PAST AWARDS
The First Graphic Novel Competition was launched in 2012 by Myriad Editions and ran in 2014, 2018 and 2020. Myriad has published works by six shortlisted authors as well as the four winners. It has also published further books by the selected authors. Several entrants have now had their first graphic novels published by other publishers, too. In 2023 the competition was re-launched as the First Graphic Novel Award in partnership with SelfMadeHero and the Cartoon Museum.
2023 FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL AWARD
Award event hosted by Alex Fitch at Waterstones Piccadilly
Winner Alex Taylor Bone Broth (SelfMadeHero, forthcoming 2025)
Shortlisted
Anna Trench FlorrieMereida Farjardo Zayani Zam
Cathy Brett Mrs Thornber
Corban Wilkin The Infinite Benefits of Shame
Graham Cowlin The Hiraeth Club Mereida Farjardo Zayani Zam Myfanwy Tristram The Noisy Valley
Judges Alex Fitch, Ayoola Solarin, Corinne Pearlman, Emma Hayley, Mzark Wallinger, Sabba Khan, Steve Marchant
2020 MYRIAD FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL COMPETITION
Award event hosted online by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival
Winner Veronika Muchitsch Cyberman (Myriad,2022)
Shortlisted
Anthony Smith and Tobias Taitt Black (Soaring Penguin, 2021)
Denise Dorrance Polar Vortex (New River, 2023)
Ed Firth Chillout (Horny & High, Vols 1 & 2, 2022)
Myfanwy Tristram Satin & Tat
Pete Shearn Missing People
Pietro Soldi Everything I Ever Knew Is On Earth
Judges Zoe Adjonyoh, Julie Tait, Sacha Craddock, Ian Williams, Corinne Pearlman
2018 MYRIAD FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL COMPETITION
Award event hosted by Alex Fitch at Hodge Jones & Allen solicitors
Winner Jenny Robins Biscuits (Myriad, 2020)
Shortlisted
Anna Trench Ezra Stoneleigh
Clarrie and Blanche Pope Welcome Home (Minor Compositions, 2022)
Cathy Brett Who Killed Jo-Jo
Sabba Khan The Roles We Play (Myriad, 2021)
Sarah Ushurhe Persevere
Zara Slattery Coma (Myriad, 2021)
Judges: Kate Evans, Martin Rowson, Wei Ming Kam, Sarah Shaffi, Corinne Pearlman
2014 MYRIAD FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL COMPETITION
Award event hosted by Corinne Pearlman at the British Library
Winner Jade Sarson For the Love of God, Marie!
Shortlisted
Francesca Cassavetti Panic Attacks
Jessica Martin Elsie Harris Picture Palace (Miwk, 2015)
Henny Beaumont Hole in The Heart (Myriad, 2016)
Robert Wells Sack, Crack & Back (& Brain) (Robinson, 2017)
Wallis Eates Mumoirs
Judges Andy Oliver, Meg Rosoff, Nicola Streeten, Woodrow Phoenix, Corinne Pearlman
2012 MYRIAD FIRST GRAPHIC NOVEL COMPETITION
Award event hosted by Paul Gravett at the University of Sussex
Winner Gareth Brookes The Black Project (Myriad, 2013)
Shortlisted
Adam Blackman & Dylan Shipley A Rat’s Tale
Con Chrisoulis Dryland
Hannah Eaton Naming Monsters (Myriad, 2013)
Ian Williams The Bad Doctor (Myriad, 2014)
Paula Knight The Facts of Life (Myriad, 2017)
Tom Eglington Amber Sands
Judges
Bryan Talbot, Ed Hillyer, Hannah Berry, Ian Rankin, Steve Bell, Corinne Pearlman
For more information about the Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition 2012-2020 read here.