Who will be on the shortlist of the First Graphic Novel Award?! Join us as we reveal and celebrate the 2025 shortlist, whose works have been selected from the 30-strong longlist to go forward to the final; where the incredible prize is to have their work published by SelfMadeHero.

Cartoonist Hannah Berry will introduce a panel of present and past judges to showcase the talented applicants. The shortlisted creators themselves will present their entry or have an excerpt read out by one of the panel, including head of SelfMadeHero, Emma Hayley.

Also join a discussion by panellists, including Zara Slattery, and prize sponsor James Spackman of The bks Agency, about the common themes addressed by the 220 entrants, and the range of skills shown, followed by a Q&A with the audience.