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Ignatz Awards
Ignatz Awards
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Ignatz Award
Awarded forOutstanding achievements in comics and cartooning by small press creators or creator-owned projects published by larger publishers
LocationBethesda, Maryland
CountryUnited States
Presented byIgnatz Award Committee
Hosted bySmall Press Expo
First award1997
Websitewww.smallpressexpo.com/ignatz-awards

The Ignatz Awards recognize outstanding achievements in comics and cartooning by small press creators or creator-owned projects published by larger publishers. They have been awarded each year at the Small Press Expo since 1997,[1] only skipping a year in 2001 due to the show's cancellation after the September 11 attacks.[2] As of 2014 SPX has been held in either Bethesda, North Bethesda, or Silver Spring, Maryland.

The Ignatz Awards are named in honour of George Herriman and his strip Krazy Kat, which featured a brick-throwing mouse named Ignatz.[3]

Awards criteria

[edit]

As one of the few festival awards rewarded in comics, the Ignatz Awards are voted on by attendees of the annual Small Press Expo (SPX, or The Expo, its corporate name), a weekend convention and tradeshow showcasing creator-owned comics. Nominations for the Ignatz Awards are made by a five-member jury panel consisting of comic book professionals.[4]

The jury panel remains anonymous (from both the public as well as each other) until the announcement of the awards. After a 1999 controversy involving juror Frank Cho,[a] jurors are now prohibited from nominating their own work. However, there is no prohibition of one jury member's work being nominated for an award by his or her fellow jurors.

History

[edit]

The first comics industry awards given the title "Ignatz" originated at the OrlandoCon,[6] held in Orlando, Florida, from 1974 to 1994.[3] The current Ignatz Awards are not connected with OrlandoCon. The SPX Ignatz Awards were conceived in 1996 by SPX organizer Chris Oarr and cartoonist Ed Brubaker. Their original mandate, to set the Ignatz apart from "mainstream" awards like the Eisner Awards, was that the work nominated be creator-owned, and focus more on work done by a single writer/artist.[citation needed]

The Award was administered by Jeff Alexander from 1998 to 2006,[7] when they were taken over by Greg McElhatton.[7] During his tenure as Ignatz Award Coordinator, Alexander drew a strip for the annual award program in George Herriman's style.[7][8]

Award categories

[edit]

The Ignatz is awarded in the following categories:

  • Outstanding Artist
  • Outstanding Anthology (added in 2017)
  • Outstanding Collection (added in 2017)
  • Outstanding Graphic Novel (added in 2005)
  • Outstanding Story
  • Promising New Talent
  • Outstanding Series
  • Outstanding Comic
  • Outstanding Minicomic
  • Outstanding Online Comic (added in 2001)

Discontinued categories

[edit]
  • Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection (1997–2004, replaced in 2005 by two separate awards)
  • Outstanding Debut Comic (2000–2008)
  • Outstanding Anthology or Collection (2005–2016, replaced in 2017 by two separate awards)

Award winners and nominees

[edit]

Outstanding Artist

[edit]

Outstanding Anthology

[edit]
  • 2017 Elements: Fire – An Anthology by Creators of Color, edited by Taneka Stotts[b]
    • ALPHABET: The LGBTQAIU Creators from Prism Comics, edited by Jon Macy and Tara Madison Avery
    • Comic Book Slumber Party's Deep Space Canine, edited by Hanhah K. Chapman
    • POWER & MAGIC: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology, edited by Joamette Gil
    • Spanish Fever: Stories by the New Spanish Cartoonists, edited by Javier Olivares & Santiago Garcia
  • 2018 Comics for Choice, edited by Hazel Newlevant, Whit Taylor and Ø.K. Fox
    • La Raza Anthology: Unidos y Fuertes, edited by Kat Fajardo & Pablo Castro
    • Ink Brick #8, edited by Alexander Rothmans, Paul K. Tunis, and Alexey Sokolin
    • Bottoms Up, Tales of Hitting Rock Bottom, edited by J.T. Yost
    • Lovers Only, edited by Mickey Zacchilli
  • 2019 We’re Still Here: An All-Trans Comics Anthology, edited by Tara Avery and Jeanne Thornton
    • Electrum, edited by Der-shing Helmer
    • Wayward Sisters, edited by Allison O'Toole
    • Family – The Nib Magazine, edited by Matt Bors, Matt Lubchanksy and Eleri Harris
    • Death – The Nib Magazine, edited by Matt Bors, Matt Lubchanksy and Eleri Harris
  • 2020 Be Gay, Do Comics, edited by The Nib
    • Sweaty Palms Volume 2, Sage Coffey
    • Dates III, edited by Zora Gilbert and Cat Parra
    • The Anthology of Mind, Tommi Musturi
    • LAAB Magazine #4, edited by Ronald Wimberly and Joshua O'Neill
  • 2021 Glaeolia 2
    • A Queer Prisoner's Anthology IV, edited by Casper Cendre
    • Bystander, Kadak Collective
    • Confined Before Covid: A Pandemic Anthology by LGBTQ Prisoners, ABO Comix
    • First Wave: Comics from the Early Months of China's Outbreak, edited by Xinmei Liu
  • 2022 Good Boy Magazine #1, edited by Michael Sweater and Benji Nate
    • LAAB Magazine #2, edited by Ronald Wimberly and Joshua O'Neill
    • Isolated: A Pandemic Comics Anthology, edited by Tana Oshima
    • Smut Peddler Presents: Sordid Past, edited by Andrea Purcell
    • Baltic Comics Magazine š! #42 'Scientific Facts', edited by Dave Schilter and Sanita Muižniece
  • 2023 Shades of Fear, edited by Allison O'Toole and Ashanti Fortson
    • Cram Comics Issue #1, edited by Andrew Alexander
    • Glaeolia 3,– edited by Emuh Ruh
    • NOW #12, edited by Eric Reynolds
    • Home: A Comics Anthology on Belonging in Ireland Today, edited by Katherine Foyle
  • 2024 Pulping, edited by Jenn Woodall, Jon Iñaki, Jonathan Rotsztain, Mitch Lohmeier and Paterson Hodgson
    • Let Her Be Evil, edited by Cassandra Jones
    • We Belong: The All-Black, All-LGBTQ+ Sci-Fi and Fantasy Comics Anthology, edited by Viktor T. Kerney & William O. Tyler
    • Wheels on the Bus, edited by Lucio Luiz
    • Won’t Back Down: An Anthology of Pro-Choice Comics, edited by Trina Robbins

Outstanding Collection

[edit]

Outstanding Graphic Novel

[edit]

