Shortlist Judges

Semi-retired School Librarian, Home Educator and Excelsior Awards Founder/Organiser

Favourite ever graphic novel: "V for Vendetta" by Alan Moore and David Lloyd

Favourite comics character: Captain America

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "The Odyssey" by Gareth Hinds (and Homer)

Faculty Librarian at Lancaster University and board member of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival

Favourite ever graphic novel: "Fatale" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips

Favourite comics character: Rogue, or Gambit… no, Rogue... no, Gambit… damn it!

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "Giant" by Mollie Ray

Children’s Librarian and Comics Specialist at Peters Books & Furniture

Favourite ever graphic novel: "Batman: The Long Halloween" by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Favourite comics character: Judge Dredd

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "Dadbot" by Jack Noel

Robin and Lawrence ("Lorenzo") Etherington are British comics creators who work together as The Etherington Brothers, Robin writing and Lorenzo illustrating.

Favourite ever graphic novel: "Asterix the Legionary" by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzos

Favourite comics character: Usagi Yojimbo

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "Unfairies" by Huw Aaron

Learning Resource Manager at Kings Langley School

Favourite ever graphic novel: "The Man" by Raymond Briggs

Favourite comics character: Squirrel Girl

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "A Fire Story" by Brian Fies

Daughter of Excelsior Award Founder and Comics Enthusiast

Favourite ever graphic novel: "Tamsin and The Dark" by Neill Cameron

Favourite comics character: Moon Knight

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "Night of the Living Deadpool" by Cullen Bunn and Ramon Rosanos

Director of Seven Hills Crafts and Comics Expert

Favourite ever graphic novel: "Watchmen" by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

Favourite comics character: Kevin Matchstick

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "Chivalry" by Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran

Comics Podcaster and Senior Programme Manager at National Literacy Trust

Favourite ever graphic novel: "I Love This Part” by Tilly Walden

Favourite comics character: Stupid Philosophy Penguin from "Mega Robo Bros"

Best graphic novel/manga/comic read so far this year: "Anzu and the Realm of Darkness” by Mai K. Nguyen