dwayne-mcduffieDwayne McDuffie was an iconic comic creator and television writer taken from us far too early. By the age of 49, Dwayne had helped create several amazing comic characters, been responsible for a number of brilliant animated comic adaptations in television and film, and written a number of notable comic storylines in books like Justice League of America, Firestorm, and Fantastic Four. McDuffie is responsible for great animated series you’re probably familiar with like Static Shock, Teen Titans, and Justice League Unlimited. He also wrote Justice League: Doom, arguably one of the best DC animated feature films, which was released posthumously. Dwayne was even Editor-In-Chief of the comic company that worked with DC Comics to produce a number of ethnically diverse superhero titles, Milestone Media. But as this comic legend unfortunately passed away in 2011, I am sure you’re curious why we’re bringing it up now. This is because Long Beach Comic Con will be announcing shortly the Dwayne McDuffie Award.

Dwayne McDuffie had been honored with several awards, ranging from the Inkpot to the Writers Guild of America award for Animated Writing, and been nominated for many prestigious awards like Emmy’s and Eisner’s. Now the well respected and beloved writer will be remembered as he himself becomes an Award. That is, to say, his name will be used on a new award given to other creators much like the Will Eisner award, Bram Stroker Award, Harvey Award, Jack Kirby Award and even Bill Finger Award. He’ll certainly be in good company, as undoubtedly will be the recipients of his award. But just who will received the Dwayne McDuffie award and for what? Well, for that we look to next weekend’s Long Beach Comic Con. At the show, Long Beach Comic Con co-founders Martha Donato and Phil Lawrence, as well as prominent comics and animation professionals Neo Edmund, Joan Hilty, Joseph Illidge, Heidi MacDonald, Glen Murakami, Eugene Son, William J. Watkins, Len Wein, and Matt Wayne, alongside animation writer and Dwayne McDuffie’s widow, Charlotte Fullerton McDuffie, will announce the details of the award. This will undoubtedly be a very powerful moment that not only honors the great talent and man that was Dwayne McDuffie, but honors many future recipients of his award. Check back after September 27th for more details.