Nicker Comic Ink — Ultimate Black 30ml

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Nicker Comic Ink — Ultimate Black 30ml

Nicker Comic Ink — Ultimate Black 30ml

Nicker Comic Ink Ultimate Black is a professional pigment-based illustration ink used in Japanese animation studios including Studio Ghibli. Darker and more opaque than Nicker Jet Black, with a higher carbon density that produces solid, even fills and crisp dip pen linework. Water resistant when dry. 30ml bottle.
Ink Type

Pigment-based
Volume

30ml
Waterproof

Yes — water resistant
Archival/Lightfast

Fade resistant
Finish

Matte
Additinal Spec

Dip pen · Brush · NOT fountain pen · Can be diluted with water for solid fill work
Origin

Japan, Nicker
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£0.00
Taxes included.

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Shipping

Packaging: 

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners. 


Order Processing Times: 

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping: 

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking: 

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio. 
Returns

30-Day Change of Mind: 

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods: 

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs: 

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods: 

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.


How to Start a Return: 

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item
The Nib Safety Net

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

  • Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
  • Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
  • The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
  • Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
  • Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

The studio-grade black used in Japanese animation — darker than standard comic ink

Nicker Colour has supplied professional animation and illustration studios in Japan for decades. Ultimate Black is the darkest of the Nicker Comic Ink range — formulated with a higher carbon density than Jet Black to produce a more opaque, more saturated black in both linework and solid fill areas. Where Jet Black is designed for smooth, flowing dip pen linework, Ultimate Black is designed for situations where maximum density is required: filling in hair, shadows, solid black panels, and areas where a standard pigment ink reads as grey rather than black under reproduction conditions. The ink can be diluted with water to adjust viscosity when thinning is needed for a particular application, while retaining its pigment-based character. It dries to a matte finish with no surface sheen — this makes it well suited for scanning and reproduction, where a reflective ink surface can cause inconsistent density readings under direct light.

Jet Black versus Ultimate Black — which to choose

Both inks are water resistant when dry and suitable for dip pen and brush work. The meaningful difference is carbon density and intended use. Jet Black is optimised for dip pen linework — it flows smoothly through a G-nib or Maru nib and produces crisp, consistent lines across the full stroke range. Ultimate Black has a higher pigment load — it is thicker in character and produces denser, more opaque marks, making it better suited for filling solid black areas and situations where maximum opacity is required. For a typical manga production workflow, Jet Black handles the inking and Ultimate Black handles the solid fill work. If you are using only one Nicker ink, the choice depends on your primary application

Honest Note:

Fade resistant is the manufacturer's claim — Nicker does not publish a formal lightfast rating for the Comic Ink range. Do not describe this ink as lightfast or archival in customer-facing materials. Not suitable for fountain pens. Clean nibs and brushes immediately after use — pigment-based inks dry tenaciously in metal nibs. Alcohol marker compatibility is not formally confirmed — test before use in a marker workflow.

Who is it For?

  • Manga and comic artists who need maximum opacity for solid fill areas — hair, shadows, solid black panels
  • Illustrators who want a denser, more opaque black than standard comic inks provide
  • Animation and background artists working in the Japanese studio tradition
  • Anyone who has found other black inks read as dark grey rather than true black in reproduction

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

What is the difference between Nicker Jet Black and Ultimate Black?

Jet Black is optimised for dip pen linework — smooth flow, consistent line quality across the full stroke range. Ultimate Black has a higher carbon density and is more opaque — better for filling solid black areas and situations where maximum density is required. For most manga workflows: Jet Black for inking, Ultimate Black for solid fills. If buying one, choose based on your primary application.

Can I use this ink in a fountain pen?

No. Nicker Comic Ink is a pigment-based ink designed for dip pens and brushes. Using it in a fountain pen will clog the feed. Use Platinum Carbon Black if you need a waterproof black ink for fountain pen use.

Can I dilute it?

Yes — dilute with water only, sparingly, to reduce viscosity for solid fill work. Dilution with other inks or solvents is not recommended and may affect the ink's behaviour.

Is it alcohol marker safe?

Nicker does not formally state alcohol marker compatibility for the Comic Ink range. Test on your specific paper and marker combination before committing to a project. If alcohol marker safety is essential, use Deleter Black No. 4 or Tachikawa Jet Black, both of which are confirmed alcohol marker safe.

Works perfectly with....