The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards—commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards—recognize outstanding creative achievement in American comic books. Often called the “Oscars of comics,” the Eisners are widely regarded as the medium’s most prestigious and influential honors. The first awards were conferred in 1988 (for works published in 1987) and, since 1991, the ceremony has been a centerpiece of San Diego Comic‑Con.
Infobox: Eisner Awards
| Awarded for | Creative achievement in American comic books |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| First awarded | 1988 (honoring works from 1987) |
| Named for | Will Eisner (1917–2005), pioneering cartoonist and writer |
| Venue | San Diego Comic‑Con (annual ceremony since 1991) |
| Administrator | Awards administrator Jackie Estrada (since 1990) |
| Nominations | Selected by a 5–6 member jury (typically including a retailer, a librarian (since 2005), an academic, and other experts) |
| Voting | By qualified comics professionals |
| Number of categories | As of 2021, 32 categories |
Overview
Named in honor of creator Will Eisner, the awards celebrate excellence across writing, art, editing, publishing, archival work, and more. While the Eisners focus on work published in the United States, they include categories that recognize international material and adaptations. The program also honors long‑term contributions to the field through special citations presented during the ceremony at San Diego Comic‑Con.
History
- 1987 — The Kirby Awards are discontinued, prompting industry leaders to envision a successor.
- 1988 — The inaugural Eisner Awards and the Harvey Awards launch in the same year, both responding to the Kirby discontinuation. The first Eisners recognize comics from 1987.
- 1990 — No ceremony or awards are issued due to balloting and administrative difficulties. Awards administration changes hands; Jackie Estrada becomes administrator from 1990 onward.
- 1991–present — The Eisner Awards ceremony becomes a permanent fixture of San Diego Comic‑Con, drawing creators, publishers, retailers, librarians, academics, and fans.
- 2006 — The Eisner Awards archives are designated to be housed at the James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Eligibility, Jurying, and Voting
Eligibility generally covers works published in the prior calendar year (Jan 1–Dec 31), with category‑specific nuances (e.g., archival/reprint editions, international material published in U.S. editions). A jury of five to six rotating members—commonly including a comics retailer, a librarian (formally added since 2005), an academic researcher/critic, and one or more creators/editors—reviews submissions and compiles a shortlist of nominees.
Submission & review. Publishers, creators, editors, and publicists may submit entries; the jury may also consider notable works not formally submitted. Jurors read widely, verify eligibility (publication date, category fit, crediting), and may request clarifications from submitters. Conflicts of interest are handled by recusal from discussion/voting on affected entries.
Balloting. Final voting is conducted by comics professionals through a secure ballot. Eligible voters typically include writers, artists, letterers, colorists, cover artists, editors, publishers, designers, librarians, academics, retailers, and journalists covering comics. One verified ballot per voter; administrators tabulate results, and ties—while rare—are possible.
Timeline & announcement. Calls for entries generally open in late fall/early winter; nominees are announced in the spring; voting runs into early summer; winners are revealed live at the Comic‑Con ceremony. Categories may be refined periodically to reflect changes in the medium (e.g., digital/webcomics, memoir, archival distinctions), and crediting aims to recognize all principal contributors on winning works.
Categories
As of 2021, awards are presented in 32 categories. Current categories include:
- Best Short Story (1993–present)
- Best Single Issue/One‑Shot (1988–2008; 2010–present)
- Best Continuing Series (1988–present)
- Best Limited Series (1988–present)
- Best New Series (1988–present)
- Best Publication for Early Readers (2012–present)
- Best Publication for Kids (2008–present)
- Best Publication for Teens (2008–present)
- Best Humor Publication (1992–present)
- Best Anthology (1992–present)
- Best Reality‑Based Work (2006–present)
- Best Graphic Memoir (2021–present)
- Best Graphic Album — New (1991–present)
- Best Graphic Album — Reprint (1991–present)
- Best Adaptation from Another Medium (2013–2014; 2016; 2018–present)
- Best U.S. Edition of International Material (1998–present)
- Best U.S. Edition of International Material — Asia (2010–present)
- Best Archival Collection/Project — Strips (2006–present)
- Best Archival Collection/Project — Comic Books (2006–present)
- Best Writer (1988–present)
- Best Writer/Artist (1988–present)
- Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team (1994–present)
- Best Painter/Digital Artist (1993–2011; 2013–present)
- Best Cover Artist (for multiple covers) (1992–present)
- Best Coloring (1992–present)
- Best Lettering (1993–present)
- Best Comics‑Related Periodical/Journalism (2008–present)
- Best Comics‑Related Book (1992–present)
- Best Academic/Scholarly Work (2012–present)
- Best Publication Design (1993–present)
- Best Digital Comic (2005–present)
- Best Webcomic (2017–present)
Discontinued or Retired Categories
- Best Graphic Album (1988–1989)
- Best Art Team (1988–1989)
- Best Black‑and‑White Series (1988–1991)
- Best Editor (1992–1999)
