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.
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.
25 Jul 2023

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

(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

(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!

22 Mar 2023
Rest in peace, Joe Giella, who passed away yesterday, as announced by Joe Jr.  Joe was a 2018 Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award recipient. The Inkwell Family expresses their sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. He was 94. “The Giella family wishes for all to celebrate the incredible life of Joe Giella. Joe […]

Rest in peace, Joe Giella, who passed away yesterday, as announced by Joe Jr.  Joe was a 2018 Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award recipient. The Inkwell Family expresses their sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. He was 94.

(L-R) Joe Giella, Bob Almond, Joe Sinnott- 2018 East Coast Comicon

“The Giella family wishes for all to celebrate the incredible life of Joe Giella. Joe passed peacefully on March 21st at the age of 94.Joe was such a special person. His presence alone would put you at ease. Even on the most difficult days, just being with him would make everything OK again.

He was so honest and sincere, so kind and gentle and so loving and proud.

He was so proud of his service for his country in the US Navy.

He was so proud of his long prolific career in comic books and comic strips.

And he was most proud of his family. To him, family was everything. Nothing made him happier than sitting around the dinner table with family and friends. Sundays and Holidays became sacred events full of laughter and great food.
Joe’s legacy in comic books and comic strips will live on. Our family wishes to thank all of his friends and fans for their support. He truly was humbled by all the attention and love he received. Thank you all and when you think of Joe please try to smile. The world needs more superheroes like Joe.”
Joe Giella
June 27, 1928 – March 21, 2023

09 Mar 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (New Bedford, MA/USA–March 10, 2023) The Inkwell Awards, a non-profit devoted to promoting the art of comic book inking, has announced the winners of their lifetime achievement awards, The Joe Sinnott Hall Of Fame and The Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award (SASRA). Each is chosen internally by the Inkwell Awards’ committee. The first is limited to two individuals and the second up to four, both for a minimum career span of 25 years inking American comic books.

The two winners of Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award are Frank Frazetta and Syd Shores. Frazetta also won a SASRA in 2021. 

Winners of the SASRA, in alphabetical order, are Danny Bulanadi, Reed Crandall and Dave Simons. This is the first time that all the Inkwell lifetime achievement winners are posthumous.

Joe Sinnott’s son, Mark, shared the following statement:

“This year’s recipients of the Inkwell’s Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award are two giants in the industry. We are pleased to welcome Frank Frazetta and Syd Shores to this elite group.

“Frank Frazetta (1928-2010) is most notably known for his wonderful paintings of sci-fi and fantasy, but also for his comic book work starting in the mid 1940s, doing pencils and inks for Prize, Standard, Dell and EC Comics among others. For nine years he also ghosted Al Capp’s Li’l Abner. He would later do black and white stories as well as cover paintings for Warren Publishing.

Frank Frazetta and Joe Sinnott at Joe’s Myrtle Beach residence, 1993

“Syd Shores (1913-1973) was best known for his work on the Captain America comic books both in the Golden Age (1940s) and Silver Age (1960s) of comics, both times inking the work of legendary penciller Jack Kirby. Syd would also pencil and ink numerous superhero, horror and western stories for Marvel Comics during the ’60s and early ’70s.


Joe & Mark Sinnott w/ Nancy Karlebach (Syd Shores daughter) New York Comic Con, 2011

I know that my dad, Joe, would be thrilled to have these 2 fabulous artists join the list of members in the Inkwell Awards Hall of Fame.”

Syd Shores’ daughter, Nancy Shores Karlebach, said:

“It is on behalf of my father, Syd Shores, an incredible inker (and penciller, as well) that I accept the Inkwell Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award, given posthumously. This year will be 50 years since my father died, and my family and I are thrilled that his work is being recognized in such a wonderful way. It is actually the first formal award that he has ever received for his work in comic books! As the prime Captain America artist of the forties and then the character’s prime inker in the sixties, along with so many other titles too numerous to mention, I think he would have been humbled to have his expertise recognized in such fashion.

“He and Joe Sinnott were friendly, though they only saw each other occasionally at comic book conventions, when they would go out for lunch together with their wives and/or delivering assignments to the Marvel offices. I, too, had the privilege of meeting Joe on two occasions, and it was gratifying to learn of his admiration for my dad both as an artist and person. I know the feeling and respect was mutual. 

“Thank you so much for this honor to my father’s legacy. My older sister who passed away just a year ago would have been enormously proud and appreciative, as well, and our family will treasure the Inkwell Award and all it stands for in the comic book world. It is truly meaningful and we are extremely touched.”

The Inkwells created The Dave Simons Scholarship award on behalf of their ink artist friend and committee member shortly after his passing in 2009, with the approval of his sister, Bette Simons. On winning the SASRA, Ms. Simons said:

“First, let me say thank you to the committee for allowing me the honor of accepting this amazing award on Dave’s behalf. My brother was an extremely unique individual who was driven by his passion to perfect his talent. Describing him as creative is an understatement.  His mind worked in ways that boggled mine. I remember him sitting at the drawing board for hours on end. Piles of crumpled paper overflowed the trash basket. Until, he finally created something that met his level of perfection. Our dad used to tell him, ‘Go outside and get some air.’ But he was perfectly content doing what he loved to do. It did not involve ‘outside.’

