Coconino Press
Italy
Text and Art by BeneDì (Benedetta D'Incau)
What the jury said:
BeneDì’s captivating graphic novel explores the lives of two boys, one Jewish and the other Muslim. The author masterfully portrays their friendship – in early 20th-century Yemen – with remarkable accuracy and deep respect for cultural and historical context. The arrival of a mysterious demon imperils the two communities’ formerly harmonious and tolerant coexistence in a remote village. Il racconto della roccia is as an extraordinary work for its unique stylistic and narrative choices, refined and subtle artwork, and outstanding graphic quality. A debut from a promising author, the book impresses with its mastery of the graphic novel format and keen sensitivity toward the story being told.
Misma
France
Text and art by Mathias Martinez
Editions 2024
France
Text and art by Jeremy Perrodeau
What the jury said:
Colour is deployed in a sophisticated way in this beautifully designed comic book. So packed with intrigue and adventure is this exciting, visually narrated story that it’s like a kaleidoscope of stunning images, in a luxurious hardcover edition that boasts a raised title.
BAO Publishing
Italy
Text by Luca Pozzi
Art by Elisa Macellari
What the jury said:
A visual conversation between a scientist and an artist creatively simplifies apparently complex scientific ideas. The book’s contemporary visual style uses page layout as an effective communicative tool. This unique blend of text and images presents a comic-form story exploring the medium’s artistic and technical boundaries. The jury commends this work for an innovative and accessible approach, and its educational value.