Indian Creatives Charbak Dipta, Anand RK, and Suparna Sharma Nominated for Esteemed Eisner Awards

In an exciting development for the Indian creative community, cartoonist Charbak Dipta, illustrator Anand RK, and journalist Suparna Sharma have received nominations for the prestigious 2026 Eisner Awards. These awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Comics,’ recognize outstanding achievements in the comic book industry, and this year sees Indian talent prominently represented in the Best Digital Comic and Best Short Story categories.

Dipta’s nominated work, The World of Lublu, takes readers on a whimsical journey through a surreal Indian town. The narrative centers around Lublu, an absent-minded philosopher, who sets off on an adventure to attend a magic show with his friend Kim. Along the way, Lublu encounters an old acquaintance and an eccentric musician, leading him to ponder deeper questions about the nature of reality and existence. This exploration of thought, creativity, and the absurdities of life resonates well with readers, making it a worthy contender for the award.

Meanwhile, Anand RK and Suparna Sharma have garnered attention for their collaboration on the illustrated piece trAPPed, which they created with reporter Natalie Obiko Pearson. This poignant narrative depicts the life of a neurologist in India who finds herself in a state of ‘digital arrest’ due to her dependence on her smartphone. Notably, trAPPed has already made waves in the journalistic realm, winning the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Illustrated Reporting and Commentary, further highlighting the impactful storytelling that blends art with serious issues.

Anand RK, who has previously received the Eisner Award in 2021 for his exceptional work as a painter and multimedia artist on the graphic novel Blue in Green, continues to push the boundaries of the medium. His return to the nominations this year speaks volumes about his artistic prowess and the increasing recognition of Indian talent on global platforms.

This year’s Eisner Awards feature nominations across 32 categories, showcasing a diverse array of material that spans comics and graphic novels from creators around the world. With over 170 titles submitted by approximately 75 publishers, the competition is fierce. Voting for the awards is conducted online, allowing all professionals in the comic book industry the chance to voice their opinions, ensuring that the awards reflect the true spirit of the industry.

Source: scroll.in