Riders on the Storm by Kevin Fahy

Blossom Out

For artists who think the new ABT PRO alcoholbased marker and Tombow’s flagship Dual Brush Pen are one in the same, think again.

Yes, they look similar: both feature two tips and a slim barrel, but there are several key differences between the two marker lines.

Introduced in late 2020, the ABT PRO Alcohol-Based Marker can be distinguished by its gray barrel and tip options – a flexible nylon brush tip on one end and a firm polyester chisel tip on the other. The flexible brush tip consistently distributes ink as pressure changes, and the chisel tip retains its shape after heavy use. Designed with air-tight caps to prevent the alcohol ink from drying out, the ABT PRO also features inner caps that automatically center to protect the nibs when re-capping. It comes in 108 colors including a blender pen. So does the water-based Dual Brush Pen. Their color numbering systems are similar to help users easily identify which colors are the same in both lines. The difference is the 18 colors that are unique to the ABT PRO line.

“We’re confident that anyone who already uses our Dual Brush Pens is going to love the ABT PRO,” said Cathy Daniel, Tombow’s chief marketing director. “It is especially easy for beginners to use, but it also provides the quality and color range professional artists need.”

Its alcohol-based ink offers intense color saturation and streak-free coverage. It’s great for layers and shading to create fully saturated, rich color blends.

“The ink is vibrant and a little goes a long way,” said Dani Manning, artist and owner of PopFizzPaper. “The fine point of the brush tip is perfect for tiny details and precise coloring. I love that I can get a beautiful blend using only two or three markers, unlike other brands where you need several tones of the same color to get a good blend.”

“I love using them for portraits, architectural sketches and food illustrations,” said Grace Myhre, artist and owner of Grace Anne Studio. “The brush tip creates really lovely organic strokes and the chisel tip is durable and great for different media.”

Tombow is a leader in the crafts, art, and office products markets. The ABT PRO is the newest addition to its marker assortment, and is ideal for artists and crafters alike. The company that began in 1913 as a woodcase pencil provider in Japan has since become a worldwide operation. Tombow provides liquid glue and adhesive tape, fine writing pens, correction tape, drawing pencils, colored pencils, erasers, and art markers manufactured in facilities located in Japan and throughout Southeast Asian countries. Throughout its growth, it has upheld a history of unparalleled customer service. For more information, visit

tombowusa.com.