neary, born in Bournemouth, England 18 December 1949, passed away on 10 February 2024 after a long illness.
In a career of more than fifty years Paul earned international respect and recognition in numerous roles within the Comic book industry. Paul could write, pencil, ink, colour, letter and edit. Skills he learned from studying the medium with an academic zeal.
Comics were an enthusiastic hobby for Paul when he moved to Leeds University to study for a degree in Metallurgy but in his first summer break Paul travelled to New York, bluffed his way into Jim Warren’s office, and secured his first professional work on Eerie magazine. Most notably the Hunter series.
When Warren publishing was liquidated Paul found work in the UK with Hammer Comics movie adaptations, the Doctor Who magazine and ghosting Syd Jordan on the Lance McLane newspaper strip. The short diverse projects suited Paul’s eclectic and experimental nature but it wasn’t enough for full time employment. Paul accepted an art/editorial role at Marvel UK where he met his partner (now wife) of over forty years, Bernie Jaye. On becoming Editor in Chief Paul wanted to do more than repackage reprints of US comics so set out to originate home-grown strips. Most notably reinventing Captain Britain.
Office politics ended Paul’s time at Marvel UK so he moved on to Marvel US where he pencilled a successful three year run on Captain America, a short run on Ka-Zar and a Nick Fury mini-series. Paul was a perfectionist so struggled with the treadmill deadlines of monthly titles and the limitations of house styles. Paul had a passion for Sci-fi based comics like Mystery in Space and the more eclectic art published in European magazines and albums. This was evident in Paul’s own creations Madman, Tales from the Rim and Wildweed.
Paul transitioned from pencilling to inking on Batman and the Outsiders, Detective and Excalibur then was invited to return to Marvel UK as Art Director where he helmed the creation and evolution of such titles as Dark Angel, Motor Mouth, Dark Guard, Deaths Head, Knights of Pendragon and The Clandestine. While the list of titles is impressive, Paul’s greatest achievement was the environment he established to help new creators learn and develop skills that would propel them onto success in the US Comic market after Marvel UK fell victim to industry decline.
Paul resumed inking and finishing on such titles as the Authority, Ultimates and JLA where his outstanding work was acknowledged and awarded. Then sadly, illness struck.
Those lucky enough to have known Paul will remember him as an intensely private man who had no interest in fame or public acclaim. Paul loved the creative process and fostering that creativity in others. Always professional, enthusiastic and polite but just below the surface Paul’s anarchic sense of humour was poised to mock the mighty and expose the injustices of life. The greatest injustice being he went too soon.
Condolences, thoughts and prayers to Bernie.”

Bleeding Cool ran an article collecting tributes on social media from around the comic book community. The Inkwell Family sends condolences to his widow Bernie and all those he held dear from family, loved ones, friends & associates and the fans.

26 Jan 2024

(New Bedford, MA – January, 26 th , 2024)
The Sweetest Comic Con on Earth, the Hershey Comic Con, will host the annual Inkwell Awards ceremony, set to take place on June 29th, 2024. This will be the first hosted show for the non-profit organization in five years.

Bob Almond, Inkwell Awards Founder and Director, and Joe Figured, Head Promoter of the Hershey Comic Con, have partnered to welcome the annual awards ceremony, “It didn’t take long for Joe and I to realize that we were on the exact same page about what we were looking for and a business relationship was formed,” shared Bob. Almond expressed the reality of various trials and tribulations experienced in the comic convention industry, “the convention community took a hit like every other business and not everyone survived,” … “I wanted to see shows gain strong footholds again, and knew that, eventually, things would improve, leading to more attendance invitations similar to pre-pandemic levels”.

With the resurgence of conventions across the country, the Inkwell Awards ceremony needed a new host, and the Hershey Comic Con graciously welcomed them. “It is an honor to be the new home of the Inkwell Awards. We feel that the awards recognize the best in the industry. We are delighted that we can accommodate Bob and his organization,” said Figured. 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. 100% of all fundraising proceeds go to the advocacy organization. (www.InkwellAwards.com)

The Hershey Comic Con brings together featured comic book artists, writers, celebrities, and fans-alike for a weekend of non-stop fun. “Our main focus with the Hershey Comic Con is to emphasize what makes this industry what it is: the comic book creators. Without the inspiration from comic book artists and writers, we would not see many stories go to film,” expressed John Covey, Assistant Promoter of the Hershey Comic Con, “The Inkwell Awards ceremony will highlight some of the best of the best”.

