2026 Glyph Comics Awards Announce Winners, Celebrating Diversity and Excellence in Comic Arts

The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) has officially unveiled the distinguished recipients of the 2026 Glyph Comics Awards, a prestigious ceremony dedicated to honoring exceptional achievements in comics created by, for, and about people of color. This year’s awards underscore the vibrant and expanding landscape of comic arts, recognizing the profound creativity, visionary storytelling, and artistic prowess that continue to shape the industry. The ECBACC, a cornerstone organization for fostering and promoting Black culture within the comic book medium, proudly celebrated the works that have not only entertained but also inspired and broadened the horizons of diverse voices.

Established to provide a platform for underrepresented creators and narratives, the Glyph Comics Awards have become a significant benchmark in the comic book world since their inception. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of stories and artistic styles emerging from communities of color, acknowledging the vital contributions these creators make to the global comic book canon. The 2026 ceremony, hosted by ECBACC, continues this tradition, highlighting a diverse array of talent across multiple categories, from captivating narratives to striking visual presentations.

Story of the Year: A Narrative Triumph

The coveted Story of the Year award is a testament to the most compelling and impactful narrative within the nominated works. This year, the honor was bestowed upon ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH, a monumental achievement by writer and artist Oludare Oredipe. This win signifies a powerful recognition of Oredipe’s ability to weave a rich and resonant story, likely drawing from cultural heritage and presenting it through the dynamic medium of comics. The nominated works in this category showcased a broad spectrum of genres and themes, reflecting the depth and breadth of storytelling talent within the community.

Among the other strong contenders for Story of the Year were:

• CELESTIAL EYES VOLUME 2: THE SECOND CYCLE by John Uche (writer) and Francis Goodluck (artist), suggesting a continuation of an epic saga.
• CODE VULCAN: CHAPTER ZERO by Tyrel Jackson (writer) and Rafy Odita (artist), hinting at a high-octane, possibly sci-fi or action-packed narrative.
• CRASH CART by Ebony Toussaint (writer) and Robert Aultman (artist), a title that evokes a sense of urgency or perhaps a medical drama.
• THE DIARY OF THE STRAY DOGS VOLUME 1 by Nigel Lynch (writer) and Juan Carlos Francisco (artist), indicating a potential coming-of-age story or a tale of lost souls.
• DISTURBIN’ THE PEACE by Michael Sales (writer) and artists Randolph Williams, Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall, Vivian Williams, and Daniel Strickland, a collaborative effort promising a complex and perhaps socially conscious narrative.
• FUMES #1 by M’Shai Dash and Greg Burnham (writers) with art by Tiah Ankum and Tahilla Ankum, suggesting a debut issue with potentially gritty or atmospheric themes.
• HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE by Greg Anderson Elysée (writer) and David Brame (artist), a compelling fusion of folklore and science fiction.
• HOUNDS AND JACKALS by Owoade Ifeoluwa (writer and artist), a solo effort highlighting a singular vision.
• MAIL ORDER MONSTER by Orlando Harding, Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland (writers) with art by James ‘Doodle’ Lyle, hinting at a whimsical or perhaps genre-bending story.
• NINJA EMPIRE ISSUE 1 by Bryan ‘Kaiser’ Tillman (writer and artist), pointing to an action-packed martial arts adventure.
• NINJANIKO #1 by Nekoe Smith (writer) and Michael Magallanes (artist), suggesting a fresh take on the ninja genre.
• ORISHA VOL. 1 by Huzayfa Umar (Zayf) (writer and artist), another promising solo endeavor exploring potentially mythic themes.
• PAWNSHOP by LindoYes (writer) and artists Jaz Malone and Javon McKoy, hinting at stories found in unexpected places.
• RISE OF THE MAFU by Gerald Vreden (writer) and Hakim Rafai (artist), a title that suggests an epic rise to power or a significant transformation.
• SPIRIT THE WOMAN OF HOPE #2 by H.W. Peete (writer) and Dino Agor (artist), a likely character-driven narrative with a focus on resilience.
• SPOOF STREETZ (BIG MA AND WILDIN OUT ZOMBIES) by Jeff Carroll (writer) and Jorge Luis Gabotto (artist), a title that promises humor and horror.
• TEZRA #3: TOXIC PART 2 by CJ McWillis (writer and artist), indicating a continuation of a serialized story with potentially mature themes.
• WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY by John Uche, Lord Blue, and Cuisel Peach (writers) with art by Stone Otor, Francis Goodluck, Lord Blue, Jeremiah Abah, and Gabriel Onche, a collection of diverse stories offering a broad creative scope.