Outstanding Story

[edit]
  • 1997 From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell (Kitchen Sink Press)
    • "A Death In the Family" by Joe Chiappetta, Silly Daddy (self-published)
    • "Ghost World" Daniel Clowes, Eightball (Fantagraphics)
    • "Hicksville" Dylan Horrocks, Pickle (Black Eye Productions)
    • "It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken" by Seth, Palookaville (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 1998 "Ghost World" by Daniel Clowes, Eightball (Fantagraphics)
    • "Jimmy Corrigan" by Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics)
    • "Letters from Venus" by Gilbert Hernandez, New Love (Fantagraphics)
    • "New York City Diary" Julie Doucet, Dirty Plotte (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • "Soba" Joe Sacco, Stories From Bosnia (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 1999 "David Boring" Daniel Clowes, Eightball #20 (Fantagraphics)
    • "Sex & Violence: part 2" by David Lapham, Stray Bullets #18 (El Capitan Books)
    • Cavewoman: Jungle Tales by Budd Root (Basement Comics)
    • "Over the Line" by Scott Roberts, Patty-Cake and Friends #13 (Slave Labor)
    • "Slow Jams" by David Choe, Non #3 & #4 (Red Ink)
  • 2000 "Jimmy Corrigan, Smartest Kid On Earth" by Chris Ware, The Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "The Bridge" by Jason, Mjau Mjau No. 6 (Jippi Forlag)
    • Cave-In by Brian Ralph, (Highwater Books)
    • From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, (Eddie Campbell Comics, distributed by Top Shelf Productions)
    • Jug by Androo Robinson, (self-published)
  • 2001 Ignatz Awards cancelled after 9-11 Attacks
    • "Bygone" by Rutu Modan, Flipper Vol. 2 (Actus Tragicus/Top Shelf Productions)
    • Herobear and the Kid No. 2 by Mike Kunkel (Astonish Comics)
    • The Nimrod No. 5 by Lewis Trondheim (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "Popeye the Savior Man" by Sean Bieri, Jumbo Jape (self-published)
    • "Stocks Are Surging" by Tom Hart, The Collected Hutch Owen (Top Shelf Productions)
  • 2002 Trenches by Scott Mills (Top Shelf Productions)
    • "Retreat" by Megan Kelso, Artichoke Tales #1 (Highwater Books)
    • "Royal Sable" by Mira Friedmann, Actus Box Series (Actus Tragicus)
    • "Where Hats Go" by Kurt Wolfgang, Non #5 (Red Ink Press)
    • "Wir Mussën Wissen, Wir Werden Wissen (We Must Know, We Will Know)" by Ron Regé Jr., Drawn & Quarterly volume 4 (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2003 Fleep by Jason Shiga (Sparkplug Comic Books)
    • "30,000 Hours to Kill" by Gilbert Hernandez Love & Rockets #6 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Black Hole #10 by Charles Burns (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "Hipman" by R. Crumb Mystic Funnies #3 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Untitled second story by Jason, Sshhhh! (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2004 "Glenn Ganges", Drawn & Quarterly Showcase Volume 1, Kevin Huizenga (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2005 Dogs and Water, Anders Nilsen (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • "Dumb Solitaire", Love and Rockets #11 and #13, Gilbert Hernandez (Fantagraphics)
    • "Homme De Le Bois", The Frank Ritza Papers, David Collier (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • The Legend of Wild Man Fischer, Dennis P. Eichhorn and J.R. Williams (Top Shelf Productions)
    • "Onion Jack", Superior Showcase #0, Joel Priddy (AdHouse Books)
  • 2006 Ganges #1, Kevin Huizenga (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "Prebaby", Scrublands, Joe Daly (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "Somersaulting", Drawn & Quarterly Showcase #3, Sammy Harkham (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • "To Capt. Ayres", MOME Winter 2006, Andrice Arp (Fantagraphics Books)
    • We Are On Our Own, Miriam Katin (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2007 "Felix", Drawn & Quarterly Showcase Vol. 4, Gabrielle Bell (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Delphine #1–2, Richard Sala (Fantagraphics Books/Coconico Press)
    • Don't Go Where I Can't Follow, Anders Nilsen (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • The End, Anders Nilsen (Fantagraphics Books/Coconico Press)
    • "Martha Gregory", Asthma, John Hankiewicz (Sparkplug Comic Books)
  • 2008 The Thing About Madeleine, Lilli Carré (Self-published)
    • "Americus", Papercutter #7, MK Reed and Jonathan Hill (Tugboat Press)
    • "The Candy Rod", Hotwire Comics #2, Onsmith (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "The Galactic Funnels", Mome #11, Dash Shaw (Fantagraphics Books)
    • "The Urn", Inkweed, Chris Wright (Sparkplug Comic Books)
  • 2009 "Willy," Papercutter #10, Damien Jay (Tugboat)
  • 2010 Monsters, Ken Dahl (Secret Acres)
    • "John Wesley Harding", The Red Monkey Double Happiness Book, Joe Daly (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Market Day, James Sturm (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • "Turd Place", The Hipless Boy, Sully (Conundrum Press)
    • "Untitled", Mome #16, Laura Park (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2011 "Browntown", Love and Rockets: New Stories #3, Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics)
    • "Blood of the Virgin", Crickets #3, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
    • "LINT", Acme Novelty Library #20, Chris Ware (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • "The most gripping mind-exploding triumphantly electric of our time", Papercutter #15, Jonas Madden-Conner (Tugboat Press)
    • "Weekends Abroad", Three #1, Eric Orner (self-published)
  • 2012 “Return to Me,” Love and Rockets: New Stories #4, Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics)
    • 1 800 Mice, Matthew Thurber (Picturebox)
    • “Keith or Steve”, Mome #22, Nick Drnaso (Fantagraphics)
    • Lucille, Ludovic Debeurme (Top Shelf)
    • “The Weeper”, Papercutter #17, Jason Martin and Jesse Reklaw (Tugboat Press)
  • 2013 Gold Star, John Martz (Retrofit Comics)
    • “Arid,” Secret Prison #7, Tom Hart (Retrofit Comics)
    • Birdseye Bristoe, Dan Zettwoch (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • "The Carnival", Heads or Tails, Lilli Carré (Fantagraphics)
    • “Neighbors”, Tusen Hjärtan Stark #1, Joanna Helgren (Domino Books)
  • 2014 "Brownout Biscuit" (from Octopus Pie): Dead Forever, Meredith Gran
  • 2015 Sex Coven from Frontier #7, Jillian Tamaki
  • 2016 My Hot Date, Noah Van Sciver
    • The Hunter, Joe Sparrow
    • Megg & Mogg in Amsterdam from Megg & Mogg in Amsterdam and Other Stories, Simon Hanselmann
    • Killing and Dying, Adrian Tomine
    • “Shrine of the Monkey God, from Kramers Ergot #8, Kim Deitch
  • 2017 Diana’s Electric Tongue, Carolyn Nowak
    • March: Book 3, John Lewis, Nate Powell, Andrew Aydin
    • My Favorite Thing is Monsters, Emil Ferris
    • "Small Enough" from Diary Comics, Dustin Harbin
    • "Too Hot to Be Cool" from Elements, Maddi Gonzalez
  • 2018 How the Best Hunter in the Village Met Her Death, Lee Knox Ostertag
    • Yellow Negroes and Other Imaginary Creatures, Yvan Alabge
    • Why Art?, Eleanor Davis
    • Rhode Island Me, Michael DeForge
    • The Lie and How We Told It, Tommi Parrish
  • 2019 Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O'Connell
    • Sacred Heart Vol 2 Part 1: Livin’ in the Future, Liz Suburbia
    • Sincerely, Harriet, Sarah Winifred Searle
    • Woman World, Aminder Dhaliwal
    • The Dead Eye and the Deep Blue Sea, Vannak Anan Prum
  • 2020 The Hard Tomorrow, Eleanor Davis
    • "Little Red Riding Hood", Gabrielle Bell
    • The Lab, Allison Conway
    • BTTM FDRS, Ezra Claytan Daniels and Ben Passmore
    • The Weight #9, Melissa Mendes
  • 2021 Personal Companion, Freddy Carrasco
    • Misguided Love, Raquelle Jac
    • Nineteen, Ancco
    • Moms, Yeong-shin Ma
    • The Hazards of Love, Stan Stanley
  • 2022 The Lover of Everyone in the World, Beatrix Urkowitz
    • Big Cats, Liz Yerby
    • Ley Lines: The First Few Bars, Keren Katz
    • Ley Lines: Love, or the Axe, Jordan Jeffries
    • "Winter Break 2029" from Invisible Parade, Mississippi
  • 2023 Wash Day Diaries, Robyn Smith and Jamila Rowser
    • Weeds, Kit Anderson
    • "Impatient Ms. S" from Glaeolia 3, Koyubi
    • Inversion, Lily Thu Fierro and Generoso Fierro
    • I Owe it to My Parents to NOT Come Out, Richard Mercado
  • 2024 "The Happy Art" from Pulping, Sami Alwani

