The whispers have become a roar. The ballots are cast, the votes tallied. The Eisner Awards, comics’ most prestigious accolades, are gearing up for another momentous celebration.
2025 Eisner Award Nominees: A Snapshot of the Industry’s Best
The 2025 nominees for the Eisner Awards, the comic book industry’s highest honor, have been revealed today. It’s been an incredible year for comics, and this is always a great opportunity to look back at everything that came out and all that was accomplished. Take a look at all the nominees below:
The Eisner Awards for 2024 have revealed the nominees this year, with comics artists, writers, and publishers being honored by the biggest awards show in comics. With 32 categories representing 150 print and online titles over 50 publishers, there’s plenty to be grateful for. As the old adage goes, it’s an honor just to be nominated.
Image and DC received the most nominations with Image getting 17 (plus 8 shared) and DC with 13 (plus 8 shared). Fantagraphics was third most with 11 nominees. IDW follows these publishers with 9 nominations (plus 4 shared). Check out all the nominees below.
Image and DC Dominate
The 2025 nominations highlight the continued strength of Image Comics and DC, each securing a significant number of nods. This dominance reflects the consistent quality and innovation these publishers bring to the forefront of the comics industry. Image Comics, known for its creator-owned titles and willingness to push creative boundaries, garnered a substantial number of nominations, showcasing its commitment to diverse storytelling and artistic experimentation.
DC, a powerhouse in the industry, also received a considerable number of nominations, demonstrating its enduring legacy and its ability to attract top talent.
Indie Powerhouse
Fantagraphics, with its focus on independent voices and alternative storytelling, holds a strong presence in the nominations. This underscores the growing importance of independent publishers in shaping the future of comics. Fantagraphics has long been a champion of groundbreaking and experimental work, providing a platform for creators who challenge conventions and explore unconventional themes.
Storytelling Triumphs
The 2025 Eisner nominees span a wide range of genres, showcasing the diversity and richness of the comics medium.
Short Story Gems
The Best Short Story category showcases the power of concise narratives, with each nominee offering a unique and compelling glimpse into diverse characters and worlds. These nominees demonstrate the art of storytelling in its purest form, crafting impactful narratives within a limited space.
These nominees offer a glimpse into the vibrant and evolving landscape of the comics industry. Each nomination represents a testament to the creativity, talent, and dedication of the individuals who bring these stories to life.
2025 Eisner Award Nominees Announced
The comic book industry’s highest honor, the Eisner Awards, has revealed its nominees for this year. With 32 categories representing 150 print and online titles over 50 publishers, the list is a testament to the diversity and creativity of the medium.
Unionjournalism takes a closer look at the nominees, highlighting the standout titles and creators in each category.
2025 Eisner Award Nominees by Category
- Best Short Story
- Best Single Issue/One-Shot
- Best Continuing Series
- Best Limited Series
- Best New Series
- Best Publication For Early Readers
- Best Publication For Kids
- Best Publication For Teens
- Best Humor Publication
2025 Eisner Award Nominees: Limited Series Spotlight
The Best Limited Series category shines a light on stories with a defined arc and impactful conclusions. These nominees demonstrate the ability to deliver complete narratives within a shorter format.
Nominees
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern by Tim Sheridan and Cian Tormey (DC)
Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross (BOOM! Studios)
The Deviant by James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson (Image)
Helen of Wyndhorn by Tom King and Bilquis Evely (Dark Horse)
Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade (BOOM! Studios)
Zatanna: Bring Down the House by Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez (DC)
Analysis
These nominees showcase a range of storytelling styles, from superhero origin stories to darker, more complex tales. The Limited Series category highlights the ability of comics to deliver complete narratives within a shorter format.
2025 Eisner Award Nominees: Continuing Narratives
The Best Continuing Series nominees reflect ongoing stories that have captivated readers with their complex characters, intricate plots, and engaging world-building.
Nominees
The Department of Truth by James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds (Image)
Detective Comics by Ram V, Tom Taylor, Riccardo Federici, Stefano Raffaele, Javier Fernandez, Christian Duce, March, and Mikel JanÃn (DC)
Fantastic Four by Ryan North, Carlos Gomez, Ivan Fiorelli, and others (Marvel)
Santos Sisters by Greg & Fake, Graham Smith, Dave Landsberger, and Marc Koprinarov (Floating World)
Ultimate Spider-Man by Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto (Marvel)
Wonder Woman by Tom King and Daniel Sampere (DC)
Analysis
These nominees demonstrate the ability of ongoing series to build complex stories and world-building. The Continuing Series category highlights the dedication of creators to ongoing narratives.
2025 Eisner Award Nominees: Reaching New Readers
The Eisner Awards recognize the importance of nurturing a love for comics from a young age. The Best Publication For Early Readers category highlights the importance of engaging stories and vibrant illustrations.
Nominees
Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (Annick Press)
Club Microbe by Elise Gravel, translated by Montana Kane (Drawn & Quarterly)
Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain by Luke Pearson (Flying Eye)
Night Stories by Liniers (Astra Books)
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider (Chronicle Books)
Analysis
These nominees showcase the importance of engaging stories and vibrant illustrations for young readers. The Publication For Early Readers category highlights the ability of comics to spark imagination and introduce new audiences to the medium.
2025 Eisner Award Nominees: Humor and Heart
The Best Humor Publication category celebrates the ability of comics to make us laugh and lighten our mood. These nominees offer a range of comedic styles, from witty observations to absurd scenarios.
Nominees
Adulthood is a Gift! by Sarah Andersen (Andrews McMeel)
Forces of Nature by Edward Steed (Drawn & Quarterly)
Kids Are Still Weird by Jeffrey Brown (NBM)
A Pillbug Story by Allison Conway (Black Panel Press)
Analysis
These nominees demonstrate the ability of comics to deliver humor and heart. The Humor Publication category highlights the importance of comedy in the medium.
Conclusion
The 2025 Eisner Award nominees have been announced, and the comic book community is abuzz with excitement. According to AIPT, this year’s list boasts an impressive range of talented creators, with standout titles like ‘The Death of Doctor Strange’ and ‘Far Sector’ vying for top honors. The nominees’ diverse backgrounds and innovative storytelling approaches are a testament to the medium’s evolving nature, pushing the boundaries of what comic books can achieve.
As we reflect on the nominees, it’s clear that the Eisner Awards have become a benchmark for excellence in the comic book industry. The significance of this recognition extends beyond the art world, as it celebrates the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and challenge societal norms. The implications of these nominations are far-reaching, with potential ripple effects on the industry’s future trajectory. As we move forward, we can expect to see a continued shift towards greater diversity, representation, and experimentation in the medium.
The 2025 Eisner Awards represent a milestone in the ongoing evolution of comic books, and the nominees are poised to shape the future of this dynamic medium. As we celebrate these talented creators and their groundbreaking work, we are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling to captivate, inspire, and transform. The Eisner Awards serve as a beacon, shining a light on the best of what comic books have to offer, and illuminating the possibilities that lie ahead.