Among the comics awarded at theEisner Awards— the “Oscars” of American comics, awarded since 1988 — the biggest winners areSandman,Maus,WatchmenetSaga. This tier list ranks award-winning works according to the extent of their critical recognition and their posterity. All have actually won one or more Eisners; the facts are verified, without invented odds.
The Eisner Awards, named after Will Eisner, have rewarded the best in American comics every year since 1988. Being there is a rare guarantee of quality. This tier list brings togethertruly award-winning works, classified according to the weight of their prize list and the imprint they have left. The criterion is critical recognition combined with posterity.
Editorial ranks, awardsverified. Reading guide, no purchase.
Tier S: the monuments on the list
The Sandmanwon numerous Eisners and was the first comic to win a World Fantasy Award.Mausaccumulated the Pulitzer and recognition of the profession.Watchmentriumphed from the first Eisner in 1988.Sagais the great Eisner machine of the 2010 decade, repeatedly crowned in major categories.
Tier A: award-winning classics
Boneby Jeff Smith is one of the most awarded series in Eisner history.Fun HomeetBlanketsimposed the graphic memoir at the highest level (Blankets won three Eisners in 2004). AndY: The Last Manconfirms the talent of Brian K. Vaughan on the awards side.
Tier B: recognized excellence
Hawkeyeby Matt Fraction and David Aja was awarded for its graphic audacity.Ex Machina,100 BulletsetMarch(the memoir of MP John Lewis on civil rights) complete this tier: three works praised by the profession in very different registers.
Tier C: winners to (re)discover
Locke & Key(Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez),The Umbrella Academy(Eisner for best finished series in 2008) andBlack Holeby Charles Burns closes this selection: remarkable winners, a notch below the peaks, but all validated by the jury.
To remember
- An Eisner is a guarantee of qualityrecognized by the entire profession since 1988.
- The list goes beyond superheroes:memoirs, fantasy, adventure for all audiences.
- Some works combineEisner and literary prizes (Maus, Fun Home).
- Most are available in complete collections.
Frequently asked questions
These are the major annual awards in American comics, presented since 1988 and named after author Will Eisner. They are nicknamed the “Oscars of comics”.
Several series dominate the historical charts, includingBoneetSandman. Saga established itself as the big winner of the 2010s in the main categories.
No. An Eisner rewards quality, not rarity. Most of these titles can be found in moderately priced collections; their value is above all cultural.
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