Promising New Talent

[edit]
  • 1997 Debbie Drechsler, Nowhere (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Tom Hart, The Sands (Black Eye Productions)
    • C. S. Morse, Soulwind (Image Comics)
    • Walt Holcombe, King of Persia (self published through Accordion Press)
    • Steve Weissman, Yikes! (Alternative Press)
  • 1998 Carla Speed McNeil, Finder (Lightspeed Press)
    • Tara Jenkins, Galaxion (Helikon Press)
    • Matt Madden, Black Candy (Black Eye Books)
    • Ron Rege, Skibber Bee Bye (self-published)
    • Chris Oliveros, The Envelope Manufacturer (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 1999 Brian Ralph, Fireball #7 (Fort Thunder)
    • Leland Myrick, Sweet (Adept Books)
    • Madison Clell, Cuckoo (Green Door Studios)
    • Jason Little, Jack's Luck Runs Out (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Dave Kiersh, Is Kissing a Girl Who Smokes Like Kissing an Ashtray, Non #4 (Red Ink)
  • 2000 Nick Bertozzi, Boswash (Luxurious Comics)
    • Ben Catmull, Paper Theater (self-published)
    • Rod Espinosa, The Courageous Princess (Antarctic Press)
    • Kevin Huizenga, Supermonster (self-published)
    • Stephen Notley, Bob the Angry Flower (self-published)
  • 2001 Ignatz Awards cancelled after 9-11 Attacks
    • Tomer and Asaf Hanuka, Bipolar, self-published
    • Mike Kunkel, Herobear and the Kid, Astonish Comics
    • Metaphrog, Louis: Red Letter Day, Metaphrog
    • Rutu Modan, Flipper Vol. 2, Actus Tragicus/Top Shelf Productions
    • Ben Steckler, Get BenT, self-published
  • 2002 Greg Cook, Catch as Catch Can (Highwater Books)
    • Jeffrey Brown, Clumsy: A Novel (self-published)
    • Mike Dawson, Cabaret, Gabagool! (self-published)
    • Sammy Harkham, "Study Group 12 #2" "Though I Slumber, My Heart Is Still Awake" (Study Group 12)
    • Anders Brekhus Nilsen, Big Questions #4: Asomatognosia (self-published)
    • Rick Smith and Tania Menesse, Shuck (Shuck Comics)
  • 2003 Derek Kirk Kim, Same Difference and Other Stories (self-published)
    • Marc Bell, Rosetta (Alternative Comics), Shrimpy & Paul (Highwater Books)
    • Ray Friesen, RQW (Don't Eat Any Bugs Comics)
    • John Hankiewicz, Tepid, Eleanor E. Is Home (self-published)
    • Raina Telgemeier, Take Out (self-published)
  • 2004 Lauren Weinstein, Kramer's Ergot #4 (Avodah Books)
    • Martin Cendreda, Hi-Horse Omnibus (Alternative Comics, Hi-Horse Comics)
    • Svetlana Chmakova, Chasing Rainbows (www.girlamatic.com, www.svetlania.com)
    • Dan James, The Octopi and the Ocean (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Leland Purvis, Suspended in Language (G.T. Labs)
  • 2005 Andy Runton, Owly (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Joshua W. Cotter, Skyscrapers of the Midwest (AdHouse Books)
    • Rebecca Dart, RabbitHead (Alternative Comics)
    • Vanessa Davis, Spaniel Rage (Buenaventura Press)
    • Karl Stevens, Guilty (Karl Stevens Publishing, dist. by Alternative Comics)
  • 2006 Hope Larson, Salamander Dream (AdHouse Books), Gray Horses (Oni Press)
    • Andrice Arp, Mome Winter 2006 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Jonathan Bennett, Mome Fall 2005 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • R. Kikuo Johnson, Night Fisher (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Ben Jones, BJ & Da Dogs (Picturebox, Inc.)
  • 2007 Tom Neely, The Blot (I Will Destroy You)
    • Gabrielle Bell, Lucky, Drawn & Quarterly Showcase Vol. 4 (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Scott Campbell (artist), Flight Vol. 4 (Ballantine Books), Hickee vol. 3 #3 (Alternative Comics)
    • Lilli Carré, Papercutter #3 (Tugboat Press), You Ain't No Dancer Vol. 2 (New Reliable Press)
    • Brandon Graham, King City (TokyoPop)
  • 2008 Sarah Glidden, How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (self-published)
    • Oliver East, Trains Are... Mint(Blank Slate)
    • Austin English, Windy Corner #2 (Sparkplug Comic Books)
    • Chuck Forsman, Snake Oil #1 (self-published)
    • Lars Martinson, Tonoharu (Pliant Press/Top Shelf Productions)
  • 2009 Colleen Frakes, Woman King (self-published)
    • T. Edward Bak, Drawn & Quarterly Showcase Book 5 (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Hellen Jo, Jin & Jam #1 (Sparkplug), "Diamond Heights," Papercutter #9 (Tugboat)
    • Ed Luce, Wuvable Oaf (self-published)
    • Amanda Vähämäki, Drawn & Quarterly Showcase Book 5 (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2010 Matt Wiegle, "The Orphan Baiter", Papercutter #13 (Tugboat Press)
    • Rina Ayuyang, Whirlwind Wonderland (Sparkplug Comic Books & Tugboat Press)
    • Rami Efal, Never Forget, Never Forgive (Studio Namu)
    • Blaise Larmee, Young Lions (self-published)
    • Sully, The Hipless Boy (Conundrum Press)
  • 2011 Darryl Ayo Brathwaite, House of Twelve Monthly #3 (Comixology)
    • Tony Breed, Finn and Charlie are Hitched (self-published/online)
    • Jesse Jacobs, Even the Giants (AdHouse)
    • Jon McNaught, Birchfield Close (Nobrow Press)
    • Jesse Moynihan, Forming (Nobrow/online)
  • 2012 Lale Westvind, Hot Dog Beach (Self-published)
    • Lauren Barnett, Me Likes You Very Much (Hic & Hoc Publications)
    • Clara Besijelle, The Lobster King (Self-published)
    • Tessa Brunton, Passage (Sparkplug Books)
    • Lila Quintero Weaver, Dark Room: A Memoir in Black and White (University of Alabama Press)
  • 2013 Sam Alden, Hawaii 1997 & Haunter (Self-published)
    • Nathan Bulmer, Eat More Bikes (Koyama Press)
    • Philippa Rice, Looking Out (Hic & Hoc Publications)
    • Diana Thung, August Moon (Top Shelf)
    • Angie Wang, "The Teacup Tree," Secret Prison #7 (Self-published)
  • 2014 Cathy G. Johnson, Jeremiah; Boy Genius; Until It Runs Clear
    • Luke Howard, Trevor
    • Nick Offerman, Orange; Onions
    • Keiler Roberts, Powdered Milk (series)
    • Daryl Seitchik, Missy
  • 2015 Sophia Foster-Dimino – Sphincter; Sex Fantasy
    • M. Dean, K.M. & R.P. & MCMLXXI (1971)
    • Dakota McFadzean, Don't Get Eaten by Anything
    • Jane Mai, Soft
    • Gina Wynbrandt]], Big Pussy
  • 2016 Tillie Walden – I Love This Part
    • Kevin Budnik,Handbook
    • Maia Kobabe]] – Tom O’Bedlam
    • Sara Lautman, The Ultimate Laugh, Grape Nuts
    • Carolyn Nowak, Radishes
  • 2017 Bianca Xunise, "Say Her Name" — originally published on The Nib.[11]
    • Kelly Bastow, Year Long Summer
    • Margot Ferrick, Yours
    • Aud Koch, "Run" from the Oath Anthology
    • Isabella Rotman, Long Black Veil
  • 2018 Yasmin Omar Ata, Mis(h)adra
    • Tara Booth, How to Be Alive
    • Xia Gordon, The Fashion of 2004, Harvest
    • Rumi Hara, Nori and The Rabbits of the Moon
    • Tommi Parrish, The Lie and How We Told It
  • 2019 Ebony Flowers, My Lil Sister Lena
    • Haleigh Buck, I Feel Weird #3
    • Emma Jayne, Trans Girls Hit the Town
    • Mar Julia, YLLW YLLW YLLW
    • Kelsey Wroten, Crimes
  • 2020 Theo Stultz, Canvas
    • AJ Dungo, In Waves
    • Sylvia Nickerson, Creation
    • Andrew Lorenzi, Multo
    • Emil Wilson, (Probably) the Last Time
  • 2021 Pa-Luis, We Live on Earth
    • Royal Dunlap, b.b. free
    • Nico Harriman, Mr. H: Portrait of a High School Art Teacher
    • Zoe Maeve, The Gift
    • Tess Scilipoti, Do You Think I Look Like a Girl?
  • 2022 Juni Ba, Djeliya
    • Trinidad Escobar, Arrive In My Hands
    • Yara Elfouly, Archeologist Landings
    • Juniper Kim, Koreans Sing in English
    • Emma Grove, The Third Person
  • 2023 Deb JJ Lee, In Limbo
    • Grayson Bear, Pokey
    • Leo Fox, My Body Unspooling
    • Richard Mercado, I Owe it to My Parents to NOT Come Out
    • Shanti Ray, Sennen
  • 2024 Léa Murawiec, The Great Beyond
    • Cole Degenstein, 10-10 To The Wind
    • Pingnan Lu, Gift Box
    • Xiang Yata, Optometry
    • Hugo Canuto, Tales of the Orishas