The selection of Oludare Oredipe’s ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH for Story of the Year is a significant endorsement of his narrative craft. This award, more than just a recognition of a single comic, signifies the power of stories that delve into cultural roots and present them with artistic integrity and compelling storytelling.

Visual Excellence: Best Cover and Best Artist

The visual artistry of comics was celebrated through the Best Cover and Best Artist awards. The Best Cover award was presented to RISE OF THE MAFU, with Gerald Vreden as writer and Hakim Rafai as artist. This win highlights Rafai’s exceptional ability to create an arresting and memorable image that effectively draws readers into the world of the comic. A captivating cover is often the first point of contact for potential readers, and this award acknowledges its crucial role in marketing and artistic impact.

The nominees for Best Cover included:

• CODE VULCAN: CHAPTER ZERO by Tyrel Jackson (writer) and Rafy Odita (artist)
• THE DIARY OF THE STRAY DOGS VOLUME 1 by Nigel Lynch (writer) and Matthew Clarke (artist)
• FUMES #1 by M’Shai Dash, Greg Burnham (writers) and Tiah Ankum, Tahilla Ankum, Canaan White, DeyVision (artists)
• HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE by Greg Anderson Elysée (writer) and David Brame (artist)
• HOUNDS AND JACKALS by Owoade Ifeoluwa (writer and artist)
• MAIL ORDER MONSTER by Orlando Harding, Greg Erb, Jason Oremland (writers) and Rafael Lanhellas (artist)
• NINJA EMPIRE ISSUE 1 by Bryan ‘Kaiser’ Tillman (writer and artist)
• NINJANIKO #1 by Nekoe Smith (writer) and Michael Magallanes (artist)
• ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH by Oludare Oredipe (writer and artist)
• ORISHA VOL. 1 by Huzayfa Umar (Zayf) (writer and artist)
• PAWNSHOP by LindoYes (writer) and James E Walker (artist)
• SPOOF STREETZ by Jeff Carroll (writer) and Jorge Luis Gabotto (artist)
• WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY by John Uche, Lord Blue, Cuisel Peach (writers) and Erivic Adedayo (artist)

Complementing the recognition for cover art, the Best Artist award was also given to Hakim Rafai for RISE OF THE MAFU. This dual win for Rafai underscores his comprehensive artistic talent, demonstrating his mastery not only in creating impactful cover imagery but also in delivering compelling interior artwork that supports the narrative. The nominees for Best Artist represented a diverse range of artistic styles and techniques, all contributing to the rich visual language of comics.

The nominees for Best Artist included:

• Erivic Adedayo, Stone Otor, Francis Goodluck, Lord Blue, Jeremiah Abah, Gabriel Onche for WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY
• Dino Agor for SPIRIT THE WOMAN OF HOPE #2
• Tiah Ankum, Tahilla Ankum, Canaan White, DeyVision for FUMES #1
• David Brame for HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE
• Matthew Clarke, Juan Carlos Francisco for THE DIARY OF THE STRAY DOGS VOLUME 1
• Jorge Luis Gabotto for SPOOF STREETZ (BIG MA AND WILDIN OUT ZOMBIES)
• George Gant for BEWARE OF TODDLER
• Owoade Ifeoluwa for HOUNDS AND JACKALS
• Michael Magallanes for NINJANIKO #1
• CJ McWillis for TEZRA #3: TOXIC PART 2
• Odunze Oguguo, Eddy Frye, Morganne Walker, Jey Odin, Raymond Brown, Oscar Fong, Issaka Galadima for SATURDAY WARS: THE MANGA MULTIVERSE CROSSOVER
• Ricardo Oliver for KYLE FLEX MYTHICAL VENOM
• Oludare Oredipe for ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH
• Bryan ‘Kaiser’ Tillman for NINJA EMPIRE ISSUE 1
• Ese Tuggen, Randolph Williams, Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall, Vivian Williams, Daniel Strickland for DISTURBIN’ THE PEACE
• Huzayfa Umar (Zayf) for ORISHA VOL. 1

