Fanbase Press’ coverage of the 2019 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards continues with the “Countdown to the Eisners” series. From Wednesday, May 29, through Wednesday, July 10, 2019, Fanbase Press will highlight each of the Eisner Awards’ 31 nomination categories, providing comic book industry members and readers alike the opportunity to learn more about the nominees and their work. Stay tuned for Fanbase Press’ continued coverage of the Eisner Awards, including live coverage of the ceremony at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 19.
One of the more recently created categories, the Best Digital Comic category has only been around since 2017, with only two winners so far being Bandette by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover and Harvey Kurtzman’s Marley’s Ghost by Harvey Kurtzman, Josh O’Neill, Shannon Wheeler, and Gideo Kendall.
Here are the 2019 Eisner Award nominees for the Best Digital Comic category:
Aztec Empire by Paul Guinan, Anina Bennett, and David Hahn
“Para estos artistas (Guinan y David Hahn), la historia de la Conquista está más viva que nunca.” — El País (Spain’s largest newspaper)
Aztec Empire is described by the creators as recounting “the dramatic fall of the mightiest empire in the Americas, only three years after the arrival of strangers from another world” and a “surreal adventure” that reads like a “fantasy epic.”
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The Führer and the Tramp by Sean McArdle, Jon Judy, and Dexter Wee
Pitting silent screen legend Charlie Chaplin against the leader of the Nazi Party Adolf Hitler by special assignment from FDR, this comic was inspired by the question: “What if Hitler tried to assassinate Charlie Chaplin when he made The Great Dictator?”
The comic also features guest appearances from famous figures of history such as Hedy Lamar, Errol Flynn, and Alfred Hitchcock.
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The Journey by Pablo Leon (Rewire)
The Journey is the story of an 11-year-old unaccompanied alien minor who is migrating from Guatemala alone to reunite with her parents in country she doesn’t know.
Leon has the following to say about his story: “This is the best time to put these particular narratives out there, [to help] people understand that things aren’t so simple. It’s not a happy story, and comics that tell similar narratives can help break down these walls and allow readers to empathize.”
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The Stone King by Kel McDonald and Tyler Crook (comiXology Originals)
Inspired by McDonald’s desire “for more adventure stories about flawed teenage girls,” The Stone King focuses on a young thief named Ave who’s “five-finger discount” eventually results in threats and danger for her home town.
The Stone King is part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle.
Click here to purchase.
Umami by Ken Niimura (Panel Syndicate)
“Brimming with fantasy, over-the-top zaniness, and deep-rooted friendship, Umami is a balm to the darkness that often permeates modern storytelling.” – Freak Sugar
This marks the first ongoing series from the I Kill Giants co-creator Ken Niimura.
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Stay tuned to the Fanbase Press website each day as we continue our “Countdown to the Eisners” coverage! Plus, follow Fanbase Press’ Facebook, Twitter (@Fanbase_Press), and Instagram (@fanbasepress) with the hashtag #FPSDCC to stay up to date on our SDCC and Eisner Awards updates, including a live-tweet of the 2019 Eisner Award Ceremony from the Hilton Bayfront Hotel at San Diego Comic-Con on the evening of Friday, July 19th!
