TheWill Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to theEisner Awards, are awards for creative achievement in Americancomic books. They are regarded as the most prestigious and significant awards in the comic industry and often referred to as the industry's equivalent of theAcademy Awards.[1][2]
The first Eisners were conferred in 1988, for works published in 1987. The Eisner Awards ceremony has been held atSan Diego Comic-Con every year since 1991.[3] The awards are named in honor of pioneeringcartoonist and writerWill Eisner, who was a regular participant in the ceremony until his death in 2005.[4]
The nominations in each category are generated by a five- to six-member jury, then voted on by comic book professionals. The jury often consists of at least one comics retailer, one librarian (since 2005), and one academic researcher, among other comic experts. As of 2021[update], awards are presented in 32 categories.
The Eisner Awards andHarvey Awards were first conferred in 1988, both created in response to the discontinuation of theKirby Awards in 1987.[4]Dave Olbrich started the non-profit organization.[3]
There was no Eisner Awards ceremony, or awards distributed, in 1990, due to widespread balloting mix-ups.[5] The previous administrator, Dave Olbrich, left the position,[5] andJackie Estrada has been the award administrator since 1990.[3] The Eisner Awards ceremony has been held atSan Diego Comic-Con every year since 1991.[3]
