The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, are awards for creative achievement in American comic books. They are regarded as the most prestigious and significant awards in the comic industry, often referred to as the industry's equivalent to the Academy Awards.[1][2]
| Eisner Awards | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Awarded for | Creative achievement in American comic books |
| Location | San Diego Comic-Con |
| Country | United States |
| First awarded | 1988 |
| Website | www |
The first Eisners were conferred in 1988, for works published in 1987. The Eisner Awards ceremony has been held at San Diego Comic-Con every year since 1991.[3] The awards are named in honor of pioneering writer and artist Will Eisner, who was a regular participant in the ceremony until his death in 2005.[4]
The nominations in each category are generated by a five to six-member jury, then voted on by comic book professionals. The jury often consists of at least one comics retailer, one librarian (since 2005), and one academic researcher, among other comic experts. As of 2021[update], awards are presented in 32 categories.
The Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards were first conferred in 1988, both created in response to the discontinuation of the Kirby Awards in 1987.[4] Dave Olbrich started the non-profit organization.[3]
There was no Eisner Awards ceremony, or awards distributed, in 1990, due to widespread balloting mix-ups.[5] The previous administrator, Dave Olbrich, left the position,[5] and Jackie Estrada has been the award administrator since 1990.[3] The Eisner Awards ceremony has been held at San Diego Comic-Con every year since 1991.[3]
In 2006, it was announced that the archives of the Eisner Awards would be housed at the James Branch Cabell Library of Virginia Commonwealth UniversityinRichmond, Virginia.[6]
The Eisner Awards are awarded in the following categories:
As of 2021[update], awards are presented in 32 categories for works published in 2020.[7]
Other comic-related awards given at San Diego Comic-Con:
Other comics-related awards:
Librarians also can consult ... the Eisner Awards, which have had a Best Digital Comic entry since 2005