2021 had a lot of pressure on it. Following up on one of the worst years ever can’t be easy. While the outside world is still dealing with pandemics and the such, we are at least being blessed with some great comic books. We already covered the best writers and artists of the year, but we don’t want to forget about the colorists and letterers that add the finishing touches to our favorite comics. Here are our picks for the best colorists and letterers of the year.

Best Colorists

Zach – Sana Takeda

I am firmly in the camp that Monstress is a work of art on multiple levels. While Sana Takeda’s art is sweeping, lovely, and desolate, her colors and textures are the foundation for this behemoth fantasy war epic. The book feels organic, literally of the earth, yet also like a finely crafted, Renaissance-era, acid-etched metalwork. Gothic and romantic. Really enigmatic beauty from Ms. Takeda!

Marcus – Marte Gracia

I already gave Pepe Larraz my pick for best artist, and I mentioned that his work is brought to life by Marte Gracia. That’s no exaggeration. Every panel is full of color, life, and energy thanks to Gracia’s work. Planet Size X-Men is simply one of the best looking comics out, and the new X-Men series isn’t all that far behind. Throw in some great work in books like S.W.O.R.D, Fantastic Four, Giant Size Black Cat, and more, and you have one of the best colorists out there. 

Best Letterers

Zach – Rus Wooton 

Feels like an unfair pick at this point in his legendary career, but Wooton keeps putting out top tier work. His 2021 output included Deadly Class, Oblivion Song, Seven to Eternity, and Monstress, and the quality of those books in regards to story and art is more than matched by Wooton’s innovative and diverse stylizations. 

Marcus – Clayton Cowles

Clayton Cowles consistently gives a voice to every comic book that he is involved in. Whether it’s a simple font choice that fits the tone of a book or something full of style, Cowles can always been counted on to give a comic the oomph it needs. Nowadays its hard to find a book that Cowles hasn’t touched, and there is a good chance that you favorite comic is lettered by him.