Once again, the nominations for the Eisner Awards have been announced, highlighting its selections for the best comics released in 2023. There are some predictable names (Jeff Lamire, Mariko Tamaki, Tom King), some pleasant surprises (how cool is it that Transformers is up for best continuing series?), and some industry icons with incredible late-career artistic offerings (Bill Griffith writing about Ernie Bushmiller? Be still my heart). Overall, a fascinating mix, much of which is actually quite good, despite the gatekeepery nature of such awards. Of course, these comics represent the tastes of a tiny group of biased, imperfect human beings, so don’t stop at the books below. There’s a world of comics out there begging to be read. Also, each comic listed here can be read on Hoopla right now! 

For more great comics, make sure to check out the offerings of your local branch as well as the Hoopla app. 

Transformers Vol. 1

Nightwing Vol. 4: The Leap

Phantom Road Vol. 1 

Swan Songs Vol. 1

H.P. Lovecraft’s The Shadow Over Innsmouth

The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics 

PeePee PooPoo

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees

Local Man Vol. 1: Heartland

Macanudo: Optimism is for the Brave

Three Rocks 

Clementine: Book Two 

Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons 

Black Cloak Vol. 1 

The Cull Vol. 1