Panel Discussion: Inkers Who Leave Their Mark

Redartz:  Hello, folks! Our topic today is brought to us courtesy of our good friend and mentor, Doug! He suggested a look at inkers who have become associated with a given title. As pencillers are often the subject of discussion here, it seems very appropriate to give the embellishers some love. With that in mind, we present a selection of samples, with the responsible inkers noted (and a comment or two, of course). 

Joe Sinnott, over Rich Buckler

Klaus Janson, over Frank Miller

 Joe Sinnott and the Fantastic Four: almost synonymous with the Fantastic Four. Whether over Kirby, Buscema, Buckler or Byrne, Joe kept the FF looking just right.

Klaus Janson and Daredevil: the legendary Frank Miller run on Daredevil owes much to Klaus' beautiful inks. 

Larry Mahlstedt, over Kieth Giffen

Bob Layton, over John Romita Jr.

Larry Mahlstedt and the Legion: Mahlstedt finished Kieth Giffen's pencils with style, and gave the book a futuristic sheen...

Bob Layton and Iron Man: One look at the shining Golden Avenger on this cover says all that needs to be said.  

Terry Austin and the X-Men: Although Terry turns anything he touches into purest gold, his perfect inks over John Byrne made this book the iconic masterpiece it remains today.

Tom Palmer and Dr. Strange / Tomb of Dracula: Here we get to see Tom's elegant inks over Gene Colan on both of these characters. Palmer added a detail and finish that made Gene's pencils even more cinematic.

Romeo Tanghal over George Perez

 Romeo Tanghal and New Teen Titans: Romeo's fine inks were a perfect match for Perez' intricate pencilling. He helped give the title a clean, consistent polish.

Dick Giordano, over Neal Adams

Dick Giordano, over Neal Adams

Dick Giordano and Green Lantern / Batman: Both of these books, and characters, were the beneficiaries of some magnificent art by the team of Adams and Giordano. Dick's tight finishes mesh with Neal's pencils so well they might be one man.




 That's only a small sample; to limit things a bit I kept it to Bronze age images. But you aren't limited in this respect, let us know what you think of these choices, and all the others not shown here today. Hats off to the inkers, and may their pens never clog...