Despite the problems caused by the Royal Mail postal strike we ended up receiving an
absolutely record breaking number of entries this year. Quantity was without
a doubt matched by quality and the judges – Simone Lia (graphic artist), Dan Franklin
(Publisher, Jonathan Cape) Suzanne Dean (Creative Director, Random House) Paul Gravett
(COMICA) and Rachel Cooke (The Observer) - had an extremely hard task on their
hands picking just two winners. The increase from two to four pages of the Observer
Magazine allowed for the development of some fantastic narratives and ambitious artwork.

Among the many fantastic submissions the judges adored the beautiful drawings
and charming story of James Stewart’s “The Musing of Mow”. They were also intrigued
and impressed by Charlotte Nourse’s stunning “Road Project” and were haunted by Laurie
J. Proud’s “Aubrey”. The talking cats of Jim Medway’s “Paul Crystal, Graphic Designer”
provoked much laughter and stole many hearts around the judging table and the
originality of William Goldsmith’s drawings for “Like a Wagon” impressed everyone.

But after much heated debate two winners were finally chosen.
The judges were unanimous in their appreciation of Joff Winterhart’s hilarious
and achingly realistic portrait of a mother and teenage son in
“Days of the Bagnold Summer”. Joff was awarded the runner-up prize
and he will receive a stack of graphic novels and a check for £250.

The first prize went to the vividly captured and tender story “Paint”
by Vivien McDermid, which they thought was a touching portrayal of mother
with a small toddler. Vivien will receive a cheque for £1000 at the ceremony
at the ICA at 2.30pm on Sunday 8th November.

Thank you to everyone who entered and we hope you will do so again next year.

Click here to view last year's winners