INK

HIGGINS BLACK MAGIC
(Higgins)
My former favorite ink. Great opacity, consistency is usually perfect right from the bottle and seems to bleed less than cheaper types. Still cheap, though, and it coms in Higgin's own patented "EVIL HELL PLASTIC DOOM BOTTLE". This is a wonderful container that comes with a totally non-functional dropper top, and, what's best, it's made of plastic. This means that it deteriorates with time and shreds on the lip of the bottle you wipe your pens on. Inking becomes and adventure once little plastic debris are floating around in the ink...Good ink, just put it in a glass bottle after you buy it.

HIGGINS INK
Basically a cheaper version of their Black Magic...the consistency is....inconsistent. Usually too watery though, let it evaporate a little or spend the extra 2 bucks on Black Magic, ya cheap bastard.

BLACK STAR
(Ph. Martin's)
The coolest named ink around, also has the best opacity and a nice matte surface. A big problem, however, is that it clings to pen nibs no matter how fast you wash them off after finishing, and has a slightly grainy feel because of the high carbon. The glass bottle is also impossible to get a pen in, but then again this is really intended for technical pens anyway. Use it to feel cool and have the snazzy bottle but be prepared to go through pens at a fast clip.

JAPANESE MANGA INK
(many manufacturers)
Most Japanese inks intended for manga are excellent, great consistency and strength. Have to be careful as some are water-soluble, but another plus is they come in easy to use bottles with wide openings for the pen(almost every brand). No more mystery dipping and coming up with ink-covered pen stocks.

to be added:...hmmm....