Outstanding Series

[edit]
  • 1997 Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics)
    • Jason Lutes, Berlin (Black Eye Productions)
    • Daniel Clowes, Eightball (Fantagraphics)
    • Seth, Palookaville (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Gary Spencer Millidge, Strangehaven (Abiogenesis)
  • 1998 Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics)
    • Daniel Clowes, Eightball (Fantagraphics)
    • Debbie Drechsler, Nowhere (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Joe Chiappetta, Silly Daddy (self-published)
    • Steve Weissman, Yikes! (Alternative Press)
  • 1999 Max, The Extended Dream of Mr. D (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2000 Dave Cooper, Weasel (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2001 Ignatz Awards cancelled after 9-11 Attacks
    • Jason Lutes, Berlin (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Carla Speed McNeil, Finder (Lightspeed Press)
    • Mike Kunkel, Herobear and the Kid (Astonish Comics)
    • Sam Henderson, Magic Whistle, (Alternative Comics)
    • Jason, Mjau Mjau (Jippi Forlag)
  • 2002 James Kochalka Sketchbook Diaries (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Chester Brown, Louis Riel (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Sam Henderson, Magic Whistle (Alternative Comics)
    • David Hahn, Private Beach (Slave Labor Graphics)
    • Dave Cooper, Weasel (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2003 Charles Burns, Black Hole (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Roger Langridge, Fred the Clown (Hotel Fred Press)
    • Ted Stearn, Fuzz & Pluck in Splitsville (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Scott Roberts, Patty Cake (Slave Labor Graphics)
    • Gary Spencer Millidge, Strangehaven (Abiogenesis Press)
  • 2004 Carla Speed McNeil, Finder (Light Speed Productions)[9]
  • 2005 Carla Speed McNeil, Finder (Light Speed Productions)
    • Tomer Hanuka, Asaf Hanuka, and Etgar Keret, Bipolar (Alternative Comics)
    • David Heatley, Deadpan (self-published)
    • Los Bros Hernandez, Love and Rockets vol. II (Fantagraphics)
    • Joshua W. Cotter, Skyscrapers of the Midwest (AdHouse Books)
  • 2006 Owly by Andy Runton (Top Shelf Productions)
  • 2007 Mourning Star by Kazimir Strzepek (Bodega Distribution)
  • 2008 Snake Oil by Chuck Forsman (self-published)
    • Eye of the Majestic Creature, Leslie Stein (self-published)
    • Injury, Ted May, Jason Robards, and Jeff Wilson (Buenaventura Press)
    • Paul series, Michel Rabagliati (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)
  • 2009 Uptight, Jordan Crane (Fantagraphics)
    • Danny Dutch, David King (Sparkplug)
    • Delphine, Richard Sala (Fantagraphics/Coconino)
    • Interiorae, Gabriella Giandelli (Fantagraphics/Coconino)
    • Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug)
  • 2010 Ganges, Kevin Huizenga (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2011 Everything Dies, Box Brown
    • Crickets, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
    • Dungeon Quest, Joe Daly (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Lose, Michael DeForge (Koyama Books)
    • Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)
  • 2012 Love and Rockets: New Stories, the Hernandez brothers (Fantagraphics)
    • Black Mass, Patrick Kyle (Mother Books)
    • Eye of the Majestic Creature, Leslie Stein (Self-published)
    • Ganges, Kevin Huizenga (Fantagraphics)
    • Pope Hats, Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)
  • 2013 Lose, Michael DeForge (Koyama Press)
    • The Hive, Charles Burns (Pantheon)
    • Madtown High, Whit Taylor (self-published)
    • Pope Hats, Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)
    • Prison Pit, Johnny Ryan (Fantagraphics)
  • 2014 Demon, Jason Shiga
    • The Black Feather Falls, Ellen Lindner
    • Powdered Milk, Keiler Roberts
    • Sky in Stereo, Sacha Mardou
    • Towerkind, Kat Verhoeven
  • 2015 Sex Fantasy, Sophia Foster-Dimino
    • Dumb, Georgia Webber
    • Frontier, Ryan Sands (editor)
    • March, John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell
    • Pope Hats, Ethan Rilly
  • 2016 Powdered Milk, Keiler Roberts
    • Cartozia Tales, Isaac Cates (editor)
    • Demon, Jason Shiga
    • Ganges, Kevin Huizenga
    • Megg & Mogg & Owl, Simon Hanselmann
  • 2017 Chester 5000, Jess Fink
    • Crickets, Sammy Harkham
    • Frontier, Ryan Sands (editor)
    • Maleficium, Sabin Cauldron [sic]
    • The Old Woman, Rebecca Mock
  • 2018 Frontier, Youth in Decline
    • Ley Lines, Czap Books
    • Nori, Rumi Hara
    • Bug Boys, Laura Knetzger
    • Gumballs, Erin Nations
  • 2019 The Nib Magazine, Matt Bors
    • Daygloayhole Quarterly, Ben Passmore
    • Heavenly Blues, Ben Kahn and Bruno Hidalgo
    • Frontier, Youth in Decline
    • Endgames, Ru Xu
  • 2020 Fizzle, Whit Taylor
    • The Misplaced, Chris Callahan
    • SUPERPOSE, Joe Seosamh and C. Anka
    • kuš!, kuš! komiks
    • Frontier, Youth in Decline
  • 2021 Ex.Mag, Peow Studios
    • A Queer Prisoner’s Anthology IV, edited by Casper Cendre
    • Malarkey, November Garcia
    • Ley Lines, edited by L Nichols and K Czap
    • Tongues, Anders Nilsen
  • 2022 The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, Ram V and Filipe Andrade
    • Methods of Dyeing, B. Mure
    • Trans Classic Movies, Jett Allen
    • Ley Lines, edited by L Nichols and K Czap
    • The Nib Magazine, edited by Matt Bors
  • 2023 Tales of Old Snake Creek, Drew Lerman
    • Venomyths, Joshua Ray Stephens
    • Maple Terrace 01, Noah Van Sciver
    • Viewotron Comics & Stories No. 2, Sam Sharpe and Peach S. Goodrich
    • Fizzle #4, Whit Taylor
  • 2024 CosmoKnights, Hannah Templer

Outstanding Comic

[edit]
  • 1997 Daniel Clowes, Eightball #17 (Fantagraphics)
    • Pete Sickman-Garner, Hey Mister #1 (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Dean Haspiel and Josh Neufeld, Keyhole #2 (Modern)
    • Walt Holcombe, King of Persia (self-published through Accordion Press)
    • Seth, Palookaville #10 (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 1998 Chris Ware, Acme Novelty Library #9 (Fantagraphics)
  • 1999 Frank Cho, Liberty Meadows #1 (Insight Studio Group)
    • Pekar, Sacco, Stack & Warneford, American Splendor: Transatlantic Comics
    • James Sturm, Hundreds of Feet Below Daylight (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Ben Katchor, The Jew of New York (Pantheon Books)
    • Joe Zabel & Gary Dumm, Oracle (Amazing Montage)
  • 2000 Chris Ware, The Acme Novelty Library #13 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Ron Rege and Joan Leidy, Boys (Highwater Books)
    • Madison Clell, Cuckoo No. 10 (Green Door Studios)
    • Pete Sickman-Garner, Hey Mister, The Trouble With Jesus (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Jordan Crane, The Last Lonely Saturday (Red Ink)
  • 2001 NO AWARD GIVEN — Ignatz Awards cancelled after 9-11 Attacks
  • 2002 Daniel Clowes, Eightball #22 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Anders Brekhus Nilsen, Big Questions #4: Asomatognosia (self-published)
    • Tony Consiglio, Double Cross: More or Less (Top Shelf Productions)
    • James Kochalka, Sketchbook Diaries Volume 2 (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Jon Lewis, True Swamp: Stoneground and Hillbound (Alternative Comics)
  • 2003 Nick Bertozzi, Rubber Necker #2, (Alternative Comics)
    • Adam Suerte, Aprendiz Book 1 (self-published)
    • Charles Burns, Black Hole #10 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • David Collier, Collier's Vol. 2 #2 (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • David Lasky and Greg Stump, Urban Hipster #2 (Alternative Comics)
  • 2004 Daniel Clowes, Eightball #23 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Charles Burns, Black Hole #11 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Kim Deitch, Stuff of Dreams #2 (Fantagraphics Books)
    • John Hankiewicz, Tepid Summer 2003 (Tepid Comics)
    • John Porcellino, King Cat #62 (Self-published)
  • 2005 Kevin Huizenga, Or Else #1 (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Anders Nilsen, Dogs & Water (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Los Bros. Hernandez Love & Rockets #13 (Fantagraphics)
    • Los Bros. Hernandez, Love & Rockets #12 (Fantagraphics)
    • Marc Bell, Worn Tuff Elbow #1 (Fantagraphics)
  • 2006 Schizo #4 by Ivan Brunetti (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2007 Optic Nerve #11 by Adrian Tomine (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Doctor Id by Adam McGovern and Paolo Leandri (Indie Ink Studios)
    • Fuzz & Pluck in Splitsville #4 by Ted Stearn (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Love & Rockets vol. 2 #18 by Los Bros Hernandez (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Monster Parade #1 by Ben Catmull (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2008 Snake Oil #1 by Chuck Forsman (self-published)
    • Cryptic Wit #2, Gerald Jablonski (self-published)
    • Department of Art, Dunya Jankovic (self-published)
    • Lucky Vol. 2 #2, Gabrielle Bell (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Palooka-ville #19, Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2009 Uptight #3, Jordan Crane (Fantagraphics)
    • Danny Dutch #1, David King (Sparkplug)
    • Dead Ringer, Jason T. Miles (La Mano)
    • Interiorae #3, Gabriella Giandelli (Fantagraphics/Coconino)
    • Reich #6, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug)
  • 2010 I Want You, Lisa Hanawalt (Buenaventura Press)
    • Blammo #6, Noah Van Sciver (Kilgore Books)
    • Eschew #2, Robert Sergel (Sparkplug Comic Books)
    • Flesh and Bone, Julia Gfrörer (Sparkplug Comic Books)
    • Sublife #2, John Pham (Fantagraphics Books)
  • 2011 Lose #3, Michael DeForge (Koyama Press)
    • Crickets #3, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
    • Danger Country #1, Levon Jihanian
    • Habitat #2, Dunja Jankovic
    • The Magic Hedge, Marian Runk
  • 2012 Pterodactyl Hunters, Brendan Leach (Top Shelf)
    • Hot Dog Beach #2, Lale Westvind (Self-published)
    • Passage, Tessa Brunton (Sparkplug Books)
    • The Sixth Gun #17, Brian Hurtt and Cullen Bunn (Oni Press)
    • Pope Hats #2, Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)
  • 2013 Pope Hats #3, Ethan Rilly (AdHouse Books)
    • Hyperspeed to Nowhere, Lale Westvind (Self-published)
    • The Life Problem, Austin English (Drippybone Books)
    • Looking Out, Philippa Rice (Hic & Hoc Publications)
    • St. Owl's Bay, Simon Hanselmann (Self-published)
  • 2014 Wicked Chicken Queen, Sam Alden (Retrofit Comics/Big Planet Comics)
  • 2015 The Oven, Sophie Goldstein
    • Borb, Jason Little
    • The Nature of Nature, Disa Wallander
    • Pope Hats #4, Ethan Rilly
    • Weeping Flower, Grows in Darkness, Kris Mukai
  • 2016 Fantasy Sports #1, Sam Bosma
    • As the Crow Flies, Melanie Gillman
    • Be Good, John Martz
    • Patience, Daniel Clowes
    • Shrine of the Monkey God, from Kramers Ergot 9, Kim Deitch
  • 2017 Your Black Friend, Ben Passmore
  • 2018 Hot to Be Alive, Tara Booth
    • Recollection, Alyssa Berg
    • Hot Summer Nights, Freddy Carrasco
    • Whatsa Paintoonist, Jerry Moriarty
    • Baopu, Yao Xiao
  • 2019 Check Please!, Ngozi Ukazu
    • Lorna, Benji Nate
    • Infinite Wheat Paste #7, Pidge
    • The Saga of Metalbeard, Joshua Paddon and Matthew Hoddy
    • Egg Cream, Liz Suburbia
  • 2020 Cry Wolf Girl, Ariel Ries
    • My Dog Ivy, Gabrielle Bell
    • Theth Tomorrow Forever, Josh Bayer
    • Cosmoknights, Hannah Templer
    • Mooncakes, Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker
  • 2021 Leaf Lace, Ashanti Fortson
    • Francis Bacon, EA Bethea
    • The Dog & The Cat, Dominique Duong
    • Rhapsodie, Maddi Gonzalez
    • A Cordial Invitation, Adam Szym
  • 2022 I See A Knight, Xulia Vicente
    • Four Years Collected: Vol 2, K Czap
    • PeePee PooPoo #69, Caroline Cash
    • Are Comic Books Real?, Alex Nall
    • Ode to Keisha, Jamila Rowser and Trinidad Escobar
  • 2023 Gordita: Built Like This, Daisy Ruiz
    • Platonic Love, A ee mi
    • Lemon Yellow, Ciara Quilty-Harper
    • Forget Me Not, Gabriel Howell
    • Live Rock Part 1: Aquarium Life, Ross Jackson
  • 2024 My Body Unspooling, Leo Fox
    • Fielder #2, Kevin Huizenga
    • Follow the Doll #2, Daryl Seitchik
    • Sunflowers, Keezy Young
    • The Audra Show #7: The Love Issue, Audra Stang