The consistent recognition of RISE OF THE MAFU across both cover and artist categories speaks volumes about the visual cohesion and quality of this work, highlighting the collaborative synergy between writer Gerald Vreden and artist Hakim Rafai.

Crafting Worlds: Best Writer and Character Recognition

The narrative architects behind these comic universes were celebrated in the Best Writer category. The award for Best Writer was presented to Gerald Vreden for his work on RISE OF THE MAFU. This accolade further solidifies Vreden’s significant contribution to the winning project, underscoring his skill in developing compelling plots, engaging dialogue, and memorable character arcs.

The esteemed nominees for Best Writer included:

• Jeff Carroll for SPOOF STREETZ
• M’Shai Dash and Greg Burnham for FUMES #1
• Greg Anderson Elysée for HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE
• George Gant for BEWARE OF TODDLER
• Orlando Harding, Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland for MAIL ORDER MONSTER
• Owoade Ifeoluwa for HOUNDS AND JACKALS
• Tyrel Jackson for CODE VULCAN: CHAPTER ZERO
• LindoYes for PAWNSHOP
• Nigel Lynch for THE DIARY OF THE STRAY DOGS VOLUME 1
• Oludare Oredipe for ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH
• H.W. Peete for SPIRIT THE WOMAN OF HOPE #2
• Michael Sales for DISTURBIN’ THE PEACE
• Jared Sams for SPACE NEGRO – THE LAST NEGRO: THE BIG BLACK CLIMAX
• Nekoe Smith for NINJANIKO #1
• Bryan ‘Kaiser’ Tillman for NINJA EMPIRE ISSUE 1
• Ebony Toussaint for CRASH CART
• John Uche, Lord Blue, and Cuisel Peach for WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY
• John Uche for CELESTIAL EYES VOLUME 2: THE SECOND CYCLE
• Huzayfa Umar (Zayf) for ORISHA VOL. 1

Beyond the overall narrative and artistic contributions, the Glyph Awards also recognized the power of individual characters. The Best Male Character award went to Dwayne ‘Dady’ Glover from BEWARE OF TODDLER, created by writer and artist George Gant. This award celebrates a character who resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, likely due to their compelling personality, development, or impact within their story.

Nominees for Best Male Character included:

• Reuben Abiola (also known as ‘SP’) in HOUNDS AND JACKALS by Owoade Ifeoluwa
• Aboki in ORISHA VOL. 1 by Huzayfa Umar (Zayf)
• Mupha Bawen in WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY by John Uche, Lord Blue, Cuisel Peach (writers) and Stone Otor, Francis Goodluck, Lord Blue, Jeremiah Abah, Gabriel Onche (artists)
• Jake/Captain Cold in THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN COLD by Leo J. Neal (son) and Chris Neal (dad) (writers) and Leo J. Neal (artist)
• Kyrie Jackson (Black Recluse) in KYLE FLEX MYTHICAL VENOM by KJ FROM CALI (writer) and Ricardo Oliver (artist)
• John Henry of Root in HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE by Greg Anderson Elysée (writer) and David Brame (artist)
• Xander Schwarz aka the Black Dragon in NINJA EMPIRE ISSUE 1 by Bryan ‘Kaiser’ Tillman (writer and artist)
• Niko Smith aka NinjaNiko in NINJANIKO #1 by Nekoe Smith (writer) and Michael Magallanes (artist)
• Sotunde: The Wanderer of the White Cloth in ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH by Oludare Oredipe (writer and artist)
• Gerald Vreden in RISE OF THE MAFU by Gerald Vreden (writer) and Hakim Rafai (artist)

The Best Female Character award was presented to Shani Belcourt from THE DIARY OF THE STRAY DOGS VOLUME 1, written by Nigel Lynch and illustrated by Juan Carlos Francisco. This recognition highlights the importance of well-developed and impactful female characters in storytelling, celebrating their contributions to the narrative and their resonance with readers.

