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Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva’s Neverlanders Becomes First Comic to Win Book of the Year Award
Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva’s graphic novel, Neverlanders, has made history by becoming the first comic book to win the prestigious Book of the Year award from the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). The novel had already garnered rave reviews and was considered one of the best new graphic novels of 2022.
Neverlanders took home the award in the “Book of the Year for Older Readers” category, marking a significant milestone in the CBCA’s 77-year history. This recognition highlights the growing acceptance and appreciation of comic books as a powerful storytelling medium.
Neverlanders: A Peter Pan Sequel Like No Other
Neverlanders takes readers on a thrilling journey through a Peter Pan sequel set years after the disappearance of Pan himself. Neverland is plunged into a civil war, and the last remaining Lost Boy enlists a group of runaway children to join forces with Tinker Bell’s fairy army in their fight against a new pirate villain.
Published through Random House’s Razorbill imprint in the US, Neverlanders offers a fresh and captivating take on the beloved characters and world of Peter Pan. The graphic novel presents an epic tale of young people fighting for their future and standing against short-sighted, greedy adults.
Author Tom Taylor expressed his excitement about the historic win, stating, “To me, comics are the greatest storytelling medium on the planet, and potentially the most powerful educational tool available for reluctant readers. Knowing that our graphic novel will be in more libraries and schools, and in the hands of more people across the country, makes me very happy.”
Illustrator Jon Sommariva added, “It’s an honor to have the work recognized at the top level within our own country. Reimagining the world of Neverland has been a career highlight. Graphic novels are such a wonderful way to tell a story – they inspired me to read and to draw and tell my stories as a kid.”
Recognition and Success for Tom Taylor
Tom Taylor’s success extends beyond Neverlanders. His Nightwing series, created in collaboration with artist Bruno Redondo, also received acclaim, winning “Best Continuing Series” at the 2023 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.
With these accolades, Taylor solidifies his position as a talented and influential figure in the comic book industry. His storytelling prowess and ability to captivate readers have garnered well-deserved recognition.
Continued Growth and Innovation in the World of Comics
The recognition of Neverlanders as the first comic book to win the Book of the Year award from the CBCA signifies a significant milestone in the acceptance and appreciation of graphic novels as a legitimate form of literature. This achievement opens doors for more diverse storytelling and encourages future generations of comic book creators.
As the comic book industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more groundbreaking works that challenge traditional narratives and captivate readers of all ages. Neverlanders serves as a testament to the power of comics as a medium for both entertainment and education.
Elsewhere in the world of comics, Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR is receiving another prequel, and Marvel has recently unveiled an unexpected new Green Goblin.
Tom Taylor’s Neverlanders winning the Book of the Year award is a significant milestone for the comic book industry. It showcases the power of graphic novels to captivate readers and offers a fresh perspective on beloved characters and stories. With this historic win, the CBCA recognizes the artistic and storytelling merits of comics, paving the way for more diverse and innovative works in the future.
Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
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