Graphic Artist Nominated For 5 ‘Comic Book’ Oscars

At only 24 years old, graphic artist Zoe Thorogood from Bradford, England is making headway in the illustration world. Thorogood is heading to San Diego to the Eisener Awards with five nominations under her belt. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of comic books’, the Eisner Awards describes itself as an award show “celebrating… bringing attention to and highlighting the best publications and creators in comics and graphic novels.”

Thorogood was relatively unknown to the industry until the publishing of her comic book autobiographical, ‘It’s Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth.’ Published in November 2022, in collaboration with Image Comics and Diamond Comic Distributors, the story talked about Thorogood’s own battle with depression. Through the medium of graphic design, Thorogood balanced between seriousness and infusing the narrative with hope, laughter and celebration. The comic book sold out its entire stock of 18,000 copies within a few days. For Thorogood, it clearly showed that the paperback was a commercial and professional success.

Despite having only broken into the scene a few years ago, she has grown quite a reputation among both readers and industry professionals. She is already exceeding many of her peers (having the most nominations by any singular artist in the up-coming event). In total, Thorogood is nominated three times for her work ‘Joe Hill’s Rain‘ and two for the aforementioned ‘It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth.’ Among the categories is her nomination for ‘Best Graphic Memo.’

While the announcement came out in May, the award show will take place this Friday.