The winners of the 2018 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, presented during Comic Con in San Diego, can be seen here. A special congratulations to Marjorie Liu--co-creator with artist Sana Takeda of Image Comics' fantasy epic Monstress--who became the first woman to win the best-writer honor. The Washington Post reported that this year's Eisner Awards "were largely a celebration of women being recognized as strongly as ever at what’s commonly called 'the Oscars of comics.' "
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Laura Purcell won the £10,000 (about $13,125) Thumping Good Read Award for her novel The Silent Companions. The Bookseller reported that the prize, "which re-launched this summer after a 15-year gap, was judged by authors Jojo Moyes and Peter James." In addition to the cash award, Purcell's book will be promoted in all WH Smith stores throughout summer.
"Such a smart and varied group of books, over a range of genres, gave us great pleasure but made judging very hard," said James. "But it was The Silent Companions that ultimately shone, for originality, for the sheer quality of the writing, the characters and some masterly chills. A great ghost story for all seasons. A thumping good read!”
Moyes added: "I loved getting to read the Thumping Good Reads, and, like Peter James, felt The Silent Companions was an extraordinary, memorable and truly haunting book. I'm so glad the public thought so too."