Diamond Comic Distributors is proud to announce the winners of the 2009 Diamond Gem Awards, recognized within the comic book industry as the pinnacle of sales achievement for comic book artists, writers, publishers, and industry executives who work in one of America's most unique art forms.
“The ‘Gemmies’ are a fantastic opportunity for comic book retailers to honor suppliers and products that helped their businesses remain strong, despite a challenging economy,” said Diamond President and CEO Steve Geppi. “We congratulate the 2009 Gem Award winners, who truly deserve this recognition, and look forward to many more years of excellence from these and all of the valued publishers and suppliers that keep our industry growing.”
After being unseated by Marvel Comics last year, DC Comics regained the Comic Book Publisher of the Year award in 2009 for the multi-million dollar comic book specialty market. DC also took home the most Gem Awards with ten, most notably winning Comic Book of the Year Under $3.00 for Batman and Robin #1, Comic Book of the Year Over $3.00 for Blackest Night #1, and Trade Paperback of the Year for perennial bestseller, The Watchmen TP.
“The long and supportive relationship between DC and the direct market is exemplified by these ten Gem Awards, and we thank the retailers for the recognition, and all they do to connect our comics with our readers,” said DC Comics President and Publisher Paul Levitz.
“Outstanding! Ten Gem Awards!” added DC Vice President of Sales Bob Wayne. “A big thank you from everyone at DC to our partners in the retail community. Thanks for your continued support.”
Dark Horse Comics’ Buffy the Vampire Slayer hit a double-header for the Oregon-based publisher, with issue #22 awarded Licensed Comic of the Year and the Season 8 TP Volume 4: Time of Your Life winning Licensed TP of the Year.
Other publishers also fared well, with BOOM! Studios recognized as Comic Book Publisher of the Year (Under 4%) and VIZ Media as Manga Publisher of the Year. In the category of Original Graphic Novel of the Year, IDW Publishing’s bestselling Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter HC took home the prize.
The Gem Awards are selected in a three-step process that is based on quality, creativity, and their overall sales impact. Nominees were selected by a panel of Diamond industry professionals from all products shipped in 2009 and then voted on by the most critical segment that serves the comic book-buying public—comic book specialty retailers across the U.S. and abroad.
And The Winners are...
| 2009 Diamond Gem Award Suppliers of the Year | ||||
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2009 Comic Book Publisher of the Year |
2009 Backlist Publisher of the Year |
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2009 Manga Publisher of the Year |
2009 Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year |
2009 Non-Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year |
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2009 Game Manufacturer of the Year |
2009 Toy Manufacturer of the Year |
2009 Video Manufacturer of the Year |
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This information will also be presented in the Diamond Dialogue 2009 Annual, which is scheduled to arrive in shops on February 10.
