SEATTLE - Class Comics' graphic novel and erotic thriller The Mark of Aeacus has been nominated for one of the "Comic Book Queers" podcast's second annual Queerie Awards.
The graphic novel, written by Charles "Zan" Christensen, is in the running for "Best Queer Indie Book," along with Strangers in Paradise, Shortpacked, Love Omnibus and So Super Duper.
"I feel like the beauty-pageant contestant who says to her new best girlfriend, ‘No, I hope you win! Seriously!" Christensen said. "It's a thrill to be nominated."
Mark Brill, who illustrated The Mark of Aeacus, shared Christensen's excitement.
"I'm excited to be recognized for being exceptionally queer," he said. "Do I need to rent a tux?"
The Mark of Aeacus, published in September 2007, features a sexually charged story, but it is Class Comics' first series without explicit sexual content.
"One a personal level, I am extremely proud of this nomination," Class Comics founder Patrick Fillion said. "It proves that there is an audience for Class Comics titles like The Mark of Aeacus. This book is our first attempt at offering a new line of titles which feature gay characters and situations, but that don't depict hardcore sexuality.
"We've been planning several other new titles in this vein, but, in a way, Aeacus is the pilot for this wave of books. To see it receive such acclaim is truly heartwarming and proves to us that there is indeed a demand for its kind of material."
The winners of the Queerie Awards will be announced by mid-April.
