The winners were selected by a committee of industry voices: creators, librarians, publishing professionals, and retailers. This year, the results were announced during New York Comic Con. There are six categories of awards for works, as well as a hall of fame for creators. Without further adieu, let’s get into the best comics of 2020, according to the Harvey Awards!
Book of the Year
“Best long-form graphic novel or collection that demonstrating excellence in writing, art or cartooning showcasing great representation of the form.” Other nominees:
The Book Tour by Andi Watson Cyclopedia Exotica by Aminder Dhaliwal Department of Truth, Vol 1: The End Of The World by James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds Heaven No Hell by Michael DeForge Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio by Derf Backderf Monsters by Barry Windsor-Smith Stone Fruit by Lee Lai Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen: Who Killed Jimmy Olsen? by Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber Save It For Later: Promises, Protest and Parenthood by Nate Powell
Digital Book of the Year
“Best comic or collection originally presented in a digital format.” Other nominees:
Adora and The Distance by Marc Bernardin and Ariela Kristantina Crisis Zone by Simon Hanselmann Cyclopedia Exotica by Aminder Dhaliwal Friday by Ed Brubaker and Marcos Martin
Best Children or Young Adult Book
“Best long-form original graphic novel or collection presented for younger audiences.“ Other nominees:
Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter Class Act by Jerry Craft Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
Best Manga
“Best single manga of the year translated in to English.” Other nominees:
Asadora! by Naoki Urasawa Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku Remina by Junji Ito Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo
Best International Book
“Best international material translated in to English.“ Other nominees:
The City of Belgium by Brecht Evans, translated by Brecht Evans Factory Summers by Guy Delisle, translated by Helge Dascher and Rob Aspinall Paul At Home by Michel Rabagliati, translated by Helge Dascher and Rob Aspinall The Winter of the Cartoonist by Paco Roca, translated by Andrea Rosenberg
Best Adaptation from Comic Book/Graphic Novel
“Best adaptation to another medium of a work originally presented as a graphic novel, trade collection or comic book.” Other nominees:
Hall of Fame
The Harvey Awards also inducted several creators into their Hall of Fame this year, “Honoring creators who have had a distinguished career or impact on the medium for over two decades.” The new additions to the Hall of Fame are Rumiko Takahashi, Bernie Wrightson, Jeffrey Catherine Jones, Barry Windsor-Smith, and Michael Kaluta. You might also be interested in the winners of the 2021 Eisner Awards!
