Past Recipients 1990s

1999 Eisner Awards for works published in 1998

Best Short Story: “Devil’s Advocate,” by Matt Wagner and Tim Sale, in Grendel: Black, White, and Red #1 (Dark Horse)
Best Single Issue: Hitman #34: “Of Thee I Sing,” by Garth Ennis, John McCrea, and Garry Leach (DC)
Best Serialized Story: Usagi Yojimbo #13-22: “Grasscutter,” by Stan Sakai (Dark Horse)
Best Continuing Series: Preacher, by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon (DC/Vertigo)
Best Limited Series: 300, by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley (Dark Horse)
Best New Series: Inhumans, by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee (Marvel)
Best Title for a Younger Audience: Batman: The Gotham Adventures, by Ty Templeton, Rick Burchett, and Terry Beatty (DC)
Best Humor Publication: Groo, by Sergio Aragones and Mark Evanier (Dark Horse)
Best Anthology: Grendel: Black, White, and Red, by Matt Wagner, edited by Diana Schutz (Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–New: Superman: Peace on Earth, by Paul Dini and Alex Ross (DC)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Batman: The Long Halloween, by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (DC)
Best Archival Collection: Plastic Man Archives, vol. 1, by Jack Cole (DC)
Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material: Star Wars: A New Hope—Manga, by Hisao Tamaki (Dark Horse)
Best Writer: Kurt Busiek, Kurt Busiek’s Astro City (Homage/WildStorm/Image); Avengers (Marvel)
Best Writer/Artist: Frank Miller, 300 (Dark Horse)
Best Writer/Artist–Humor: Kyle Baker, You Are Here (DC/Vertigo)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: Tim Sale, Superman for All Seasons (DC); Grendel Black, White, and Red #1 (Dark Horse)
Best Painter: Alex Ross, Superman: Peace on Earth (DC)
Best Coloring: Lynn Varley, 300 (Dark Horse)
Best Lettering: Todd Klein, Castle Waiting (Olio); House of Secrets; The Invisibles; The Dreaming, etc. (DC/Vertigo)
Best Cover Artist: Brian Bolland, The Invisibles (DC/Vertigo)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Brian Michael Bendis, writer/artist (Jinx, Goldfish, Torso)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: The Comics Journal (Fantagraphics)
Best Comics-Related Book: Batman: Animated, by Paul Dini and Chip Kidd (HarperCollins)
Best Comics-Related Product/Item: Sandman Pocketwatch, designed by Kris Ruotolo (DC/Vertigo)
Best Comics-Related Sculpted Figures: Hellboy statue, sculpted by Randy Bowen, produced by Bowen Designs
Best Publication Design: Batman Animated, designed by Chip Kidd (HarperCollins)
Hall of Fame: Murphy Anderson, Jack Cole, L. B. Cole, Bill Finger, Gardner Fox, Mac Raboy, Alex Schomburg, Joe Simon, Art Spiegelman, Dick Sprang

