The 2026 Eisner Award nominations are officially here, and the Best Continuing Series category is looking like an absolute powerhouse. Often referred to as the Oscars of the comic book world, these awards celebrate the pinnacle of graphic storytelling.
This year’s list of nominees is a perfect reflection of the industry’s current direction, blending massive superhero reinventions with deep indie dramas and high concept sci-fi. Whether you are following the bold new Absolute Universe at DC or the cosmic scales of Marvel’s mutant icons, there is no denying that we are living in a golden age for serialized storytelling.
Absolute Batman
What's it about?
This is not your father’s Batman. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta have stripped away the billionaire lifestyle and the high-tech cave to give us a Bruce Wayne who is a working-class hero. Set in a Gotham that feels more dangerous and grounded than ever, the story follows a Bruce who uses his engineering skills and raw physical power to wage a war against a city that seems determined to swallow him whole. It subverts everything you know about the Wayne legacy while keeping the core of the character intact.
Who is behind it?
The series is written by Scott Snyder, the architect of the fan favorite Court of Owls era, and illustrated by Nick Dragotta, known for the hyper-stylized visuals of East of West. It is published by DC as the flagship title of their Absolute line.
What folks are saying:
Critics are calling it a "tour de force" in pacing and visual energy. The general takeaway is that the series feels incredibly fresh and unpredictable, especially for a character that has been around for over 85 years. Fans love the brutal, high-energy action and the way it reimagines iconic villains in ways that actually feel scary again.
Why it should win:
It should win because it managed the impossible: making Batman feel brand new. The synergy between Snyder’s world-building and Dragotta’s gritty, kinetic art has created a series that feels vital to the modern comic landscape. It is a bold, risky take that has completely paid off.
Absolute Wonder Woman
What's it about?
In this reality, Diana was not raised on the paradise of Themyscira. Instead, she was raised in Hell by the witch Circe. This version of Wonder Woman is a warrior forged in a world of cruelty, yet she chooses to lead with empathy and kindness. The plot follows her as she navigates a dark, mythological landscape, fighting for those who have no voice and questioning the very gods who abandoned her.
Who is behind it?
The series is written by Kelly Thompson, whose work on Captain Marvel and Black Widow earned high praise, with art by Hayden Sherman and Mattia De Iulis. It is also part of the Absolute line at DC.
What folks are saying:
Readers are describing this series as "transcendently gorgeous." The general sentiment is that Thompson has captured the true heart of Diana, showing that kindness is her ultimate superpower. The artwork is frequently highlighted as some of the most beautiful on the stands today, blending high fantasy with a darker, more modern edge.
Why it should win:
It is a profound character study that proves you can change a character's origin without losing their soul. The focus on myth, empathy, and social justice makes it stand out as a series with real emotional weight. It is a masterclass in how to modernize a legend.
The Department of Truth
What's it about?
The premise is simple but terrifying: if enough people believe in a conspiracy theory, it becomes the truth. The story follows Cole Turner, a man recruited by a secret government agency tasked with making sure that reality stays reality. It is a deep dive into the history of American conspiracies, from the JFK assassination to modern day disinformation, all while exploring the high cost of maintaining the status quo.
Who is behind it?
The book is written by James Tynion IV, the mind behind Something Is Killing the Children, and features the haunting, experimental art of Martin Simmonds. It is published by Image Comics.
What folks are saying:
Critics often describe the book as "creeping dread in ink form." The art style, which many compare to Bill Sienkiewicz, is a major talking point for its ability to convey chaos and confusion. Reviews frequently praise the series for being one of the most intelligent and timely commentaries on the modern world.
Why it should win:
It should win for its sheer ambition and intellectual depth. Tynion and Simmonds have created a world that feels uncomfortably close to our own. It is a unique, challenging reading experience that pushes the boundaries of what a political thriller can be in the comic medium.
FML
What's it about?
Riley is a teenager in Portland who spends his days sketching out a heavy metal future between monster movies and band practice. However, after a ritual at a forest party goes sideways, his heavy metal fantasies start bleeding into reality. It is an "apocalyptic odyssey" that forces Riley to balance the horrors of high school, his goth sister, and his Riot Grrrl mother with actual supernatural threats in a world that already feels like it is ending.
Who is behind it?
The series reunites the Eisner-winning team of writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist David Lopez, the duo behind the iconic Captain Marvel run. It is published by Dark Horse Comics.
What folks are saying:
Reviews highlight the book as a perfect mix of "satire and sincerity." It has been compared to a blend of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Jennifer’s Body, with a strong punk rock energy. Folks are particularly impressed with how the series handles the "horror of being both a child and a parent" in today's chaotic world.
Why it should win:
It is a brilliantly original and authentic coming-of-age story. The dialogue is snappy, the art is full of personality, and the central metaphor of teenage angst as literal supernatural chaos is perfectly executed. It is a refreshing, loud, and incredibly fun read.
The Power Fantasy
What's it about?
What if the development of the atomic bomb also led to the birth of "Atomics," humans with world ending powers? The story focuses on the "Superpowers," six individuals who are so powerful that if they ever actually fought each other, it would be the end of existence. It is a high stakes political drama about the ethics of power and the secret treaties kept to prevent a global catastrophe.
Who is behind it?
Written by Kieron Gillen, the creator of The Wicked + The Divine, and illustrated by Caspar Wijngaard. The book is published by Image Comics.
What folks are saying:
Critics are calling it a "sprawling banger" that prioritizes character development and suspense over typical superhero fights. The general takeaway is that the series is a smart subversion of the genre, focusing on the tension of power rather than the use of it. Fans are already deep into theorizing about the world Gillen has built.
Why it should win:
It is one of the smartest "Big Idea" books currently on the market. Gillen’s ability to weave complex themes with Wijngaard’s vibrant, neon-soaked art makes for a compelling and unique experience. It is a sophisticated take on metahumans that feels entirely original.
Storm
What's it about?
Ororo Munroe is finally getting the definitive solo series she deserves. The story follows Storm as she steps into her role as "Earth's Mightiest Mutant" and a cosmic Goddess. It explores her connection to abstract beings like Eternity and Oblivion while grounding her in her Yoruba cultural roots. It is a massive, planet-hopping adventure that shows why Ororo is one of the most powerful and respected icons in the Marvel Universe.
Who is behind it?
The creative team includes writer Murewa Ayodele and artist Lucas Werneck. Published by Marvel Comics, this series has quickly become the standout of the "From the Ashes" X-Men era.
What folks are saying:
The general consensus is that this is a "landmark solo series." Reviews consistently praise Lucas Werneck’s breathtaking art and the way Murewa Ayodele blends Nigerian mythology with high stakes superhero action. Fans are thrilled to see Storm treated with the gravitas and scale that her character demands.
Why it should win:
It is a visual and narrative spectacle. The series successfully balances Storm’s vulnerable, human side with her status as a cosmic powerhouse. It is a culturally rich, beautifully illustrated tribute to an icon that feels like the definitive take for 2026.
Looking back at this list, it is clear that the "Continuing Series" category is more competitive than ever. Each of these nominees has pushed the medium forward in its own way, whether through the reinvention of a classic or the creation of a brand new world.
No matter who takes home the trophy at the Eisners this year, these stories are all essential additions to any reader’s pull list. They remind us that the best comics aren't just about heroes and villains; they are about the deep, complex human experiences that connect us all.