Fanbase Press’ coverage of the 2018 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards continues with the “Countdown to the Eisners” series. From Monday, June 4, through Friday, July 13, 2018, 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 20.
Only a category since 2006, the award for Best Reality-Based Work has been given to titles such as Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, Hip Hop Family Tree Vol. 2 by Ed Piskor, and March: Book Two and Three by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell.
Here are the 2018 Eisner Award nominees for the Best Reality-Based Work category:
Audubon: On the Wings of the World, by Fabien Grolleau and Jerémie Royer, translated by Etienne Gilfillan (Nobrow)
“Grolleau & Royer have created a beautiful tribute to one of America’s first voices for conservation. For any student of history or lover of the natural world, setting aside an hour or two to experience this book will be well worth the time.”
—Historical Novel Society
As described on the publisher’s website, “Audubon’s seminal work, The Birds of America, is considered one of the finest masterpieces of natural history and art. This embellished graphic novel, based on Audubon’s own retellings, not only captures the spirit of early America’s unexplored wilderness but also the rise of this exceptional artist to become one of the greatest natural historians ever.”
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The Best We Could Do, by Thi Bui (Abrams ComicArts)
“In creatively telling a complicated story with the kind of feeling words alone rarely relay, The Best We Could Do does the very best that comics can do. This is a necessary, ever-timely story to share far and wide.” – Booklist
“A powerful and intimate look at the modern immigrant experience in America.” – ICv2
From debut author Thi Bui, The Best We Could Do depicts the journey Bui’s family must take to escape their war-torn country after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s. The Best We Could Do has received many accolades and awards, including being a finalist for the 2017 National Book Critics Circle, an ALA 2018 Notable Books Selection, and more.
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Calamity Jane: The Calamitous Life of Martha Jane Cannary, 1852–1903, by Christian Perrissin and Matthieu Blanchin, translated by Diana Schutz and Brandon Kander (IDW)
“As a mature-readers supplement to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books, this Angoulême Award winner makes a splendid volume for those interested in the Old West, women’s history, and American history of the 1800s.” – Library Journal
The true tale of one of the most famous and iconic figures of the wild, wild West, Calamity Jane tells the story of its legendary namesake, “where the living wasn’t so easy… especially for women.” This edition represents the first time the volume has been presented in English.
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Lennon: The New York Years, by David Foenkinos, Corbeyran, and Horne, translated by Ivanka Hahnenberger (IDW)
“For those who remember/appreciate the man, his music, or the era of which he was so iconic, this is a fascinating study of one of the most significant artists of an era.” –ComicWow.tv
Adapting Foenkinos’ novel into the graphic novel medium, Lennon: The New York Years focuses on the legendary musician’s life in New York City from 1975 until the time of his very famous and tragic murder. This title is described by the publisher as the chance to “relive the defining moments and experiences that shaped pop music’s–and popular culture’s–most influential voice.”
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Spinning by Tillie Walden (First Second)
“These books can help build strong girls—and boys—for today’s world” – Washington Post
Named as one of New York City Public Library’s Notable Best Book for Teens and a Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017, Spinning is a memoir chronicling her adolescent experiences as young figure skater. As the publisher’s website explains, Walden’s powerful graphic memoir “captures what it’s like to come of age, come out, and come to terms with leaving behind everything you used to know.”
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Stay tuned to the Fanbase Press website tomorrow 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 2018 Eisner Award Ceremony from the Hilton Bayfront Hotel at San Diego Comic-Con on the evening of Friday, July 20th!