1998 Eisner Awards for works published in 1997

Best Short Story: “The Eltingville Comic Book, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Role-Playing Club In: The Marathon Men,” by Evan Dorkin, in Dork! #4 (Slave Labor)
Best Single Issue: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City vol. 2 #10: “Show ’Em All,” by Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Will Blyberg (Jukebox Productions/Homage)
Best Serialized Story: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City vol. 2, #4-9: “Confession,” by Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Will Blyberg (Jukebox Productions/Homage)
Best Continuing Series: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City, by Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Will Blyberg (Jukebox Productions/Homage) Best Limited Series: Batman: The Long Halloween, by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale (DC)
Best New Series: Castle Waiting, by Linda Medley (Olio)
Best Comics Publication for a Younger Audience: Batman & Robin Adventures, by Ty Templeton, Brandon Kruse, Rick Burchett, and others (DC)
Best Humor Publication: Gon Swimmin’, by Masahi Tanaka (Paradox Press)
Best Anthology: Hellboy Christmas Special, edited by Scott Allie (Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–New: Batman & Superman Adventures: World’s Finest, by Paul Dini, Joe Staton, and Terry Beatty (DC)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Sin City: That Yellow Bastard, by Frank Miller (Dark Horse)
Best Archival Collection: Jack Kirby’s New Gods, by Jack Kirby (DC)
Best U.S. Edition of Foreign Material: Gon Swimmin’, by Masahi Tanaka (Paradox Press)
Best Writer: Garth Ennis, Hitman (DC); Preacher; Unknown Soldier (DC/Vertigo); Blood Mary: Lady Liberty (DC/Helix)
Best Writer/Artist: Mike Mignola, Hellboy: Almost Colossus; Hellboy Christmas Special; Hellboy Jr. Halloween Special (Dark Horse)
Best Writer/Artist–Humor: Jeff Smith, Bone (Cartoon Books)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: P. Craig Russell, Elric: Stormbringer (Dark Horse/Topps); Dr. Strange: What Is It That Disturbs You, Stephen? (Marvel)
Best Painter: Alex Ross, Uncle Sam (DC/Vertigo)
Best Coloring: Chris Ware, The Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics)
Best Lettering: Todd Klein, Batman, Batman: Poison Ivy (DC); The Dreaming, House of Secrets, The Invisibles, Uncle Sam (DC/Vertigo); Uncle Scrooge Adventures (Gladstone); Castle Waiting (Olio)
Best Cover Artist: Alex Ross, Kurt Busiek’s Astro City (Jukebox Productions/Homage); Uncle Sam (DC/Vertigo)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Linda Medley (Castle Waiting/Olio)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: The Comics Journal (Fantagraphics)
Best Comics-Related Book: The R. Crumb Coffee Table Art Book, edited by Pete Poplaski (Kitchen Sink)
Best Comics-Related Product: Acme Novelty Library display stand, designed by Chris Ware (Fantagraphics)
Best Publication Design: Kingdom Come deluxe slipcover edition, art director Bob Chapman/DC design director Georg Brewer (DC Comics/Graphitti Designs)
Hall of Fame: Neal Adams, Archie Goodwin, Joe Kubert, Jean “Moebius” Giraud

1997 Eisner Awards for works published in 1996

Best Short Story: “Heroes,” by Archie Goodwin and Gary Gianni, in Batman: Black & White #4 (DC Comics)
Best Single Issue: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City, vol. 2, #1: “Welcome to Astro City,” by Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Will Blyberg (Jukebox Productions/Homage)
Best Serialized Story: Starman #20-23: “Sand and Stars,” by James Robinson, Tony Harris, Guy Davis, and Wade von Grawbadger (DC)
Best Continuing Series: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City, by Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Will Blyberg (Jukebox Productions/Homage)
Best Limited Series: Kingdom Come, by Mark Waid and Alex Ross (DC)
Best New Series: Leave It to Chance, James Robinson and Paul Smith (Homage)
Best Title Aimed at a Younger Audience: Leave It to Chance, James Robinson and Paul Smith (Homage)
Best Humor Publication: Sergio Aragonés Destroys DC (DC) and Sergio Aragonés Massacres Marvel (Marvel), by Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragonés
Best Anthology: Batman: Black and White, edited by Mark Chiarello and Scott Peterson (DC)
Best Graphic Album–New: Fax from Sarajevo, by Joe Kubert (Dark Horse Books)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Stray Bullets: Innocence of Nihilism, by David Lapham (El Capitán)
Best Archival Collection: Tarzan: The Land That Time Forgot and The Pool of Time, by Russ Manning (Dark Horse)
Best Writer: Alan Moore, From Hell (Kitchen Sink); Supreme (Maximum Press)
Best Writer/Artist–Humor: Don Rosa, Walt Disney’s Comics & Stories; Uncle Scrooge (Gladstone)
Best Writer/Artist–Drama: Mike Mignola, Hellboy: Wake the Devil (Dark Horse/Legend)
Best Penciller: Steve Rude, Nexus: Executioner’s Song (Dark Horse)
Best Inker: Al Williamson, Spider-Man, Untold Tales of Spider-Man #17-18 (Marvel)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: Charles Vess, Book of Ballads and Sagas (Green Man Press); Sandman #75 (DC/Vertigo)
Best Painter: Alex Ross, Kingdom Come (DC)
Best Coloring: Matt Hollingsworth, Preacher; Death: The Time of Your Life (DC/Vertigo); Dr. Strangefate; Challengers of the Unknown (DC)
Best Lettering: Todd Klein, The Sandman; Death: The Time of Your Life; House of Secrets; The Dreaming (DC/Vertigo); Batman; The Spectre; Kingdom Come (DC)
Best Cover Artist: Alex Ross, Kingdom Come (DC); Kurt Busiek’s Astro City (Jukebox Productions/Homage)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Ricardo Delgado, Age of Reptiles
Best Editor: Dan Raspler, Kingdom Come; Hitman; The Spectre; Sergio Aragonés Destroys the DC Universe (DC)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: The Comics Journal (Fantagraphics)
Best Comics-Related Book: Graphic Storytelling, Will Eisner (Poorhouse Press)
Best Comics-Related Product: Hellboy bust, by Randy Bowen (Bowen Designs)
Best Publication Design: Acme Novelty Library #7, designed by Chris Ware (Fantagraphics)
Hall of Fame: Gil Kane, Charles Schulz, Julius Schwartz, Curt Swan

