The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘Tongues,’ ‘Insectopolis’ and ‘The Night Eaters’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Adults Awards

“Tongues,” written by Anders Brekhus Nilsen, art by Anders Brekhus Nilsen, published by Pantheon; and “Insectopolis” written by Peter Kuper, art by Peter Kuper, Published by W.W. Norton & Company; and “The Night Eaters: She Eats the Night, The Night Eaters: Her Little Reapers,” and “The Night Eaters: Their Kingdom Come” written by Marjorie Liu, art by Sana Takeda, published by Abrams ComicArts are the 2026 recipients of the Outstanding Comics Awards for Adults from the American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table.

Newly announced in 2025, the GNCRT’s Outstanding Comics Award is given to exceptional graphic novels that appeal to adults, teens, and children in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and series. These awards aim to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of comic creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections. The award will be presented to the winning creators at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago in June.

GNCRT President Shauntee Burns-Simpson said, “In libraries, we see how comics bring people together, new readers, lifelong fans, and everyone in between. The Outstanding Comics Award honors works that expand our understanding of what stories can look like and ensure that there is something on the shelf for everyone.”

“We looked at so many incredible titles over the year. The books we chose as winners and honor titles went above and beyond, using the graphic novel format in unique and interesting ways. I’m so honored to be a part of this first year of awards, and I hope we’re able to get these books in front of a lot more eyes because they deserve it,” said Leslie Flynn.

Outstanding Comics Award – Adult in the Category of Fiction Winner

“Tongues,” written by Anders Brekhus Nilsen. Art by Anders Brekhus Nilsen. 2025. Pantheon.

In this multi-layered reinterpretation of the myth of Prometheus, a prisoner watches from above as the humans he so loves fight against a seemingly all-powerful being and his cult of warriors. Meanwhile a small girl follows a talking chicken in hopes of being the chosen one to save the world.

Outstanding Comics Award –  Adult in the Category of Fiction Honor Books

“Drome,” Written by Jesse Lonergan. Art by Jesse Lonergan. 2025. 23rd St.

At the birth of humanity, only violence prevailed. When the greater powers create an unbeatable demigoddess to teach peace and harmony, civilization truly begins. But in a world where chaos and order are constantly at battle, who will truly prevail in leading humanity?

“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” written by Anaïs Flogny. Art by Anaïs Flogny. Translated by Dan Christensen. 2025. Abrams ComicArts.

A young immigrant’s life is changed after meeting a kingpin in the Chicago criminal underworld.

Outstanding Comics Award – Adult in the Category of Non-Fiction Winner

“Insectopolis,” written by Peter Kuper. Art by Peter Kuper. 2025. W.W. Norton & Company.

A swarm of different Insects enter the New York Public Library to learn about their history and the effects they have on the human world.

Outstanding Comics Award – Adult in the Category of Non-Fiction Honor Books

“Black Arms to Hold You Up,” written by Ben Passmore. Art by Ben Passmore. 2025. Pantheon.

A conversational exploration of violence in Black liberation movements across the US.

Outstanding Comics Award – Adult in the Category of Series Winner

“The Night Eaters: She Eats the Night,” written by Marjorie Liu. Art by Sana Takeda. 2022. Abrams ComicArts.

“The Night Eaters: Her Little Reapers,” written by Marjorie Liu. Art by Sana Takeda. 2023. Abrams ComicArts.

“The Night Eaters: Their Kingdom Come,” written by Marjorie Liu. Art by Sana Takeda. 2025. Abrams ComicArts.

When their mother forces them to clean up the creepy house next door, twins Billy and Milly discover an entire new world of haunts and mysteries that has shaped their entire lives.

Outstanding Comics Award – Adult in the Category of Series Honor Books

“The Department of Truth volume 1: The End of the World,” written by James Tynion IV. Art by Martin Simmonds. Letters by Aditya Bidikar. Designed by Dylan Todd. Edited by Steve Foxe. 2021. Image Comics.

“The Department of Truth volume 2: The City Upon a Hill,” written by James Tynion IV. Art by Martin Simmonds. Letters by Aditya Bidikar. Designed by Dylan Todd. Edited by Steve Foxe. 2021. Image Comics.

“The Department of Truth volume 3: Free Country,” written by James Tynion IV. Art by Elsa Charretier, Tyler Boss, John J. Pearson, David Romero, Alison Sampson, and Jorge Fornes. Cover art by Martin Simmonds. Colors by Matt Hollingsworth, Roman Titov, and Jordie Bellaire. Letters by Aditya Bidikar. Designed by Dylan Todd. Edited by Steve Foxe. 2022. Image Comics.

“The Department of Truth volume 4: The Ministry of Lies,” written by James Tynion IV. Art by Martin Simmonds. Letters by Aditya Bidikar. Designed by Dylan Todd. Edited by Steve Foxe. 2022. Image Comics.

“The Department of Truth volume 5: What Your Country Can Do for You,” written by James Tynion IV. Art by Martin Simmonds, Elsa Charretier, Tyler Boss, John J. Pearson, David Romero, Alison Sampson, and Jorge Fornes. Colors by Jordie Bellaire. Letters by Aditya Bidikar. Designed by Dylan Todd. Edited by Steve Foxe. 2025. Image Comics.

“The Department of Truth volume 6: Twilight’s Last Gleaming,” written by James Tynion IV. Art by Martin Simmonds and Letizia Cadonici. Colors by Jordie Bellaire. Letters by Aditya Bidikar. Designed by Dylan Todd. Edited by Steve Foxe. 2025. Image Comics.

While exploring the mentality of flat earth conspiracy believers, Cole Turner gets recruited by a secretive government agency that battles an ideological war against supernatural ideas.

“Search & Destroy volume 1,” written by Atsushi Kaneko. Based on work by Osamu Tezuka. Art by Atsushi Kaneko. Lettering by Phil Christie. Translation by Ben Applegate. 2024. Fantagraphics.

“Search & Destroy volume 2,” written by Atsushi Kaneko. Based on work by Osamu Tezuka. Art by Atsushi Kaneko. Lettering by Phil Christie. Translation by Ben Applegate. 2025. Fantagraphics.

“Search & Destroy volume 3,” written by Atsushi Kaneko. Based on work by Osamu Tezuka. Art by Atsushi Kaneko. Lettering by Phil Christie. Translation by Ben Applegate. 2025. Fantagraphics.

A feral cyborg tears through a robot underworld to reclaim the body parts that were stolen from her.

In creating the Outstanding Comics Awards the GNCRT has followed its resolution to honor the entire creative team (including writers, artists, letterers, colorists, and translators) involved in the books listed.   

The 2025 Outstanding Comics Award for Adults selection committee members are Leslie Flynn, Chair, Britta Krabill, Vice-Chair, Becca Sexton, Administrative Assistant, AJ Furfaro- Martinez, Charity Lees, Michelle Lettus, Kristy Lorenz, Teresa McGinley, Rosalie Potenza, Sarah Teichman.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Discord; X: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; Bluesky: or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org