Oskar Ed: Vítěz Komiksových cen Muriel & Noční kreslení autora

Prague’s Atlas cinema was the site of the 19th annual Muriel Awards ceremony, where the best in Czech comics were honored. Branko Jelinek’s Oskar Ed – Můj nejlepší přítel (Oskar Ed – My Best Friend) dominated the evening, taking home four awards including Best Comic Book and the Czech Academy of Comics Award, shared with publisher Lipnik.

A Sweep for ‘Oskar Ed’

Branko Jelinek’s work, a story described as exploring themes of fear, loneliness, and the search for connection, was recognized for its writing, artwork, and overall impact. The narrative follows Oskar Ed on a seemingly aimless journey, confronting a formless entity that may represent anxiety or despair. Jelinek, who balances his artistic pursuits with a separate profession, expressed gratitude to his wife for her years of patience with the character.

Did You Know? The Muriel Awards have been presented annually since 2007, and since 2018 have been administered by the Czech Academy of Comics.

Additional Honorees

The awards weren’t limited to Jelinek’s success. Tereza Verecká and Mikuláš Podprocký received the award for Best Short Comic for their work on Jaromíra Kočnarová, part of the Těžká rozhodnutí (Difficult Decisions) series, based on a testimony for the Memory of Nations project. Kateřina Šardická, Dan Krátký, and Tomáš Kopecký were awarded for Best Comic for Children with Stella a strážci závoje (Stella and the Guardians of the Veil).

Centrala received recognition for publishing the best translated comic, Nirvána je tady (Nirvana is Here) by Mikael Ross. Martin Svoboda was honored for his translation of Daniel Clowes’ Monika. Maxmilián Hrstka won the Magnesia Award for best student comic, Ulrich, from the Faculty of Design and Art of Ladislav Sutnar at the West Bohemian University in Pilsen. Roman Šantora and the Jaroslav Foglar Scout Foundation were recognized for their contribution to Czech comics through the revival of the Rychlé šípy (Quick Arrows) magazine, and series.

Expert Insight: The broad range of awards—spanning full-length books, short stories, children’s comics, and translated works—highlights the diversity and growing sophistication of the Czech comics scene. recognising student work and contributions to legacy properties like Rychlé šípy demonstrates a commitment to both innovation and preservation within the medium.

A Lifetime Achievement

Lubomír Hlavsa, a veteran artist, writer, and director with six decades of experience in comics, was inducted into the Hall of Fame. His work has appeared in publications like ABC, Kometa, Aréna, Stopa, and Čtyřlístek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Best Comic Book at the Muriel Awards?

Branko Jelinek won Best Comic Book for Oskar Ed – Můj nejlepší přítel.

What other awards did Branko Jelinek receive?

Branko Jelinek also received awards for the artwork and script of Oskar Ed – Můj nejlepší přítel, as well as the Czech Academy of Comics Award.

Who presented the Muriel Awards?

The Muriel Awards were presented at a ceremony in Prague’s Atlas cinema, moderated by Tomáš Chlud.

With increasing recognition for both established and emerging talent, what does the future hold for the Czech comic book industry?