L.A. Times Book Prize Adds Graphic Novel Category
This year’s Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalists include a list of five graphic novels, a first in the award’s thirty year history. The inclusion of graphic novels is highlighted enthusiastically in their announcement, and rightfully so. The five finalists represent a strong selection of titles, from journalistic nonfiction Joe Sacco’s Footnotes in Gaza to the fan-favorite Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe.
It is particularly pleasing to see Taiyo Matsumoto’s GoGo Monster on the list, as often manga is left off of U.S. awards lists unless recognized in a separate category. The mix of publishers, from the more independent comics publishers like Fantagraphics (Luba) and Oni Press (Scott Pilgrim) to the mainstream book publishers like Random House’s Pantheon (Asterios Polyp), also represents the diversity of current graphic novel publishing. Noticeably absent are any mainstream comics titles from any of the major publishers including Marvel or DC Comics.
A graphic novel also appears in the Young Adult category; Shaun Tan’s Tales from Outer Suburbia.
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