This prize celebrates storytelling in comic book style. The winning entry will demonstrate a deft and dynamic combination of words and images that deliver a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Criteria

• Storytelling: A captivating story with a strong beginning, well-crafted and paced plot and satisfying ending 

• Visual impact: Style and quality of illustrations; innovative and/or effective use of imagery, colour, panels and other elements to engage the reader and combine with the text to drive the narrative forwards.

• Characters: Compelling and convincing characters

• World: Whether rooted in reality or steeped in fantasy, the combination of words and pictures creates a rich, immersive and believable world that draws the reader in. 

• Design and layout: Clear, well composed pages, designed for readability and accessible to those who are new to graphic novels.

• Originality e.g. of plot/ world/ character/ style/ perspective

• Suitability: Themes, content, images and language that are appropriate and understandable for their intended audience.

• Diversity and respectful representation: People and experiences are portrayed authentically and with sensitivity, without stereotyping, generalising or trivialising..

• Impact: A pleasurable reading experience overall that leaves a lasting impression