Tom Baxa

Tom Baxa, born Thomas M. Baxa, is an American artist best known for his detailed ink work in comic books and role-playing game illustrations. Active in the comics industry from 1988 to 1998, he is most frequently credited as an inker on titles such as *Ex-Mutants: The Shattered Earth Chronicles*, *Nexus*, *The New Humans*, *Dreadstar*, and *GrimJack*. His style is characterized by clean, precise linework that added texture and depth to the often gritty, science-fiction and fantasy worlds he helped bring to life. Baxa collaborated closely with writers and pencilers like Mike Baron and Steve Rude on *Nexus*, and with Jim Starlin on *Dreadstar*. While his comic work was concentrated in the late 1980s and 1990s, he also contributed extensively to the role-playing game industry, notably for products like *Dungeons & Dragons* and *Shadowrun*. His later career saw him focus more on game art and private commissions. Baxa’s legacy lies in his reliable, professional inking that supported some of the most distinctive independent comics of his era. He has not been widely recognized with major industry awards, but his work remains respected among fans of 1990s alternative comics and gaming art.