First Graphic Novel Award Winner Announced – Alexander Taylor’s ‘Bone Broth’
by Richard Bruton
From 170 entrants, this years’ First Graphic Novel Award narrowed it down to the six on the shortlist and then down to one winner, announced last week – Alexander Taylor (azbt) winning with Bone Broth.
In a month where there’s been quite a lot of rubbish talked about comics dying (short answer, nope, they’re not), it’s a pleasure to be able to talk about an award that’s all about shining a light on the best new talents in comics, thanks to the First Graphic Novel Awards.
There were a grand total of 170 entrants, that’s 170 great comic makers out there. It was narrowed down to a long list and then a short list of seven, before the judges picked the eventual winner, Alex Taylor (azbt).
Full details in the First Graphic Novel press release below, but Alex’s entry was an extract from his first graphic novel, Bone Broth, a coming of age queer story set in a ramen shop, which he has now an option for publication through SelfMadeHero. And Emma Hayley, founder of SelfMadeHero, who will work with Alex to publish the completed book, says of Bone Broth:
“The fun and colourful art style belies the intricate plot lines of this coming-of-age queer thriller set in a ramen shop. Crafted with vigour and spirit, the creator takes us on a somewhat crazy yet wonderful journey that is tasty from beginning to end.”
Here’s the PR for the award…
“Alex Taylor, (also known as azbt), is a queer visual artist living in London, working in illustration, painting, digital art, comics, zines, and film. An extract from his first graphic novel, BONE BROTH, has just won the First Graphic Novel Award 2023.
The winner was revealed at a ceremony held at Waterstones Piccadilly on 11 December, where the seven shortlisted entrants showed their work. Corinne Pearlman, award director, and founder of the prize, said: ‘The diversity of subject matter as well as the talent and effort displayed by all 171 entrants has been truly remarkable. The strength of our longlist as well as our shortlist shows the wealth of comic talent in the UK.’
Judges included Turner prize winner Mark Wallinger, and graphic novelist Sabba Khan, who read between 15 and 30 pages of the works-in-progress ranging from graphic fiction and non-fiction, graphic reportage and memoir.
Alex Taylor was also awarded a cash prize of £500 by The bks Agency, whose agent James Spackman read and gave feedback to all longlisted authors.
The six other artists on the shortlist were:
• Anna Trench FLORRIE
• Gareth Cowlin THE HIRAETH CLUB
• Cathy Brett MRS THORWALD
• Mereida Fajardo ZAYANI ZAM
• Myfanwy Tristram THE NOISY VALLEY
• Corban Wilkin THE INFINITE BENEFITS OF SHAME
The seven judges are artist and graphic novelist Sabba Khan; contemporary artist Mark Wallinger, Cartoon Museum Learning Officer Steve Marchant, editor and writer Ayoola Solarin, broadcast journalist Alex Fitch, SelfMadeHero publisher Emma Hayley and award director Corinne Pearlman.
The award is open to artists, writers and comic creators who are UK residents and have not had a longform graphic novel commercially published before. The award is a partnership between the Cartoon Museum, publisher SelfMadeHero and award founder Corinne Pearlman.”