Outstanding Minicomic

[edit]
  • 1997 The Perfect Planet, James Kochalka
  • 1998 Amy Unbounded, Rachel Hartman (Pug House Press)
  • 1999 Fireball #7, Brian Ralph (Highwater Books)
    • Tales of the Great Unspoken, Aaron Augenblick (Self-published)
    • Ped Xing, Androo Robinson (Self-published)
    • Bolol Belittle, Mat Brinkman (Self-published)
    • Noe-Fie #8, Kurt Wolfgang (Noe-Fie Mono-Media)
  • 2000 LowJinx #2, edited by Kurt Wolfgang (Noe-Fie Mono-Media)
    • Angry Youth Comics No. 11, Johnny Ryan (Self-published)
    • Jug, Androo Robinson (Self-published)
    • Timberdoodle, Jon Kerschbaum (Self-published)
    • True Stories, Swear to God, Tom Beland (Self-published)
  • 2001 Ignatz Awards cancelled after 9-11 Attacks
    • Amy Unbounded No. 12, Rachel Hartman (Pug House Press)
    • Democracy: Mime Complaint No. 5, Jesse Reklaw (Self-published)
    • Jumbo Jape, Sean Bieri (Self-published)
    • Low Jinx 3: The Big Rip-Off, edited by Kurt Wolfgang (Noe-Fie Mono-Media)
    • Tepid Spring 2001, John Hankiewicz (self-published)
  • 2002 Artichoke Tales #1, Megan Kelso (Highwater Books)
    • Double Cross Assortment, Tony Consiglio (Self-published)
    • Gloriana: Super Monster #14, Kevin Huizenga (Self-published)
    • Homecoming, John Kerschbaum (Fontanelle Press)
    • Long Tail Kitty: Heaven, Lark Pien (Self-published)
  • 2003 I Am Going to Be Small, Jeffrey Brown (self-published)
    • Josh Comics, Josh Sullivan
    • Lo-Horse #1, David Lasky and Jesse Reklaw
    • Take Out, Raina Telgemeier
    • That Thing You Fall Into, Diana Tamblyn
  • 2004 Lucky #3, Gabrielle Bell (Self-published)
    • Big Questions #6, Anders Nilsen (Self-published)
    • Quantum Entanglement, Spooky Action at a Distance, Teleportation and You, Jim Ottaviani and Roger Langridge (G.T. Labs)
    • Thankless Job, Pat Lewis (Lunchbreak Comics)
    • Underground: Souvenir, Matthew Bellisle (Gravity/DSN)
  • 2005 Phase 7, Alec Longstreth (Self-published)
    • Couch Tag #2, Jesse Reklaw (Self-published)
    • Dance, John Hankiewicz (Self-published)
    • Monday, Andy Hartzell (Self-published)
    • Ouija Interview #3, Sarah Becan (Self-published)
  • 2006 Monsters, Ken Dahl
    • Comicore Jr., Paulette Poullet
    • Gaylord Phoenix #4, Edie Fake
    • Trackrabbit, Geoff Vasile
    • Window #8, Dave Lapp
  • 2007 P.S. Comics #3, Minty Lewis
    • Burning Building Comix, Jeff Zwirek
    • The Monkey and the Crab, Shawn Cheng and Sara Edward-Corbett
    • Noose, Mark Burrier
    • Seven More Days of Not Getting Eaten, Matt Wiegle
  • 2008 Bluefuzz, Jesse Reklaw
    • Dorado Park, Lilli Carré
    • How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, Sarah Glidden
    • Ochre Ellipse #2, Jonas Madden-Connor
    • Swell, Juliacks
  • 2009 Stay Away From Other People, Lisa Hanawalt
    • Claptrap #2, Onsmith
    • Just So You Know #1, Joey Alison Sayers
    • Stewbrew, Kelly Froh & Max Clotfelter
    • Xoc #1, Matt Dembicki
  • 2010 Rambo 3.5, Jim Rugg
    • Don't Drink from the Sea, Lilli Carré
    • Stories by... Vol. 1, Martin Cendreda
    • Troop 142, Mike Dawson
    • Water Column #3, Josh Frankel
  • 2011 Ben Died of a Train, Box Brown
    • Gaylord Phoenix #5, Edie Fake
    • Danger Country #1, Levon Jihanian
    • Morning Song, Laura Terry
    • Trans-Utopia, Tom Kaczynski (Uncivilized Books)
  • 2012 The Monkey in the Basement and Other Delusions, Corinne Mucha (Retrofit Comics)
    • The Death of Elijah Lovejoy, Noah Van Sciver (2D Cloud)
    • Hypnotic Induction Technique, Grant Reynolds (Self-published)
    • Ramble On #2, Calvin Wong (Self-published)
    • RAV #6, Mickey Zacchilli (Self-published)
  • 2013 The End of the Fucking World #16, Charles Forsman (Fantagraphics)
    • Il Cammino Delle Capre, Kris Mukai & Zachary Zezima (Self-published)
    • Hawaii 1997, Sam Alden (Self-published)
    • Lawaway, Joseph Lambert (Self-published)
    • Powdered Milk Vol. 10: The Man Who Could Not Read, Keiler Roberts (Self-published)
  • 2014 House of Women, Sophie Goldstein
    • The Grassy Knoll, Nick Drnaso
    • Never Forgets, Yumi Sakugawa (Self-published)
    • Test Tube #1, Carlos Gonzales
    • Up to the Top, Ian Sampson
  • 2015 Sex Fantasy #4, Sophia Foster-Dimino
  • 2016 Radishes – Carolyn Nowak
    • The Experts – Sophie Franz
    • Laffy Meal – Pranas T. Naujokaitis
    • A Map to the Sun – Sloane Leong
    • The Unofficial Cuckoo’s Nest – Luke Healy
  • 2017 Tender-Hearted – Hazel Newlevant
    • The Man Who Came Down the Attic Stairs – Celine Loup
    • Our Tale of Woe – Keren Katz and Geffen Refaeli
    • Reverse Flaneur – M. Sabine Rear
    • Same Place Same Time – Ann Xu
  • 2018 Say It With Noodles: On Learning to Speak the Language of Food – Shing Yin Khor
    • Dog Nurse – Margot Ferrick
    • Greenhouse – Debbie Fong
    • Common Blessings & Common Curses – Maritsa Patrinos
    • Mothball 88 – Kevin Reilly
  • 2019 Trans Girls Hit the Town – Emma Jayne
    • Gonzalo – Jed McGowan
    • Silver Wire – Kriota Willberg
    • Cherry – InésEstrada
    • YLLW YLLW YLLW – Mar Julia
  • 2020 Black Hole Heart – Cathy G Johnson
    • I Feel Weird #4 – Haleigh Buck
    • Chapter Two – Keren Katz
    • The Gulf – Nguyen Nguyen
    • Canvas – Theo K. Stultz
  • 2021 Bodyseed – Casey Nowak
    • Slum Clearance Symphony – Brendan Leach
    • Lavender Scare – Arantza Peña Popo
    • Montana Diary – Whit Taylor
    • The Drain Pipe – Leda Zawacki
  • 2022 PeePee PooPoo #69 – Caroline Cash
    • Joy – Maritsa Patrinos
    • Carrington's World – Summer Pierre
    • Phonestoned – King Ray
    • Sleemor Gank - Burg Land 1 – Alexander Laird
  • 2023 Death Bloom – Yasmeen Abedifard
    • Sacred Grove – Celine Loup
    • You're the Center of Attention – Gina Wynbrandt
    • Farewell – João Fazenda
    • Hares on the Mountain – Lee Dean and Salavador Aguilera
  • 2024 Manga Cube – Yuan Song
    • Find a Seat – Faye Stacey
    • Hyper Fawnus – Ana Two
    • Lullaby – Jordan Jeffries
    • Pauline Newman – Greer de Maglie