1996 Eisner Awards for works published in 1995

Best Single Issue: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City #4: “Safeguards,” by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson (Jukebox Productions/Image)
Best Short Story: “The Eltingville Comic-Book, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, and Role-Playing Club in Bring Me the Head of Boba Fett” by Evan Dorkin, in Instant Piano #3 (Dark Horse)
Best Serialized Story: Strangers in Paradise #1-8, by Terry Moore (Abstract Studios)
Best Continuing Series: Acme Novelty Library, by Chris Ware (Fantagraphics)
Best Title for Younger Readers: Batman & Robin Adventures, by Paul Dini, Ty Templeton, and Rick Burchett (DC)
Best Limited Series: Sin City: The Big Fat Kill, by Frank Miller (Dark Horse/Legend)
Best New Series: Kurt Busiek’s Astro City, by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson (Jukebox Productions/Image)
Best Anthology: The Big Book of Conspiracies, edited by Bronwyn Taggart (Paradox Press)
Best Graphic Album–New: Stuck Rubber Baby, by Howard Cruse (Paradox Press)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: The Tale of One Bad Rat, by Bryan Talbot (Dark Horse)
Best Archival Collection: The Complete Crumb Comics, vol. 11, by R. Crumb (Fantagraphics)
Best Humor Publication: Milk & Cheese #666, by Evan Dorkin (Slave Labor)
Best Writer: Alan Moore, From Hell (Kitchen Sink)
Best Writer/Artist, Drama: David Lapham, Stray Bullets (El Capitán)
Best Writer/Artist, Humor: Sergio Aragonés, Groo (Image)
Best Painter: John Bolton, Batman: Manbat (DC)
Best Penciller/Inker: Geof Darrow, The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot (Dark Horse/Legend)
Best Cover Artist: Alex Ross, Kurt Busiek’s Astro City (Jukebox Productions/Image)
Best Coloring: Chris Ware, The Acme Novelty Library (Fantagraphics)
Best Lettering: Stan Sakai, Groo (Image); Usagi Yojimbo (Mirage)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo)
Best Editor (tie): Stuart Moore, Swamp Thing, The Invisibles, Preacher (DC/Vertigo); Bronwyn Taggart, The Big Book of Weirdos, The Big Book of Conspiracies, Brooklyn Dreams, Stuck Rubber Baby (Paradox Press)
Best Comics-Related Publication–Periodical: The Comics Journal (Fantagraphics)
Best Comics-Related Publication–Book: Alex Toth, edited by Manuel Auad (Kitchen Sink)
Best Comics-Related Item: Comic strip stamps (U.S. Postal Service)
Best Publication Design: The Acme Novelty Library, designed by Chris Ware (Fantagraphics)
Hall of Fame: Hal Foster, Bob Kane, Winsor McCay, Alex Raymond

1995 Eisner Awards for works published in 1994

Best Single Issue: Batman Adventures Holiday Special by Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Ronnie Del Carmen, and others (DC)
Best Short Story: “The Babe Wore Red,” by Frank Miller, in Sin City: The Babe Wore Red and Other Stories (Dark Horse/Legend)
Best Serialized Story: “The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck,” by Don Rosa, in Uncle Scrooge #285-296 (Gladstone)
Best Continuing Series: Bone, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Limited Series: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, by Frank Miller (Dark Horse/Legend)
Best New Series: Too Much Coffee Man, by Shannon Wheeler (Adhesive)
Best Anthology: Big Book of Urban Legends, edited by Andy Helfer (Paradox Press)
Best Graphic Album–New: Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde, vol. 2, by P. Craig Russell (NBM)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Hellboy: Seeds of Destruction, by Mike Mignola (Dark Horse)
Best Archival Collection: The Christmas Spirit, by Will Eisner (Kitchen Sink)
Best Humor Publication: Bone, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Writer: Alan Moore, From Hell (Kitchen Sink)
Best Writer/Artist: Mike Mignola, Hellboy: Seeds of Destruction (Dark Horse/Legend)
Best Writer/Artist–Humor: Jeff Smith, Bone (Cartoon Books)
Best Painter: Jon J. Muth, Mystery Play (DC/Vertigo)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: Dave Gibbons, Martha Washington Goes to War (Dark Horse)
Best Coloring: Angus McKie, Martha Washington Goes to War (Dark Horse)
Best Lettering: Todd Klein, Batman vs. Predator II (DC/Dark Horse); The Demon (DC), Sandman (DC/Vertigo); Uncle Scrooge (Gladstone)
Best Cover Artist: Glenn Fabry, Hellblazer (DC/Vertigo)
Talent Deserving of Wider Recognition: Evan Dorkin, Milk and Cheese, Hectic Planet, Dork, Instant Piano
Best Editor: Karen Berger, Sandman, Sandman Mystery Theatre (DC/Vertigo)
Best Comics-Related Publication: Hero Illustrated (Warrior Publications)
Best Comics-Related Item: Sandman Arabian Nights statue, designed by P. Craig Russell and sculpted by Randy Bowen (DC/Graphitti Designs)
Best Publication Design: The Acme Novelty Library, designed by Chris Ware (Fantagraphics)
Hall of Fame: Frank Frazetta, Walt Kelly