The nominees for Best Female Character were:

• Big Sis in ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH by Oludare Oredipe (writer and artist)
• Ava ‘The Toddler’ Glover in BEWARE OF TODDLER by George Gant (writer and artist)
• Onnwanuju in CELESTIAL EYES VOLUME 2: THE SECOND CYCLE by John Uche (writer) and Francis Goodluck (artist)
• Nefertiti Raynes in DISTURBIN’ THE PEACE by Michael Sales (writer) and Randolph Williams, Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall, Vivian Williams, Daniel Strickland (artists)
• Spirit in SPIRIT THE WOMAN OF HOPE #2 by H.W. Peete (writer) and Dino Agor (artist)
• Yeulah Sumpter in FUMES #1 by M’Shai Dash, Greg Burnham (writers) and Tiah Ankum, Tahilla Ankum (artists)
• Sydney in MAIL ORDER MONSTER by Orlando Harding, Greg Erb, Jason Oremland (writers) and James ‘Doodle’ Lyle (artist)
• Wanda Vreden in RISE OF THE MAFU by Gerald Vreden (writer) and Hakim Rafai (artist)

Emerging Talent and Fan Favorites

The future of comic creation was spotlighted with the Rising Star Award, which celebrated emerging talent poised to make significant contributions to the industry. This year, the award was earned by Oludare Oredipe for his work on ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH. This award acknowledges Oredipe’s exceptional promise and the quality of his output, marking him as a significant voice to watch in the coming years.

The nominees for the Rising Star Award represented a strong cohort of up-and-coming creators:

• M’Shai Dash, Greg Burnham (writers) and Tiah Ankum, Tahilla Ankum (artists) for FUMES #1
• Owoade Ifeoluwa (writer and artist) for HOUNDS AND JACKALS
• Tyrel Jackson (writer) and Rafy Odita (artist) for CODE VULCAN: CHAPTER ZERO
• LindoYes (writer) and Jaz Malone, Javon McKoy (artists) for PAWNSHOP
• Nigel Lynch (writer) and Juan Carlos Francisco (artist) for THE DIARY OF THE STRAY DOGS VOLUME 1
• CJ McWillis (writer and artist) for TEZRA #3: TOXIC PART 2
• Leo J. Neal (son), Chris Neal (dad) (writers) and Leo J. Neal (artist) for THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN COLD
• H.W. Peete (writer) and Dino Agor (artist) for SPIRIT THE WOMAN OF HOPE #2
• Michael Sales (writer) and Randolph Williams, Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall, Vivian Williams, Daniel Strickland (artists) for DISTURBIN’ THE PEACE
• Jared Sams (writer and artist) for SPACE NEGRO – THE LAST NEGRO: THE BIG BLACK CLIMAX
• Nekoe Smith (writer) and Michael Magallanes (artist) for NINJANIKO #1
• Ebony Toussaint (writer) and Robert Aultman (artist) for CRASH CART
• John Uche, Lord Blue, Cuisel Peach (writers) and Stone Otor, Francis Goodluck, Lord Blue, Jeremiah Abah, Gabriel Onche (artists) for WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY
• Huzayfa Umar (Zayf) (writer and artist) for ORISHA VOL. 1
• Gerald Vreden (writer) and Hakim Rafai (artist) for RISE OF THE MAFU

The Best Comic Strip or Webcomic award recognized excellence in serialized digital and print content. This year, the honor went to RISE OF THE MAFU, again highlighting the comprehensive success of this particular title. This award signifies the growing importance of webcomics and comic strips as platforms for storytelling and artistic expression.

