The Scottish Independent Comic Book Alliance (SICBA) 2015 Shortlist has been announced and quite a few of the titles we’ve highlighted on downthetubes are in the running, including Planet Jimbot’s Amongst the Stars, Cult Empire Comics Vietnam Zombie Holocaust and Robbie Burns: Witch Hunter, published by Renegade Entertainment.

Now in its fifth year, the SICBAs, backed by BHP Comics, have grown along with the amazing talent of creators in Scotland, this year sees two new awards added into the mix, including best newcomer; Best Graphic Novel and Best Comic have been split into separate awards due to the vast number of publications being made.

Voting is a public vote and the winners will be announced at the SICBA award ceremony at CCA: Glasgow on Saturday 4th July as part Glasgow Comic Con.

• For details of how to vote check out the official SICBA site: www.sicba.org.uk

Best Graphic Novel

Amongst The Stars (published by Planet Jimbot)

And Then Emily Was Gone (published by ComixTribe)

Boat Volume 1 (Self published)

IDP:2043 (published by Freight Books)

Robbie Burns: Witch Hunter (published by Renegade Arts Entertainment)

Best Comic Book

Gonzo Cosmic #2 (published by Unthank Comics)

Plagued: The Miranda Chronicles chapter one (published by BHP Comics)

Out of Time (published by OR Comics)

Scott vs. Zombies (published by Artlink)

Space Captain: #1 Captain of Space (published by Never Ever Press)

Best Writer

Emma Beeby & Gordon Rennie for Robbie Burns: Witch Hunter

Gary Chudleigh for Plagued: The Miranda Chronicles chapter one

Garry Mac for Gonzo Cosmic #2

Gavin Boyle for Escape from Coatbridge #1

Michael Park & Chris Baldie for Space Captain: Captain of Space

Best Artist

Chris Baldie for Space Captain: Captain of Space #1

Garry Mac for Gonzo Cosmic #2

James Devlin for Vietnam Zombie Holocaust #1

Norrie Miller for Duality

Tanya Roberts for Plagued: The Miranda Chronicles chapter one

Best Cover

Garry Mac for Gonzo Cosmic #2

Gill Hatcher for The Seagull Appreciation Society

James Devlin for Vietnam Zombie Holocaust #1

Tanya Roberts for Plagued: The Miranda Chronicles chapter two

Tom Kindley for IDP:2043

Best Newcomer

Claire Hubbard (Writer, Artist for The Cats That Stared)

Emma Beeby (co-writer for Robbie Burns: Witch Hunter)

Gary Chudleigh (writer for Plagued: The Miranda Chronicles)

John Grieve (Writer, Artist, Colourist, Letterer, Designer, Editor for The Beast of Barton)

Norrie Miller (Writer, Artist, Colourist, Letterer, Designer, Editor for Duality)

Letty Wilson Artist, Colourist for Cosmic #1

This Year’s Submission Panel was Dr Mel Gibson, Comics Lecturer, Northumbria University; Professor Laurence Grove, Director, Stirling Maxwell Centre, University of Glasgow; Nicola Love, Comic book blogger and Journalist; John McShane, Comic Book Specialist; Craig Neilson, Review Editor – SICBA; and Gareth K. Vile :: Theatre Editor, The List; Writer, The Vile Blog.

• For details of how to vote check out the official SICBA site: www.sicba.org.uk

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: British Comics, downthetubes Comics News

Tags: Awards, BHP Comics, Scottish Independent Comic Book Alliance