The Boston Comic Arts Foundation has announced the annual Underground Visionary Award, given each year at the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo to honor the work of an individual, publisher, or community-builder whose dedication has brought opportunity, attention, and change to the comics medium. With this award, the Boston Comic Arts Foundation recognizes people and organizations for their active engagement with the comics format, fostering creativity and community in the world of comics.

The first annual award recognizes long-time comics publisher, agent, and champion Denis Kitchen, and was presented at MICE December 8th, 2024. 

The Boston Comic Arts Foundation champions the comics art form, increasing excitement about and engagement with the comics medium to create opportunities for more comics, more comics readers, and more support for comics creators. BCAF celebrates comics, graphic novels, and independent creators through art festivals, artist grants, and educational programming. Partnering with local libraries, schools, and organizations, BCAF increases access to comics by providing high-quality events and educational opportunities, which are free and open to all. BCAF supports the work of local comics creators, and is committed to fostering equity in a community of authors and readers that includes all voices.