Following Saturday’s show, the Inkwell Awards ceremony will take place, consisting of several surprise, professional creators in attendance, guest speakers, and ballot award winners. Additionally, the late Joe Sinnott’s son, Mark, will present the lifetime achievement, Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award and a Q&A with the winners and speakers will wrap up the evening. This year’s Inkwell Award ballot winners will be announced following the online public voting this Spring, posted on the Inkwell’s website with an announcement to the press.

In addition to the awards ceremony, Bob, Ms. Inkwell (spokesmodel and hostess, Hailey Skaza-Gagne), and his team of volunteers will be exhibiting during the convention as well. Together, they will showcase Bob with his work, and the organization with their educational books and fundraising merchandise, ready to discuss the artform of inking.

More information regarding the ceremony, nominations and award recipients will also be published on the official Hershey Comic Con website in the coming months. Learn more about the Inkwell Awards at www.InkwellAwards.com and learn more about this year’s Hershey Comic Con at www.HersheyComicCon.weebly.com. The Hershey Comic Con is scheduled for June 29-30th, 2024 at the Holiday Inn – Harrisburg/Hershey Area in Grantville, PA.

11 Jan 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (New Bedford, MA/USA—January 11, 2024) The non-profit Inkwell Awards, devoted to promoting the art of comic book inking, after having released the list of artists participating in its seventh annual Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight, can now announce the dates that these pages will be on the eBay auction block and the final roster of artists. This year’s Challenge features legendary creator Walter Simonson‘s take on Marvel Comics’ Ben Grimm, the Thing from the Fantastic Four. Ultimately 27 artists participated to support this educational and fundraising program, turning in their interpretations of his blueline drawing printed up on board. A gif of over half of the submitted images is attached below.

Pic: Luigi Novi

Wave 1 will launch on Saturday January 13 and will include the following in alphabetical order:
Brett Breeding
Sergio Cariello
Keith Champagne
Kevin Conrad
Elisabetta D’Amico
Marc Deering
Michelle Delecki
Adriano di Benedetto
Guy Dorian Sr.
Scott Hanna
Don Ho
Geof Isherwood
Chris IvyWAVE 2 will launch on Saturday January 27:
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
Keith Williams
Walden Wong

According to Inkwell Awards founder and director Bob Almond, 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 veteran, published ink artists. In chronological order, previous Spotlight pencillers were Jim Lee, Neal Adams, Erik Larsen, David Finch, Ivan Reis and Mike Deodato Jr.   “I always love seeing the diverse styles, decisions on approach, variety of textures and even adding extra elements to expand on the composition and/or, in this case, add to the character of Ben Grimm or leaving Easter eggs for longtime fans.”
Walter personally shared his thoughts on the experience:

These days, I mostly ink my own pencils. It was a delight to be able to participate in the Sinnott Inking Challenge Spotlight for the Inkwell Awards. I penciled a portrait of the Thing and inked it myself after scanning the pencils. The scan was provided to over two dozen inkers and I was able to see how each of them would interpret my pencils, providing a look at the craft of inking and seeing so many unique results created from a single drawing. Thank you, one and all.”

All pages will be signed by Walter Simonson as well as the ink artists. They will come with a signed & numbered certificate of authenticity and the art will be labeled as being officially part of this popular annual event. They will start bidding at $74.99 which allows a lower-end price point for those unable to bid on previous higher-end original art items Walter donated in 2023. “I am still pinching myself about how fortunate we as a low-tier non-profit organization have been lately thanks to the immense and prolific generosity and participation of the legendary master Walter”, Bob shared. “The man has been nothing less than a saint with his communication and follow through while juggling other overlapping projects and typical life chaos. We are sincerely indebted to him.”

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.
28 Nov 2023

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

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

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

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

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

(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.