- Best Comics‑Related Product/Item (1992; 1994–2002)
- Best Comics‑Related Periodical/Publication (1992–2000; 2002–2007)
- Best Archival Collection/Project (1993–2005)
- Best Serialized Story (1993–2006)
- Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition (1995–2006)
- Best Writer/Artist — Humor (1995–2008)
- Best Title for Younger Readers / Best Comics Publication for a Younger Audience (1996–2007)
- Best Writer/Artist — Drama (1997–2008)
- Best Comics‑Related Sculpted Figures (1999)
- Best Comics‑Related Publication (Periodical or Book) (2003)
- Best U.S. Edition of International Material — Japan (2007–2009)
- Special Recognition (2007–2008)
- Best Writer/Artist — Nonfiction (2010)
- Best Adaptation from Another Work (2010–2011)
Ceremony and Presentation
The Eisner Awards gala takes place during San Diego Comic‑Con and typically includes an emcee’s opening, presenter‑led category blocks, brief acceptance speeches, and special segments such as Hall of Fame inductions and other citations (e.g., lifetime or humanitarian recognitions). Presenters are often past winners, editors, librarians, retailers, or noted creators. Winners receive the distinctive globe‑topped Eisner statuette and are photographed for press coverage. Seating is prioritized for nominees, publishers, and media, with additional seats usually available to Comic‑Con badge holders while capacity lasts. Nominees and winners span major publishers and indie presses, and the program shines a spotlight on emerging creators, archival scholarship, international voices, and design/production craft that might otherwise be overlooked.
Archives and Documentation
In 2006, the Eisner Awards archives were designated for the James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where they are stewarded by Special Collections and Archives in partnership with Comic-Con International. The collection supports scholarly access to programs and souvenir books, press releases and publicity kits, photographs, ceremony scripts and ephemera, and other primary materials documenting the awards’ development and impact. Access is typically provided in the reading room (often by appointment), with periodic accruals and ongoing description; selected items may be digitized and described in online finding aids to support remote research.
Relationship to Other Comics Awards
- Harvey Awards — Launched in 1988, the same year as the Eisners, and likewise rooted in the end of the Kirby Awards.
- Inkpot Award — A San Diego Comic‑Con honor recognizing contributions across comics and pop culture.
- Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award — Also presented at Comic‑Con, highlighting rising talent.
- Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing — Honors veteran writers with significant legacies.
Other notable awards in the field include the Alley Award, Eagle Award, GLAAD Media Award (Outstanding Comic Book), Ignatz Award, Inkwell Awards, National Comics Award, Ringo Award, and Shazam Award.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Eisner Awards
1. What are the Eisner Awards?
The Eisner Awards, or Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, are prestigious honors recognizing creative excellence in American comic books. Often likened to the Academy Awards for the comics industry, they encompass various categories celebrating outstanding achievements.
2. Who is Will Eisner?
Will Eisner, a pioneering writer and artist, is the awards’ namesake. A key figure in the comics industry, his legacy is commemorated through these awards.
3. How are nominations determined?
Nominations are curated by a five- to six-member jury, including professionals from diverse backgrounds such as comics retail, librarianship, academia, and other comics experts.
4. When and where is the Eisner Award ceremony held?
The award ceremony occurs annually at the San Diego Comic-Con, typically on a Friday night since 1991.
5. What categories do the Eisner Awards cover?
As of 2021, 32 award categories range from Best Short Story to Best Digital Comic. Categories evolve to reflect the dynamic landscape of the comics industry.
6. Are there past Eisner Award categories?
Yes, the awards have changed over the years. Past categories include Best Title for Younger Readers, Best Black-and-White Series, and Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition.
7. What is the significance of the Eisner Awards in the comics industry?
Considered highly prestigious, the Eisner Awards acknowledge and celebrate outstanding contributions to the comic book medium, shaping industry standards and recognizing talent deserving of accolades.
8. Is there a hall of fame associated with the Eisner Awards?
Yes, the Eisner Awards include the Comic Industry’s Hall of Fame, honoring individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the comic medium.
9. Where can I find more information about the Eisner Awards?
For the latest updates, nominees, and details about the Eisner Awards, visit the official website or follow announcements during the annual San Diego Comic-Con.
10. Why are the Eisners called the “Oscars of comics”?
Due to their prestige, breadth of categories, professional voting base, and visibility at San Diego Comic‑Con.
11. Who decides the nominees and winners?
A jury (5–6 members) selects nominees; comics professionals vote for the winners.
12. When did the Eisners start?
1988, replacing the discontinued Kirby Awards; the ceremony has been at SDCC since 1991.
13. How many categories are there?
As of 2021, 32.
14. Where are the archives?
At Virginia Commonwealth University, James Branch Cabell Library.