“Although Dave was more than content being at the drawing board, he described one of the best experiences of his life as being in the Coast Guard for four years. He was Stationed at Governor’s Island on the Tamaroa in the early 1970’s. Beyond his extraordinary talent, Dave was just a genuinely nice guy. Ask him anything and he wouldn’t give a second thought about helping. He was sincere and immensely humble. I don’t know much about the comic art world, but I DO know that it is a better world because Dave was in it. He is greatly missed by all those who loved him, knew him, befriended him and worked with him.”

Frazetta’s son, Frank Frazetta Jr., shared a combined photo statement earlier on February 9, and his granddaughter, Sara Frazetta, part of The Frazetta Girls group, will share a special reminiscence at the Inkwell website in the near future. Danny Bulanadi‘s widow, Marissa Bulanadi, shared a video statement. All statements and videos will be later posted on the Inkwell Awards’ website Awards section.


At press time, no member of the Crandall family or estate could be reached for comment or acceptance of the award. Bob Almond, The Inkwells’ founder and director, requested anyone from either or with information to contact him via the site or on social media.

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. //

 

22 Nov 2022

Hey, inkers!

We all deserve to be recognized for our incredible ink work! Your published storytelling is eligible for consideration in any of our five inking categories–SEE BELOW. 

(Unlike some other awards, we do not charge a fee.) 

While our volunteer nomination committee (“NomCom”) can still submit their choices, they just can’t see all the wonderful work during the year from all publishers large and small. So it’s up to YOU! Important details:

WHAT TO SEND:

1. Examples of TWO to THREE (max) interior pages—sorry, NO covers, only one splash—of published & printed comic-book ink work you’ve done from any USA-published comic book (per categories below) COVER-DATED 2021 (sorry, no webcomics unless also printed.). Send either links to your specific samples (not general site links), or low-res image files. (Do not send large files–we’re not a printer!) DO NOT SEND PHYSICAL COPIES–they will not be eligible.

 

2. NAMES of the inker and penciller, your preferred EMAIL ADDRESS, the TITLE/ISSUE #(s) and PUBLISHER.

3. The CATEGORY(-IES) for each sample. You may submit the same or different work to different categories, EXCEPT “Favorite Inker” and “Props”–pick one or the other. CHOOSE:

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

    2.    Most-adaptable: showing exceptional ink style versatility over other pencil artists. (Minimum TWO pages per penciller, up to three.)

    3.    Props award: ink artist deserving of more attention for work over other pencillers.
(Can’t be past winner or nom. for “Favorite Inker.”)

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

    4.    All-in-one award: for favorite artist inking his/her own pencils.

(Make sure you read and understand the BIG RULES below before sending.)

WHERE TO SEND: Email samples back here to inkwellawards@yahoo.com, with the Subject “2021 Inkwell Awards.” (Questions? Same email or ask us on Facebook or Twitter @inkwellawards.)

WHEN TO SEND: The deadline is JANUARY 15th, 2022 (we’ll post reminders, but earlier is better).

PLEASE help us help you by following the directions and rules specifically. If not, your work cannot be considered. We are merely a few working professionals who volunteer when time allows so we don’t have the time/manpower to micro-manage. 

THE BIG RULES (Please read)

-Inks can be with traditional or digital tools (e.g., brush, pen, marker, stylus, Apple Pen, Wacom, etc., but NOT just pencils darkened/manipulated via Photoshop/software–must be drawn by HAND). 

-Work must have been printed in the USA with a 2021 cover date. No Web-only comics.

-Our volunteer NomCom may also submit their choices. All entries will be considered equally and tallied. 

-The core committee is not permitted to nominate, nor vote, for anyone (so save your bribes). 

-All links sent must be to the specific pages being considered. Any general site links (“JohnDoe.com,” DeviantArt portfolios, etc.) will be ignored. No physical copies.

-If work does not meet the criteria above or is not submitted in accordance with these rules, it will not be considered. Fraudulent entries will be voided and will result in your not being considered for any future awards (and any awards won will be forfeited and given to the runner-up).

-The Inkwell Awards is not responsible for any power outages, server issues, software or hardware malfunctions, human error, acts of God, zombie apocalypses and any other stuff beyond our control.

Again, if you have questions or need more info, send an email to either inkwellawards@yahoo.com, or to me directly at the address below.

Thank you and good luck!

Sincerely,

Bob Almond (and The Inkwell Awards Committee)  

The Inkwell Awards

inkwellawards@yahoo.com

Site: inkwellawards.com

Facebook.com/groups/TheInkwellAwards

Twitter: @inkwellawards

WHO WE ARE: 

In case you still haven’t heard, The Inkwell Awards (inkwellawards.com) 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 and award the best ink artists and their work. Founded in 2008, the organization is overseen by a volunteer committee of industry professionals and assisted by various pro ambassadors, numerous contributors and supporters. We sponsor the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Kubert School and host the Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award.