Outstanding Online Comic

[edit]

Outstanding Anthology or Collection (discontinued)

[edit]

Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection (discontinued)

[edit]
  • 1997 It's A Good Life if You Don't Weaken by Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • At The Seams by Ed Brubaker (Alternative Press)
    • Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer: Stories by Ben Katchor (Little, Brown)
    • L'Ascension Du Haut Mal by David B. (L'Association)
    • Lost in the Alps by Cosey (NBM)
  • 1998 Ghost World by Daniel Clowes (Fantagraphics)
    • Views of the Warehouse District by Martin Tom Dieck (Westhampton House)
    • Frank vol. 2 by Jim Woodring (Fantagraphics)
    • The Little Man by Chester Brown (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Titanic Tales edited by Mark Wheatley (Insight Studios)
  • 1999 Cages by Dave McKean (Kitchen Sink)
  • 2000 From Hell by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell (Eddie Campbell Comics, distributed by Top Shelf Productions)
    • Banks/Eubanks by Tom Hart (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Clan Apis by Jay Hosler (Active Synapse)
    • Comix 2000 various, (L'Association)
    • Drawn & Quarterly, Volume 3 various, (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2001 Ignatz Awards cancelled after 9-11 Attacks
    • Box Office Poison by Alex Robinson (Top Shelf Productions)
    • Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid On Earth by Chris Ware (Pantheon Books)
    • Mail Order Bride by Mark Kalesniko (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia, 1992–1995 by Joe Sacco (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Snake 'n' Bacon's Cartoon Cabaret by Michael Kupperman (Avon Books)
  • 2002 The Golem's Mighty Swing by James Sturm (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Fallout, edited by Jim Ottaviani (G.T. Labs)
    • Haw! by Ivan Brunetti (Fantagraphics Books)
    • Non #5, edited by Jordan Crane (Red Ink Press)
    • Summer of Love by Debbie Drechsler (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • 2003 Three Fingers by Rich Koslowski (Top Shelf Productions)
  • 2004 Blankets by Craig Thompson (Top Shelf Productions)[9]
    • The Fixer by Joe Sacco (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • Louis Riel by Chester Brown (Drawn & Quarterly)
    • McSweeney's Quarterly Concern #13, Edited by Chris Ware (McSweeney's, Ltd.)
    • Teratoid Heights by Matt Brinkman (Highwater Books)

Outstanding Debut Comic (discontinued)

[edit]
  • 2000 Dork #8 by Evan Dorkin (Slave Labor Graphics)
  • 2002 Pulpatoon Pilgrimage by Joel Priddy (AdHouse Books)
  • 2003 Studygroup12 #3 edited by Zack Soto
  • 2004 Teen Boat #6: Vote Boat by Dave Roman and John Green (Cryptic Press)
  • 2005 Will You Still Love Me if I Wet the Bed? by Liz Prince (Top Shelf Productions)
  • 2006 Class of '99 by Josh Eiserike (Self-Published)
  • 2007 Papercutter #6 edited by Alec Longstreth (Tugboat Press)
  • 2008 Swallow Me Whole by Nate Powell (Top Shelf Productions)

Ignatz Awards Jury

[edit]

Ignatz Awards Committee

[edit]
  • 1997
    • Chris Oarr, Coordinator
  • 1998
    • Chris Oarr, Coordinator
    • Jeff Alexander
  • 1999
    • Jeff Alexander, Coordinator
  • 2000–2006
    • Jeff Alexander, Coordinator
    • Karon Flage
    • Greg McElhatton
  • 2007–2010
    • Greg McElhatton, Coordinator
    • Jeff Alexander
    • Karon Flage
  • 2011–2012
    • Eden Miller, Coordinator
    • Greg McElhatton
    • Karon Flage
  • 2013–2016
    • Eden Miller, Coordinator
  • 2017–present
    • Dan Stafford, Coordinator

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ignatz Awards

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Ignatz Awards are the annual festival prizes of the Expo, named for the brick-throwing mouse character in George Herriman's Krazy Kat, recognizing outstanding achievements in independent comics and cartooning by small press creators or self-published works. Established in 1997, they honor exceptional contributions that challenge conventional norms in comics as an art form and medium of personal expression, often spotlighting innovative storytelling, artistic execution, or cultural influence within the indie scene. The awards are presented each September during the Small Press Expo in , with eligibility limited to works published between June 1 of the prior year and May 31 of the award year, determined by distribution date. Jurors nominate candidates across categories such as Outstanding , Outstanding Artist, Outstanding Collection, Outstanding Comic, Outstanding , Outstanding Minicomic, Outstanding Online Comic, Outstanding Series, Outstanding Story, and Promising New Talent, after which SPX attendees and voters receive ballots to select winners. Submissions require digital PDFs and a physical copy for the , emphasizing non-professional or creator-owned projects that distinguish themselves through form, content, or impact. Over nearly three decades, the Ignatz Awards have elevated numerous independent creators, with recent winners including Anders Nilsen for multiple categories in 2025 and a surge in self-published titles like Precious Rubbish by Kayla E., underscoring their role in amplifying boundary-pushing work outside mainstream publishing. Unlike industry-wide honors, they prioritize small-scale innovation, fostering recognition for minicomics, webcomics, and anthologies that might otherwise evade broader attention, thereby sustaining the vitality of alternative cartooning traditions.

Overview and Purpose

Eligibility Criteria

The Ignatz Awards are open to works in and cartooning that demonstrate outstanding achievement, with eligibility restricted to publications distributed between June 1 of the preceding year and May 31 of the award year. For the 2025 awards, this encompasses materials released from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, where the publication date is determined by the initial distribution to the public. Eligible submissions must align with one of the defined categories, emphasizing independent or small-press productions that challenge conventions in and , including anthologies compiling varied contributions on a theme, single-issue with integrated narrative and visuals, minicomics produced non-professionally and often self-distributed, graphic novels exceeding 48 pages in previously unpublished, bound format, collections of an artist's prior short works, and online published digitally prior to any print edition without excessive . Additional categories recognize individual artistry through exceptional graphic execution, sustained quality in ongoing series, compelling narrative , and promising new talent—defined as individuals new to the industry whose recent work merits broader attention, excluding prior Ignatz nominees. Submissions from mainstream corporate publishers are ineligible unless involving creator-owned projects, prioritizing self-published or small-press efforts that embody personal expression over commercial . Physical or digital formats must adhere to category-specific constraints, such as web-first publication for online entries, to qualify for nomination by jurors.

Core Objectives and Recognition Focus

The Ignatz Awards aim to honor outstanding achievements in and cartooning, with a primary objective of spotlighting works that expand the medium's artistic and expressive potential. Established as part of the Small Press Expo (SPX), the awards seek to elevate independent creators by recognizing contributions that innovate within the field, particularly those from small presses or self-published efforts. This focus stems from a commitment to fostering diversity in comics production, prioritizing quality and originality over mainstream commercial success. Central to the awards' recognition is exceptional work that "challenges popular notions of what can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression." They emphasize indie and , including graphic novels exceeding 48 pages, minicomics, online-first publications, and creator-owned projects, which often explore unconventional , styles, or formats. Categories such as , Outstanding Story, and target specific elements like integrated art-story execution, narrative prowess, and graphic skill, while Promising New Talent highlights emerging voices with fewer than five years in the industry. This selective emphasis underscores a goal of promoting boundary-pushing creativity that might otherwise be overlooked in larger publishing ecosystems. By naming the awards after Ignatz Mouse from George Herriman's —a seminal alternative strip known for its surrealism and subversion—the Ignatz embodies a dedication to the subversive roots of as a vehicle for individual vision over formulaic entertainment. Recognition is not extended to mainstream corporate titles unless creator-owned, ensuring the spotlight remains on self-directed or small-scale endeavors that demonstrate technical mastery and conceptual daring. This approach has consistently aimed to build a legacy of artistic validation for non-traditional works since the awards' in 1997.

Historical Development

Inception and Founding (1997)

The Ignatz Awards were established in 1997 as the premier recognition event of the Expo (SPX), an annual convention promoting self-published and independent creators. Launched to honor works that challenge established norms in cartooning and graphic storytelling, the awards specifically target and creator-owned projects over mainstream commercial successes. The name derives from Ignatz C. Mouse, the brick-throwing antagonist in George Herriman's (1913–1944), evoking themes of defiance and unorthodox expression central to . The awards' inception addressed a perceived need for dedicated accolades in the indie sector, distinct from broader industry honors like the Eisners, by emphasizing artistic risk-taking and innovation in minicomics, anthologies, and graphic novels produced outside major publishers. The first presentation took place at the 1997 SPX in , with categories including Outstanding Minicomic, Outstanding Story, and Outstanding Artist, selected by a jury of professionals. This founding aligned with SPX's mission since its start in 1995 to foster a marketplace and community for non-corporate voices in the medium.

