The nominees for the 2009 Joe Shuster Awards for Canadian Comic Book Creators were announced today! The full list of nominees can be viewed on the official website here.

Among the nominees are our local pals Darwyn Cooke (best cartoonist, best writer, best cover art), Steve McNiven (best artist, best cover art) and Faith Erin Hicks (best cartoonist)! Yay! Also, Dave's buddy on the other side of the country, Steve Rolston, was nominated for best artist!

Sadly, local cartoonist Ray Fenwick failed to get a nomination for his amazing collection, Hall of Best Knowledge (Fantagraphics). Also, J. Bone not being recognized for his awesome cover work on Super Friends is just insane. One look at the list of nominees tells you how much comic book talent we have here in Canada, and you should see who didn't make the cut! We are overflowing with talent from sea to frigid sea!

This was my second year on the panel of judges(?) to pick the shortlist, and it's something I love to be a part of. The winners will be announced in Toronto on June 27th (I believe at a ceremony that is part of the Toronto ComicCon?).

Congratulations to all the nominees and good luck!