In Chapter Nine of our book we discuss the ways that the prizes won by certain comics creators - notably by those who are neither male nor white - have tended to be marginalized within the economy of prestige of the comics world. It is interesting to note, therefore, a program intended specifically to combat this perception.
The inaugural DINK: Denver Independent Comic and Art Expo (to be held March 25 and 26, 2016) has launched a new comics award, the charmingly named DINKy Awards. Recognizing work in seven categories, the group is celebrating local work, works in various publishing categories, but has also chosen to award a prize in the category: Outstanding Work - Diversity. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time that such a category has been used within the framework of a slate of comics prizes.
The definition of "diversity" is not spelled out on the DINK website, but some things can probably be gleaned from the five inaugural nominees:
Ikebana by Yumi Sakugawa
The Immortal Nadia by Jamal Campbell (pictured above)
March: Book 2 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell
O Human Star v1 by Blue Delliquanti
The Story of My Tits by Jennifer Hayden
Congratulations to the nominees, and to DINK itself for such a forward looking prize!