Evolution Through the 2000s

During the early 2000s, the Ignatz Awards expanded their categories to accommodate emerging trends in independent comics publishing. In 2000, the Outstanding Debut Comic category was introduced specifically for works premiering at that year's Small Press Expo, with Dork #8 by winning the inaugural honor. This addition highlighted the awards' focus on fresh voices in small-press creation. The following year, 2001, saw the debut of the Outstanding Online Comic category, acknowledging the rise of digital formats amid the burgeoning webcomics scene. The awards were not presented in 2001 due to the cancellation of the Small Press Expo following the . Resuming in 2002, the program maintained its core structure of jury nominations followed by voting by expo attendees, fostering community engagement in selections. Categories such as Outstanding Artist and Outstanding Minicomic persisted, with winners like for Carnet de Voyage in 2004 underscoring recognition of personal, experimental narratives. A significant restructuring occurred in 2005, when the previous Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection category—covering both bound collections and longer-form works since 1997—was divided into three distinct honors: Outstanding for single issues or shorter serials, Outstanding for extended narratives, and Outstanding or Collection for multi-creator or reprinted works. This change allowed for more precise evaluation of diverse publishing formats, with Or Else #1 by Kevin Huizenga earning Outstanding that year. The Outstanding Debut category continued through 2008, further emphasizing innovation before its discontinuation. These evolutions reflected the awards' adaptation to the diversifying indie ecosystem, prioritizing small-press and self-published achievements without mainstream influence.

Changes in the 2010s and 2020s

In 2017, the Ignatz Awards split the existing Outstanding Anthology or Collection category into two distinct ones—Outstanding Anthology and Outstanding Collection—to more precisely honor collaborative versus curated collections of individual works, reflecting evolving formats in small-press . This adjustment allowed for targeted recognition amid growing submissions in anthology-style projects, such as Elements: Fire—An by Creators of Color. No further category modifications occurred through the late , maintaining a stable set of 10 awards focused on independent achievements. The 2020s brought procedural adaptations driven by external events, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Small Press Expo was canceled in June, prompting a virtual Ignatz Awards ceremony live-streamed on September 12 via the SPX YouTube channel, with nominees selected by jurors and winners determined by remote voter ballots. A similar virtual format persisted into 2021, as SPX opted for online events to sustain the awards amid ongoing restrictions. By 2022, the selection process evolved with a shift to fully remote voting via emailed ballots accessible to the public upon request, removing the prior emphasis on in-person SPX attendance for participation and broadening voter access beyond convention-goers. This digital update aligned with post-pandemic norms, enabling wider engagement while jurors continued nominating from eligible works published in the prior year. Subsequent years, including 2025, retained this emailed ballot system, with nominees announced mid-August and winners revealed at the in-person SPX ceremony on September 14. These changes preserved the awards' emphasis on small-press innovation without altering core eligibility or jury roles.

Recent Developments (2020–2025)

In response to the , the 2020 Expo (SPX) was canceled as an in-person event on June 4, 2020, with the Ignatz Awards transitioning to a fully virtual format; winners, including Ariel Ries for Cry Wolf Girl (Outstanding Comic) and Witchy (Promising New Talent), were announced via live stream on September 12. The 2021 edition similarly adopted a virtual SPX structure, with nominees selected by jurors and winners such as Lee Lai for Saltwater () revealed through a stream on September 18. The awards returned to an in-person ceremony at SPX in 2022, held September 10–11 at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel, though adaptations from the virtual period—including expanded online allowing broader in voting—were retained to enhance inclusivity. Subsequent years maintained this hybrid-influenced process, with in-person events continuing through 2025; for instance, the 2023 awards on September 9 highlighted works from diverse publishers like Black Josei Press, while 2024 emphasized Canadian indie output from . By 2025, self-published and small-press works gained prominence, as evidenced by multiple category wins for independent creators like Anders Nilsen (Outstanding Artist for Tongues Supplement #1 and Outstanding Collection) and Kayla E. for Precious Rubbish (), reflecting a trend toward greater recognition of non-traditional publishing models amid stable category structures. The awards ceremony occurred September 13 at SPX, underscoring the event's resilience post-pandemic without alterations to core eligibility, which requires works published between June 1 of the prior year and May 31 of the award year.

Award Categories

Current Categories

The Ignatz Awards currently encompass ten categories, recognizing diverse achievements in independent comics and cartooning, with eligibility limited to works published between June 1 of the prior year and May 31 of the award year. These categories emphasize innovation, artistic excellence, and storytelling within self-published or small-press formats, selected through nominations by comics professionals and public voting. Outstanding Anthology honors collections of comics by multiple contributors, often themed or curated around specific subjects, periods, or styles, highlighting collaborative efforts in alternative publishing. Outstanding Artist recognizes superior graphic execution and visual artistry by a single creator, focusing on technical skill in linework, composition, and stylistic innovation across comics projects. Outstanding Collection awards compilations of previously published short works by one cartoonist, rewarding cohesive retrospective presentations that demonstrate sustained creative output. Outstanding Comic celebrates the strongest integration of art and narrative in a single-issue, professionally produced comic, prioritizing floppy or periodical formats that exemplify concise, impactful storytelling. Outstanding Graphic Novel is given to substantial, previously unpublished original works exceeding 48 pages in a bound format, treated as unified narratives rather than episodic content. Outstanding Minicomic acknowledges self-published, non-professionally printed works such as one-shots or short series produced via methods like photocopying or , underscoring distribution and experimental forms. Outstanding Online Comic targets web-first publications with static or minimally animated panels, evaluating digital-native storytelling that leverages online platforms before any print iteration. Outstanding Series salutes ongoing publications maintaining high consistency in quality, innovation, and engagement over multiple installments. Outstanding Story identifies exceptional narrative craftsmanship within a comic, whether a standalone issue, one-shot, or segment from an , emphasizing plot structure, character development, and thematic depth. Promising New Talent spotlights emerging creators with limited professional experience—defined as no more than four years of formal training plus one year post-education—and excludes prior nominees, aiming to elevate fresh voices in the field.

Discontinued Categories

The Ignatz Awards initially included the category of Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection from their inception in 1997 through 2004, recognizing self-published or small-press works in longer formats regardless of binding or page count. This category was discontinued after the 2004 ceremony, with the awards committee restructuring it into two distinct categories—Outstanding Graphic Novel for bound, longer narratives typically exceeding standard comic length, and Outstanding Collection for reprinted or compiled shorter works—to provide more precise recognition amid growing diversity in independent publishing formats. Following the 2005 introduction of Outstanding Anthology or Collection, which honored edited compilations or grouped works from multiple contributors published between 2005 and 2016, the category underwent a similar . It was discontinued after 2016 and replaced by separate Outstanding Anthology and Outstanding Collection categories starting in , reflecting finer distinctions between collaborative and curated collections of an artist's prior output. These changes aligned with shifts in small-press production, where increasingly emphasized thematic curations and collections focused on archival republication. No additional categories have been fully discontinued without replacement, maintaining the awards' adaptability to indie ' expansion.

Selection Process

Jury Composition and Role

The Ignatz Awards jury comprises five professionals from the industry, selected annually to evaluate submissions for nomination. These jurors, often including creators, editors, or scholars with expertise in independent and small-press works, operate anonymously relative to one another during deliberations to minimize influence and ensure independent assessments. Jurors are explicitly barred from nominating their own works, a rule enforced to uphold . The jury's core function is to review eligible submissions—self-nominated works published between June 1 of the prior year and May 31 of the award year—and generate nominees across categories such as Outstanding Comic, Minicomic, and . This occurs via a structured two-pass process: initial rankings narrow the field, followed by final selections yielding up to five nominees per category (or more in case of ties). Nominations are announced publicly in mid-August, after which ballots are distributed for voting. While the jury determines the shortlists, final winners are chosen through public balloting open to Small Press Expo participants and others who request ballots, with results revealed at the annual ceremony during the Expo. This hybrid model balances expert curation with community input, though juror identities may be disclosed by organizers post-process in some years, as seen in 2025 announcements naming figures like Denis Kitchen and Carol Tilley.

Awards Committee Responsibilities

The Ignatz Awards Committee, administered under the Small Press Expo (SPX), oversees the logistical and preparatory aspects of the awards process, distinct from the independent jury's nomination role. Responsibilities include receiving and cataloging submissions, which encompass digital PDFs and physical copies sent to SPX's , address, ensuring eligibility based on publication dates from June 1 of the prior year to May 31 of the award year. The committee processes over 500 entries annually, organizing them by category such as or minicomic, and verifies compliance with rules like file size limits and category-specific criteria. A key duty involves facilitating self-nominations for select categories, notably Promising New Talent, where creators must notify the committee at least one month in advance of the deadline, excluding prior nominees to emphasize emerging talent. The committee also coordinates jury operations by selecting anonymous comic professionals, distributing submission materials while preserving juror identities, and compiling nominations into ballots released mid-to-late August for public voting via email, accessible to non-attendees. Additional responsibilities encompass managing voter ballots, tallying results from SPX attendees and online participants, and staging the awards ceremony during the annual expo, typically on Saturday evening, where winners receive brick-shaped trophies modeled after Ignatz from . Historical coordinators, such as (1999–2006) and Greg McElhatton (2007–2010), handled these tasks alongside committee members, evolving from a two-person team to broader oversight amid growing submissions. This administrative framework ensures efficient execution without influencing artistic judgments, prioritizing operational integrity over evaluative input.