The nominees for Best Comic Strip or Webcomic were:

• THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN COLD by Leo J. Neal (son), Chris Neal (dad) (writers) and Leo J. Neal (artist)
• BEWARE OF TODDLER by George Gant (writer and artist)
• CRASH CART by Ebony Toussaint (writer) and Robert Aultman (artist)
• HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE by Greg Anderson Elysée (writer) and David Brame (artist)
• KYLE FLEX MYTHICAL VENOM by KJ FROM CALI (writer) and Ricardo Oliver (artist)

Finally, the Fan Award for Best Work provided a voice for the comic book community, allowing readers to cast their votes for their favorite publication. The Fan Award for Best Work was presented to THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN COLD, by Leo J. Neal (son), Chris Neal (dad) (writers) and Leo J. Neal (artist). This award demonstrates the direct connection and appreciation between creators and their audience, highlighting a work that captured the hearts and imaginations of fans.

The extensive list of nominees for the Fan Award for Best Work included:

• BEWARE OF TODDLER by George Gant (writer and artist)
• CELESTIAL EYES VOLUME 2: THE SECOND CYCLE by John Uche (writer) and Cuisel Peach, Emmanuel Udofia, Francis Goodluck (artists)
• CODE VULCAN: CHAPTER ZERO by Tyrel Jackson (writer) and Rafy Odita (artist)
• CRASH CART by Ebony Toussaint (writer) and Josh Jones, Robert Aultman (artists)
• HAMMER: JOHN HENRY VS THE ROBOT APOCALYPSE by Greg Anderson Elysée (writer) and David Brame (artist)
• HOUNDS AND JACKALS by Owoade Ifeoluwa (writer and artist)
• MAIL ORDER MONSTER by Orlando Harding, Greg Erb, Jason Oremland (writers) and Rafael Lanhellas, James ‘Doodle’ Lyle (artists)
• NINJA EMPIRE ISSUE 1 by Bryan ‘Kaiser’ Tillman (writer and artist)
• NINJANIKO #1 by Nekoe Smith (writer) and Michael Magallanes (artist)
• ORISHA: HOLDER OF THE HEADS – THE YAM AND THE WHITE CLOTH by Oludare Oredipe (writer and artist)
• ORISHA VOL. 1 by Huzayfa Umar (Zayf) (writer and artist)
• PAWNSHOP by LindoYes (writer) and James E Walker, Jaz Malone, Javon McKoy (artists)
• RISE OF THE MAFU by Gerald Vreden (writer) and Hakim Rafai (artist)
• SATURDAY WARS: THE MANGA MULTIVERSE CROSSOVER by Frederick L. Jones (writer) and Odunze Oguguo, Eddy Frye, Morganne Walker, Jey Odin, Raymond Brown, Oscar Fong, Issaka Galadima (artists)
• SPACE NEGRO – THE LAST NEGRO: THE BIG BLACK CLIMAX by Jared Sams (writer and artist)
• SPIRIT THE WOMAN OF HOPE #2 by H.W. Peete (writer) and Dino Agor (artist)
• SPOOF STREETZ (BIG MA AND WILDIN OUT ZOMBIES) by Jeff Carroll (writer) and Jorge Luis Gabotto (artist)
• WORLDS: A ONE-SHOT ANTHOLOGY by John Uche, Lord Blue, Cuisel Peach (writers) and Erivic Adedayo, Stone Otor, Francis Goodluck, Lord Blue, Jeremiah Abah, Gabriel Onche (artists)

Impact and Legacy

The 2026 Glyph Comics Awards, presented by the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, serve as more than just an awards ceremony; they are a vital affirmation of the contributions of creators of color to the comic book medium. The diversity of genres, styles, and themes represented by the nominees and winners underscores the boundless creativity present within these communities. The continued success and growth of the Glyph Awards are indicative of a broader industry trend towards greater inclusivity and recognition of diverse storytelling. As ECBACC continues its mission to promote and celebrate Black culture in comics, the Glyph Awards stand as a beacon, inspiring future generations of creators and ensuring that a wider spectrum of voices is heard and celebrated. The event’s ability to consistently highlight exceptional talent reinforces its role in shaping the future of comic arts, celebrating the rich narratives and visual artistry that enrich the global cultural landscape.