The Inkwell Award, sometimes shortened to the Inkwells, is an award given for inking in American comic books.

History

In January 2008, Bob Almond proposed establishing an award to recognize comic book inkers. Founding members included artists Tim Townsend, Jim Tournas, Bill Nichols, and writer Daniel Best, with support from artist Adam Hughes and DC Comics editor Mike Marts. The Hall of Fame Award was named in honor of Joe Sinnott. In memory of artist Dave Simons, the Dave Simons Inkwell Memorial Scholarship was established, offering a $1,000 annual award to a Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art student. Wizard Entertainment sponsored the first live Inkwell Awards presentation at The New England Comic Con in October 2010. In 2011, Heroes Convention became the host for the annual live presentation ceremony. The Inkwell Awards moved to the Great Philadelphia Comic Con in Oaks, Pennsylvania, in 2019. Live awards presentations were suspended from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the Hershey Comic Con was announced as the new venue for live awards presentations.

Contributors

The Inkwell Awards are funded via donations. In 2010, a book produced by Jimmy Tournas at the Boston Comic Con raised funds for the awards. Artist Dan Panosian designed the Inkwell Awards logo. Randy Green designed the Inkwell spokesperson costume.

Award winners

MVP Award

The Call of Duty Award

Favorite Finisher / Embellisher

Most-Prolific Inker

Favorite Inker

Favorite ink artists over the pencil work of another artist from award year cover-dated, interior, American comic book material. Most-Adaptable Inker Ink artist "showing ink style versatility" in award year interior, cover-dated, American comic book material.

Props Award

Ink artists "deserving of more attention" for their work from award year interior cover-dated American comic book material.

The "SPAMI" Award (Small Press and Mainstream-Independent)

Favorite Small Press And Mainstream-Independent award year interior, cover-dated, American comic book ink work over another pencil artist (non-Marvel or DC work).

The All-in-One Award

Artists known for inking their own pencil work in award year interior, cover-dated, American comic book material.

Special Recognition Award

The Special Recognition Award AKA the Stacey Aragon Special Recognition Award in honor of the Inkwells supporter "who passed after a decade-long battle with cancer".

The Joe Sinnott Hall of Fame Award

A hall of fame designation for an inking career in American comic books (lifetime achievement, 25 years minimum; two winners chosen annually).

Above and Beyond Award

In celebration of the 10th anniversary in 2018, Almond created this award for organization members or non-members who have made "special efforts".

Ambassadors

The position of ambassador recognizes creators for their support for the Inkwell Awards. Unless noted otherwise, all ambassadors continue to hold this position.

Special Ambassadors

Ambassadors

These supporting artists who help advocate for inkers are called ambassadors.

Guests of honor and keynote speakers

At many of the live ceremonies, notable comic book creators were invited as guests of honor and keynote speakers.