1994 Eisner Awards for works published in 1993

Best Single Issue: Batman Adventures: Mad Love, by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm (DC)
Best Short Story: “The Amazing Colossal Homer,” in Simpsons Comics #1, by Steve Vance, Cindy Vance, and Bill Morrison (Bongo)
Best Serialized Story: Bone #8-10: “The Great Cow Race,” by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Continuing Series: Bone, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Finite/Limited Series: Marvels, by Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross (Marvel)
Best Anthology: Dark Horse Presents, edited by Randy Stradley (Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–New: A Small Killing, by Alan Moore and Oscar Zarate (VG Graphics/Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Cerebus: Flight (Mothers and Daughters, Book 1), by Dave Sim and Gerhard (Aardvark-Vanaheim)
Best Archival Collection: Complete Little Nemo in Slumberland, vol. 6, by Winsor McCay (Fantagraphics)
Best Humor Publication: Bone, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Writer: Neil Gaiman, Sandman (DC/Vertigo); Death: The High Cost of Living (DC/Vertigo)
Best Writer/Artist: Jeff Smith, Bone (Cartoon Books)
Best Painter: Alex Ross, Marvels (Marvel)
Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: P. Craig Russell, Sandman #50 (DC/Vertigo)
Best Colorist: Steve Oliff and Reuben Rude (Olyoptics), Spawn (Image)
Best Letterer: Todd Klein, The Shadow (Dark Horse); Dark Joker: The Wild (DC); Sandman, The Demon, Jonah Hex: Two-Gun Mojo, Hellblazer (DC/Vertigo)
Best Cover Artist: Brian Bolland, Animal Man (DC/Vertigo); Wonder Woman, Legends of the Dark Knight #50 (DC)
Best Editor (tie): Karen Berger, Sandman, Death: The High Cost of Living (DC/Vertigo) and Mike Carlin, Superman titles (DC)
Best Comics-Related Book: Understanding Comics, by Scott McCloud (Kitchen Sink)
Best Comics-Related Product/Item: Death statue, by Randy Bowen (DC)
Best Publication Design: Marvels, designed by Comicraft (Marvel)
Hall of Fame: Steve Ditko, Stan Lee

