Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1967, Franklin Christenson “Chris” Ware is best known for the autobiographical graphic novel “Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth” (2000), which earned him the Angoulême prize for Best Comic Book in 2003. His artwork is renowned for its realistic, meticulous detail, and vivid color schemes. He has also edited and designed various books at Drawn & Quarterly, and Fantagraphics.
Ware’s win this year came amidst some controversy, after some voters entered invalid ballots in the first round, as part of a protest over the French government’s support for the comics industry. It is unclear if this affected the outcome, which saw Ware win in the second round against two French artists, Penelope Bagieu (“The Witches”) and Catherine Meurisse (“Delacroix”).
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ware accepted his award from the United States. Organizers had hoped to stage the festival during its usual spot in January this year, but were unable to go ahead as a result of the physical restrictions still in place. They are hoping the next edition, where Ware’s artwork should be displayed at a special exhibit, will go ahead as usual on the weekend of January 27, 2022.
