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Harvey Awards 2026 Nominations Announced

Chad Burdette

By Chad Burdette

 on 

The Harvey Awards have unveiled the nominees and open voting for the 2026 Harvey Awards to be held at New York Comic Con this October.

 

‘he Harvey Awards are honored to unveil the nominees and open voting for the 2026 Harvey Awards at New York Comic Con. Voting is open to industry professionals from July 7th, 2026 through August 28th, 2026.

The Harveys recognize the year’s top achievements in comic book and graphic novel publishing across seven categories:

Founded in 1988 and named for the visionary writer/artist/editor Harvey Kurtzman, the annual Harvey Awards have helped guide readers, retailers, librarians, and educators to hundreds of essential comics and graphic novels for almost four decades.

Nellie Kurtzman, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair, said in the press release with the nominations:

“My father believed early on that comics deserved to be taken seriously as art—art that could change how people see the world.

Every one of these nominees carries that forward. They’re books that entertain you, challenge you, surprise you, and stick with you long after the last page.” 

Harvey Kurtzman (1924–1993) was one of the most influential creators in comics history. Best known as the creator of MAD, he revolutionized American satire while proving comics could shape popular culture in profound and lasting ways.

Presented annually since 1988, the Harvey Awards honor his enduring legacy by recognizing the year’s finest achievements in comics and graphic storytelling and celebrating the books that define the medium at its very best.

Since 2017, the Harvey Awards Steering Committee has been co-chaired by Nellie Kurtzman, John Lind, and Chip Mosher.

The Harvey Awards nominations committee, which votes on the nomination ballot, comprises select creators, publishers, retailers, educators, and librarians.

The annual Harvey Awards ceremony will take place on October 9, 2026, at the Javits Center during New York Comic Con, and the live event will be hosted by Brad and Lisa Gullickson, of the Comic Book Couples Counseling podcast.

Book of the Year Nominees

The Harvey Awards’ highest honor recognizes the year’s best work, in an effort to help guide readers, retailers, librarians, and educators to essential titles.

John Lind, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair said:

“Book of the Year makes the Harvey Awards unique. If someone asks which comics they absolutely have to read this year—these nominees are the answer.”

 

 

Digital Book of the Year Nominees


This category honors creators who are redefining publishing through digital-first storytelling and innovation.

Nellie Kurtzman, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair:

“Digital comics continue to establish where and how great stories can be told. This category recognizes those pushing the medium into exciting new territory while reaching readers across the globe.” 

Best Children’s Book Nominees


This category honors outstanding comics and graphic novels that inspire young readers through imaginative storytelling, memorable characters, and accessible adventures.

“Kids who grow up with comics become readers for life. There’s something about seeing a story unfold in pictures that pulls a kid in differently than text alone—and these books do exactly that,” – Nellie Kurtzman, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair.

Best Young Adult Book Nominees

This category recognizes exceptional graphic novels and comics that engage YA readers through compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes.

“YA graphic novels continue to tackle life’s biggest questions with honesty, sophistication, and artistry. They’re among the most important books published today,” – Chip Mosher, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair.

 

Best Manga Nominees


This category celebrates the artistry and storytelling of manga, honoring the works and creators carrying one of the world’s most influential comics traditions to readers everywhere.

“Manga continues to influence creators, readers, and storytellers around the world. These nominees represent extraordinary craftsmanship and show why manga remains one of the most dynamic forces in global publishing,” – Chip Mosher, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair.

 

Best International Book Nominees

This category recognizes outstanding comics and graphic novels from around the world, spotlighting the creators and stories expanding the medium beyond borders and languages.

“The five nominees for Best International Book showcase the power of sequential art and its ability to communicate across geography and culture in a way few other art forms can,” – John Lind, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair.

 

Best Adaptation from Comic Book/Graphic Novel Nominees


This category recognizes comics’ ongoing influence on television, film, streaming, and interactive entertainment.

“My father’s work on MAD challenged and changed pop culture, proving comics could shape and influence television, film, and comedy.

Today’s Best Adaptation category celebrates the remarkable fact that, for decades, comic books have continued to have an outsized influence on mainstream popular culture, because this medium continuously produces extraordinary and unforgettable characters and stories,” – Nellie Kurtzman, Harvey Awards Steering Committee Co-Chair.

 

Additional announcements regarding this year’s Harvey Awards Hall of Fame class to follow.

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