Notable Recipients and Impact

Several recipients of the Ignatz Awards have achieved broader recognition in independent comics, leveraging their wins to advance innovative storytelling and formats. Craig Thompson's Blankets (2003) received the Outstanding Artist and Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection awards in 2004, marking a pivotal moment for autobiographical graphic memoirs that explored themes of adolescence and faith with unprecedented emotional depth and artistic ambition. James Kochalka earned multiple Ignatz Awards starting from the inaugural 1997 ceremony, including for his Sketchbook Diaries series, which exemplified daily autobiographical sketching and influenced the rise of webcomics and accessible, child-oriented indie work. Kevin Huizenga secured five Ignatz Awards, notably for his Ganges series, recognized for its experimental narrative structures blending mundane life with metaphysical inquiry, shaping subsequent indie anthologies and serialized comics. These winners contributed to elevating small-press work by demonstrating commercial viability beyond niche audiences; Thompson's Blankets sold over 500,000 copies by 2010, bridging indie aesthetics with mainstream appeal and inspiring a wave of graphic novels. Kochalka's awards underscored the viability of prolific, low-barrier digital output, as seen in his American Elf diary , which normalized real-time creator-audience engagement in the early . Huizenga's recognition highlighted formal experimentation, influencing creators like Noah Van Sciver in blending slice-of-life with philosophical abstraction, as evidenced by repeated nominations in overlapping categories. Over time, Ignatz winners reflect a shift from predominantly mini-comic formats in the late —emphasizing short-form, handmade zines—to longer graphic novels and collections by the , accommodating complex narratives like those in Charles Burns' , an Ignatz recipient for its body-horror innovation. Recent trends, particularly post-2020, show a surge in self-published entries, with 2025 winners including multiple self-published works across anthology, minicomic, and promising talent categories, signaling reduced reliance on traditional small presses amid accessible digital tools and . This evolution parallels broader indie comics' diversification, though awards continue prioritizing formal excellence over commercial metrics, with consistent emphasis on personal and experimental themes rather than genre tropes.

Contributions to Independent Comics

The Ignatz Awards, instituted in 1997 by the Small Press Expo, have elevated the profile of independent comics by annually recognizing creators and creator-owned projects that innovate within the medium. These awards spotlight works that push artistic boundaries, such as experimental narratives, minicomics, and personal expression unbound by commercial imperatives, thereby validating alternative approaches over mainstream tropes. By 2025, the program had honored hundreds of titles across categories like Outstanding Comic and Outstanding Minicomics, fostering a where self-publishers comprised a majority of nominees and winners in recent years. A core contribution lies in talent discovery: the awards function as a curation mechanism for librarians, retailers, and enthusiasts, highlighting up-and-coming artists whose output might otherwise remain niche. This exposure has translated into tangible career boosts, with recipients reporting rapid sell-outs of limited editions post-ceremony and expanded distribution opportunities. Early adoption of categories like Outstanding Online Comic in 2001 further integrated digital and web-based indie works into the canon, broadening the medium's accessibility before platforms like Kickstarter dominated self-publishing. Through jury-selected honorees—often emerging voices—the Ignatz has sustained a counter-narrative to corporate-dominated awards like the Eisners, emphasizing ' potential as art rather than mass entertainment. This focus has cumulatively reinforced indie ' cultural relevance, with over 25 years of ceremonies at SPX drawing thousands of attendees and amplifying underrepresented formats, from anthologies to graphic novels, in an industry historically skewed toward big publishers.

Controversies and Criticisms

Early Administrative Issues (1999)

In 1999, during the third annual Ignatz Awards ceremony at the Small Press Expo, nominated his self-published Liberty Meadows #1 (Insight Studios Group) in the categories of Outstanding and Outstanding , citing dissatisfaction with other nominees. 's entry ultimately won both awards, marking the first such instance of a self-nominating and securing victories in the program's brief . This action prompted immediate backlash within the independent community, which viewed it as a breach of and a undermining the awards' credibility as a peer-recognized honor for small-press creators. Critics argued that the absence of explicit guidelines barring jurors from promoting their own work exposed flaws in the early nomination process, where jurors collectively selected nominees before voting on winners. The controversy highlighted administrative oversights in establishing robust ethical protocols, particularly given the Ignatz's emphasis on celebrating underrepresented indie talent over mainstream or self-promotional entries. In response to the uproar, SPX organizers revised the awards' procedures to prohibit jurors from nominating their own projects, a rule implemented starting with subsequent years to prevent recurrence and restore trust in the mechanism. later acknowledged regret for the self-nomination, noting he did not cast the deciding votes but recognizing its divisive impact on the event's nascent reputation. This episode underscored the challenges of scaling a volunteer-driven, festival-based awards system amid growing participation and scrutiny.

Cultural and Ideological Clashes (2018)

In September 2018, during the Ignatz Awards ceremony at the Small Press Expo (SPX) in , cartoonist Ben Passmore sparked controversy while presenting the Outstanding Artist award. Passmore critiqued the persistence of problematic figures in comics history, stating, "A while ago someone like would be 'Outstanding,'" and adding, "fuck that dude," which elicited applause from parts of the audience alongside boos directed at the mention of . , a foundational artist whose work from the and featured satirical depictions of racial stereotypes, , and taboo subjects—such as the character and stories like "When the Niggers Take Over America!"—was not present but became the focal point of the backlash. The incident highlighted ideological tensions between the countercultural ethos of early underground comics, which prioritized unfiltered transgression and free expression, and the contemporary independent comics scene's emphasis on diversity, , and for offensive content. Critics of Crumb, including some attendees, argued his imagery perpetuated real-world and , with one observer noting that many 2018 Ignatz winners were women and minorities, amplifying sensitivities to such legacies. Defenders, such as publisher Gary Groth, contended that the booing reflected unfamiliarity with Crumb's satirical intent and warned of a generational shift opposing historically in favor of priorities. Online reactions intensified the debate, with Derf Backderf initially defending Crumb on before deleting his posts and issuing an apology, acknowledging elements of and in Crumb's oeuvre. Trina Robbins, who had long criticized Crumb's portrayals of women since the late , exemplified ongoing within the field, though some viewed the booing as an overreach against foundational influences that enabled the indie scene's existence. Passmore himself framed his comments as a call for ongoing , remarking, "Shit's not going to change on its own. You gotta keep on being annoying about it." This clash underscored broader divides in , where reverence for pioneers like Crumb coexists uneasily with demands for reevaluation through modern ethical lenses, contributing to discussions on cancel culture's impact on artistic legacies. Similar tensions surfaced elsewhere, such as the Independent Comics Expo's 2018 decision to remove Crumb's name from an exhibit space due to concerns over his work's alienating effects on diverse audiences. While the Ignatz Awards continued to celebrate innovative small-press work— with winners including Eleanor Davis for Why Art? and Iasmin Omar Ata for Mis(h)adra—the event exposed fault lines between historical free-speech absolutism and contemporary cultural norms.

Broader Critiques of Bias and Insularity

Critics of the Ignatz Awards have highlighted an apparent ideological bias favoring works that align with progressive themes of and , often sidelining creators or styles that do not conform to these norms. This perspective gained prominence following the 2018 Small Press Expo ceremony, where mentions of during acceptance speeches prompted boos from the audience and ignited online debates; attendees and commentators cited Crumb's historical depictions of women and minorities as irredeemably harmful, leading to defenses of his countercultural legacy being met with accusations of insensitivity. Such reactions, as reported in industry coverage, illustrate a community-driven reevaluation that prioritizes retrospective moral judgments over artistic provocation, with some observers attributing this to a broader shift in independent toward ideological conformity rather than unfiltered expression. The awards' outcomes reinforce perceptions of , as evidenced by the 2023 Ignatz where the overwhelming majority of recipients were persons of color, aligning with a pattern of emphasizing marginalized narratives in nominations and wins. selections, drawn predominantly from within the insular indie comics network, have been faulted for amplifying this trend; for instance, instances of self-nomination by judges, as occurred in prior years, raise questions about impartiality and the reinforcement of internal preferences. Insularity critiques focus on the self-referential structure of the Small Press Expo ecosystem, where jurors, nominees, and winners frequently overlap in a small cadre of creators and critics, fostering an that limits broader innovation. Industry commentators have warned that this closed-loop dynamic threatens the long-term viability of independent comics, with one stating that "the indie comics community will not be sustainable if it remains so insular." Empirical patterns, such as recurring nominations for minicomics from established circuits over outsider submissions, support claims of cliquishness, potentially marginalizing diverse artistic voices outside the dominant East Coast-centric scene. These structural issues, combined with ideological gatekeeping, are argued to undermine the awards' stated mission of recognizing works that "challenge popular notions," instead entrenching a narrow prevalent among self-publishers.

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