1993 Eisner Awards for works published in 1992

Best Single Issue: Nexus: The Origin by Mike Baron and Steve Rude
Best Short Story: “Two Cities,” in Xenozoic Tales #12 by Mark Schultz (Kitchen Sink)
Best Serialized Story: “From Hell” by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, in Taboo (SpiderBaby Graphix/Tundra)
Best Continuing Series: Sandman by Neil Gaiman and various artists (DC)
Best Finite Series: Grendel: War Child, by Matt Wagner and Patrick McEown (Dark Horse)
Best Anthology: Taboo, edited by Steve Bissette (SpiderBaby Graphix/Tundra)
Best Graphic Album–New: Signal to Noise by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean (VG Graphics/Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Sin City by Frank Miller (Dark Horse)
Best Archival Collection: Carl Barks Library album series (Gladstone)
Best Humor Publication: Bone by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)
Best Comic Strip Collection: Calvin and Hobbes: Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons by Bill Watterson (Andrews and McMeel)
Best Writer: Neil Gaiman, Miracleman (Eclipse); Sandman (DC)
Best Painter: Dave Dorman, Aliens: Tribes (Dark Horse)
Best Penciller: Steve Rude, Nexus: The Origin (Dark Horse)
Best Penciller/Inker, Black & White Publication: Frank Miller, “Sin City,” Dark Horse Presents (Dark Horse)
Best Penciller/Inker, Color Publication: P. Craig Russell, Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde (NBM); Robin 3000; Legends of the Dark Knight: “Hothouse” (DC)
Best Inker: Kevin Nowlan, Batman: Sword of Azrael (DC)
Best Colorist: Steve Oliff/Olyoptics, Legends of the Dark Knight #28-#30, Martian Manhunter: American Secrets (DC); James Bond 007: Serpent’s Tooth (Dark Horse); Spawn (Image
Best Letterer: Todd Klein, Sandman, The Demon (DC)
Best Writer/Artist: Frank Miller, “Sin City,” Dark Horse Presents (Dark Horse)
Best Writer/Artist Team: Mike Baron/Steve Rude, Nexus: The Origin (Dark Horse)
Best Cover Artist: Brian Bolland, Animal Man, Wonder Woman (DC)
Best Editor: Archie Goodwin, Legends of the Dark Knight; Batman: Sword of Azrael; Deadman: Exorcism (DC)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: Comics Buyer’s Guide, edited by Don and Maggie Thompson (Krause Publications)
Best Publication Design: Sandman: Season of Mists, designed by Dave McKean (DC)
Hall Of Fame: C. C. Beck, William Gaines

1992 Eisner Awards for works published in 1991

Best Single Issue or Story: Sandman #22-#28: “Season of Mists,” by Neil Gaiman and various artists (DC)
Best Continuing Series: Sandman, by Neil Gaiman and various artists (DC)
Best Finite Series: Concrete: Fragile Creature, by Paul Chadwick (Dark Horse)
Best Anthology: Dark Horse Presents, edited by Randy Stradley (Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–New: To the Heart of the Storm, by Will Eisner (Kitchen Sink)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Maus II, by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon Books)
Best Humor Publication: Groo the Wanderer, by Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragones (Marvel/Epic)
Best Comic Strip Collection: Calvin and Hobbes: The Revenge of the Baby-Sat, by Bill Watterson (Andrews and McMeel)
Best Writer: Neil Gaiman, Sandman Books of Magic (DC), Miracleman (Eclipse)
Best Writer/Artist or Writer/Artist Team: Peter David and Dale Keown, The Incredible Hulk (Marvel)
Best Artist: Simon Bisley, Batman: Judgment on Gotham (DC)
Best Inker: Adam Kubert, Batman Versus Predator (DC and Dark Horse)
Best Colorist: Steve Oliff, Legends of the Dark Knight (DC), 2112 (Dark Horse), and Akira (Marvel)
Best Cover Artist: Brian Bolland, Animal Man (DC)
Best Editor: Karen Berger, Sandman, Shade: the Changing Man, Kid Eternity, and Books of Magic (DC)
Best Comics-Related Periodical: Comics Buyer’s Guide, edited by Don and Maggie Thompson (Krause)
Best Comics-Related Book: From “Aargh!” to “Zap!”: Harvey Kurtzman’s Visual History of the Comics, by Harvey Kurtzman, edited by Howard Zimmerman (Prentice Hall Press)
Best Comics-Related Product: Sandman statue, by Randy Bowen (DC)
Hall of Fame: Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel, Wally Wood

1991 Eisner Awards for works published in 1990

Best Story or Single Issue: Concrete Celebrates Earth Day, by Paul Chadwick, Charles Vess, and Jean “Moebius” Giraud (Dark Horse)
Best Continuing Series: Sandman, by Neil Gaiman and various artists (DC)
Best Black and White Series: Xenozoic Tales, by Mark Schultz (Kitchen Sink)
Best Finite Series: Give Me Liberty, by Frank Miller and Dave Gibbons (Dark Horse)
Best Graphic Album–New: Elektra Lives Again, by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley (Marvel)
Best Graphic Album–Reprint: Sandman: The Doll’s House by Neil Gaiman and various artists (DC)
Best Writer: Neil Gaiman, Sandman (DC)
Best Writer/Artist or Writer/Artist Team: Frank Miller and Geof Darrow, Hard Boiled
Best Artist: Steve Rude, Nexus
Best Inker: Al Williamson
Hall of Fame: R. Crumb, Alex Toth

Note: No awards were presented in 1990, a transition year when San Diego Comic-Con took over administration of the awards.