Winner
Author: Travis Dandro
Published by Drawn & Quarterly
Judges' Comments
"A heartbreaking, masterful debut graphic memoir from Travis Dandro, King of King Court: A Memoir grapples with the complexities of abuse and trauma while still leaving space for childhood innocence, play, and discovery. Dandro's life is punctuated by moments of violence and shrouded in omnipresent tension that center around his biological father, 'Dad Dave.' … Dandro's deft intermingling of word and image exemplifies what a graphic novel can do by conveying a deeply personal story that could not be told as effectively in any other form. With his economy of words and his deceptively simple artwork, he leads us through a slow and quiet [tale] … Ultimately, Dandro creates a multilayered narrative that is both understanding of Dad Dave's struggles and critical of his abusive actions, resulting in an honest story that invites the reader to sit with discomfort and to contend with ambiguity."
*Listen to Schlow Library Podcast #104 for an in-depth discussion of King of King Court!*
Virtual Award Ceremony & Presentation
Featuring 2020 Winner: Travis Dandro
Click here to watch!