Dwayne McDuffie Award 2017 Nominee Shortlist Revealed
It’s not often that content creators are recognized for their work when they put a big spotlight on diversity in their comics, but with the introduction of the Dwayne McDuffie Award For Diversity in 2015, it’s been possible for at least 2 years.
This year’s nominees have officially been announced (via THR), along with a statement from the widowed Charlotte Fullerton McDuffie. Check it out:
“I am pleased to once again welcome another group of outstanding work and all of these remarkable creators to be forever associated with my late husband’s name, and I look forward to seeing where our 2017 nominees’ careers go from here. Everything they create from now on, they’ll do attached to Dwayne’s reputation for not just inclusiveness but excellence. Please continue to do him proud in all ways, always.”
Here’s the shortlist that’s been provided:
- Upgrade Soul by Ezra Claytan Daniels
- Shaft: Imitation of Life by David Walker and Dietrich Smith
- Amazing Forest by Ulises Farinas, Erick Freitas and more
- StarHammer by J. N. Monk and Harry Bogosian
- 14 Nights by Kristina Stipetic
For those who don’t know, the award is named after the late Dwayne McDuffie, and African American Comic Book writer, producer, and and editor. He’s mostly known for creating the popular animated series Static Shock, and producing Justice League Unlimited and Ben 10. McDuffie always felt that there was a lack of a multicultural presence within the comic book world, so he partnered with some like-minded people, and founded Milestone Media, which was considered by many as “The industry’s most successful minority-owned-and operated comic company.”
The fact that an award was named after him means that his work was very appreciated, and we’re all grateful that there is now a chance for comic books that do the very thing McDuffie had been preaching about to get awarded for it.
Source: THR
The winner of the 3rd Annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity In Comics will be revealed this Saturday, February 18th, at Long Beach Comic Expo in Long Beach, California.
