The nominations for the 2025 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards have been revealed, and manga is making a strong showing! Several titles have been nominated in various categories, highlighting the increasing recognition and appreciation of manga within the broader comics industry. Often dubbed the “Oscars” of the comic book world, the Eisner Awards celebrate the best and most innovative works in the field. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony held on July 25 at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel during San Diego Comic-Con.
Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia
A significant portion of the manga nominations falls under the “Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia” category. This category specifically recognizes the efforts of publishers in bringing translated manga to English-speaking audiences. The nominees in this category are:
- Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba, translated by Asa Yonola (Kodansha)
- Hereditary Triangle by Fumiya Hayashi, translated by Alethea and Athena Nibley (Yen Press)
- Kagurabachi, vol. 1 by Takeru Hokazono, translated by Camellia Nieh (VIZ Media)
- Last Quarter, vol. 1 by Ai Yazawa, translated by Max Greenway (VIZ Media)
- Search and Destroy vol. 1 by Atsushi Kaneko, based on the work of Osamu Tezuka, translated by Ben Applegate (Fantagraphics)
- Tokyo These Days, vols. 1–3 by Taiyo Matsumoto, translated by Michael Arias (VIZ Media)
A Closer Look at the Nominees
Let’s delve deeper into each of these nominated manga:
Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow
Ashita no Joe is a classic boxing manga created by Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba. Originally serialized from 1968 to 1973, it follows the story of Joe Yabuki, an orphaned young man who rises through the ranks of the boxing world. Known for its gritty realism and emotional depth, Ashita no Joe has had a lasting impact on Japanese popular culture. The nominated edition represents a recent effort to reintroduce this seminal work to a new generation of readers.
Kagurabachi
Kagurabachi is a more recent manga series by Takeru Hokazono. It has quickly gained popularity for its dark fantasy setting and action-packed storyline. The story revolves around Chihiro Rokuhira, who seeks revenge after his father, a famous swordsmith, is brutally murdered. Kagurabachi has garnered significant attention, with its first volume selling over 1.3 million copies.
Tokyo These Days
Tokyo These Days is a manga series written and illustrated by Taiyo Matsumoto. Matsumoto, an Eisner Award winner, explores the relationships between manga editors, manga creators, art, and the rhythm of life in contemporary Tokyo. The series follows Kazuo Shiozawa, a manga editor who quits his job after 30 years, but finds himself drawn back into the manga world. Tokyo These Days offers a poignant and introspective look into the lives of those involved in the creation of manga.
Other Nominees
The other nominees in this category, Hereditary Triangle, Last Quarter, and Search and Destroy, represent a diverse range of manga styles and genres. Hereditary Triangle is a story by Fumiya Hayashi. Ai Yazawa’s Last Quarter also received a nomination. Search and Destroy, by Atsushi Kaneko, is based on Osamu Tezuka’s Dororo.
Other Manga Nominated
Besides the “Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia” category, manga also received nominations in other categories:
- My Journey to Her by Yūna Hirasawa (Kodansha) is nominated for Best Digital Comic.
- X-Men: The Manga Remastered (Viz Media), with work by Hirofumi Ichikawa, Hiroshi Higuchi, Kōji Yasue, Miyako Cojima, Rei Nakahara, and Reiji Hagiwara, edited by David Brothers and designed by Fawn Lau, is nominated for Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books.
Other Notable Nominations
The Eisner Awards also recognize outstanding work in various other categories. Some notable nominations include:
- Best Short Story: “Spaces,” by Phil Jimenez, in DC Pride 2024 #1 (DC)
- Best Continuing Series: Detective Comics, by Ram V, Tom Taylor, Riccardo Federici, Stefano Raffaele, Javier Fernandez, Christian Duce, March, and Mikel Janín (DC); Wonder Woman, by Tom King and Daniel Sampere (DC)
- Best New Series: Absolute Batman, by Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta (DC); Absolute Wonder Woman, by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman (DC)
- Best Limited Series: Alan Scott: The Green Lantern, by Tim Sheridan and Cian Tormey (DC); Helen of Wyndhorn, by Tom King and Bilquis Evely (Dark Horse); Zatanna: Bring Down the House, by Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez (DC)
- Best Graphic Album—Reprint: Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience, by Kelly Goto and Sam Goto (Chin Music Press)
Individuals with Multiple Nominations
Several individuals have received multiple nominations this year, including Tom King, who has four nominations, and Leela Corman, Bilquis Evely, Emil Ferris, LeUyen Pham, Ram V, Javier Rodriguez, Olivier Schrauwen, James Tynion IV, Gene Luen Yang, and Quentin Zuttion, who each have three nominations.
About the Eisner Awards
The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are presented each year to recognize creative achievements in the comic book industry. Named after Will Eisner, a pioneering cartoonist, writer, and entrepreneur, the awards are given out in multiple categories and are considered one of the highest honors in the North American comic book industry. The nominees are chosen by a panel of judges, and the winners are selected by professionals in the comic book industry. The Eisner Awards have been celebrating and highlighting the best publications and creators in comics and graphic novels for 37 years. The 2025 Eisner Awards judging panel includes Robert V. Conte, Kacy Helwick, Meg Lemke, Eitan Manhoff, and Rocco Versaci. Voting for the awards is open to industry professionals until June 5, and the awards ceremony will be held on July 25 at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront Hotel during Comic-Con.
