The Diversity & Inclusion Forum of the Virginia Library Association has announced the 2016 winners of the VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award. The group has identified two winners, one for the “Adult” category and one for the “Youth” category. In addition books have been identified to be part of an “Honor” listing as well as “Overfloweth.”

The announced said “the deliberation was quite intense due to the high quality of the submissions.” Congratulations to everyone mentioned, it’s a fantastic listing of graphic novels and comics for readers to check out.

Winning the “Adult” category was Watson and Holmes Volume 2 by Lyndsay Faye, Brandon Easton, Hannibal Tabu, Steven Grant and Karl Bollers, illustrated by N. Steven Harris, Dennis Calero and Eli Powell and published by New Paradigm Studios. The series is a reimagining of the classic characters and is highlighted by its “black role models and grittier storytelling.” The crimes also feature diverse elements such as “sex slavery, suicide, transgender sex workers and more.”

Winning the “Youth” category was March: Book 3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell and published by Top Shelf Productions. The graphic novel concludes the trilogy of books chronicalling Congressman John Lewis’ experiences during the Civil Rights Movement.

Other books honored include Brotherman: Revelation, Japanese Notebooks: A Journey to the Empire fo Signs, Paper Girls, Your Black Friend, Lowriders to the Center of the Earth, and The Nameless City.

“Overfloweth” titles include The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Deluxe Edition, Gumballs, Agents of the Realm, and Faith.

The Graphic Novel Diversity Award is a project of VLA’s Diversity & Inclusion Forum. You can learn more by visiting the forum’s website.

Check out the full listing at what was said about each series.