Offshore Lightning, a collection of short manga stories by Nazuna Saito, was recently awarded the prize for Outstanding Collection at the 2024 Ignatz Awards. Drawn & Quarterly published the collection in July 2023, featuring earlier works by Saito as well as new stories like “In Captivity” and “Solitary Death Building.”
The stories in Offshore Lightning delve into the lives of middle-aged men grappling with self-pity and self-reflection. Saito skillfully captures their inner turmoil while injecting humor into their narratives. Additionally, the collection includes poignant tales like “In Captivity,” which follows siblings navigating their mother’s illness, and “Solitary Death Building,” which explores the dynamics of elderly residents facing mortality.
Saito, who started her manga career in her 40s, has received recognition for her work, including winning the Big Comic Newcomer Award for “Dahlia” in 1987. Her story “Solitary Death Building” was also nominated for the 28th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. The Ignatz Awards, named after a character from Krazy Kat, celebrate excellence in comics and cartooning, with attendees at the Small Press Expo voting for the winners.
In 2021, Glacier Bay Books’ Glaeolia 2 anthology of indie manga was honored with the Outstanding Anthology award at the Ignatz Awards. The recognition of Offshore Lightning at this year’s ceremony highlights the diverse and impactful storytelling present in the world of manga and comics.
The Small Press Expo, where the Ignatz Awards take place, serves as a platform for independent creators to showcase their work and connect with audiences. The event, held in Bethesda, Maryland, provides a space for artists and fans to celebrate the art of storytelling through comics and graphic novels.
Overall, the recognition of Offshore Lightning at the 2024 Ignatz Awards underscores the importance of diverse voices and narratives in the world of manga and comics. Saito’s poignant and insightful storytelling resonates with readers, earning her a well-deserved accolade in the realm of indie comics and manga.