Aw man, I'm sorry to hear about that. That must've really sucked.I buy my Copics at Hobby Lobby. Although I also get them at DickBlick.com because they usually run for the price of $5. Which considering how much they usually go for is quite a deal! Their stock was low for the longest time. I think it was because a strike was hindering stock or something along those lines. I checked back though and it seems like they're doing fine now.And as for inking, I just use Micron pens(I've actually been practicing with a brush pen on the side but I've yet to get the hang of it.And yeah man! This is my first competition here on DA. And maybe my third ever. I think I read too much shonen because I always like seeing the best other people can do. Then compare my own skills to see how much farther I can go!I'm kinda childish like that. Either way, best of luck in the contest!