Nominations are now open for the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, which honors a comics retailer who has supported the comics medium both locally and in the larger community.
Anyone can make a nomination, and any retail store that has been in business for two years or more is eligible to be nominated. The deadline for nominations is April 23. Previous winners are eligible if they have been under new management for at least two years or if at least 10 years have elapsed since the previous award. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and the award is presented during the Eisner Awards ceremony at Comic-Con International in San Diego. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for July 22. The ballot is available on the Comic-Con website.
The judging criteria are as follows:
- Support of a wide variety of innovative material. Providing opportunities for creators’ material to reach buyers; stocking a diverse inventory.
- Knowledge. Working to stay informed on retailing as well as on the comics field.
- Community activity. Promoting comics to the community; maintaining relationships with schools and libraries; keeping active in social, business, and arts community organizations.
- Quality of store image. Innovative display approaches; using store design creatively.
- Adherence to standard ethical business practices.
Last year’s winner was the Laughing Ogre of Columbus, Ohio (see “Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award Winner 2021”).
Source: ICv2
