Best Abstract/Random Comic Refers to subject matter. There is no specific plot. Content does not follow a specific theme. A gaming comic is NOT an abstract/random comic. A comic with content that goes from pancakes to presidents to platypi IS an abstract/random comic. Include non-sequiter and absurdity, stream of consciousness, surreality, etc. Last year's winner: Brainfuzz

Best Adventure Comic Long-form comics with adventure-oriented storylines. This is not a slice-of-life comic with a few two or three page mini-arcs with adventures. This is a full-on adventure. Last year's winner: The Dreamer

Best Fantasy Comic Comics with a fantasy setting and characters. Mythical places, creatures, and/or abilities. Fantasy is much more organic, magic-based in nature (as opposed to technology-based sci-fi). Last year's winner: Para Ten

Best Horror Comic Content and plot stays inline with established horror genre. Should be judged on art and content. Last year's winner: Manifestations

Best Mystery/Crime/Noir Comic Long-form story comics focusing on mysteries or crime. Last year's mystery winner: Tales from the Cornerstone. Last year's Noir winner: Danielle Dark

Best Parody/Tribute Comic A parody of or tribute to an established concept or institution. Last year's winner: Super Temps

Best Philosophical/Spiritual Comic Any style/form dealing primarily with philosophical or spiritual themes. Includes comics dealing with morals, ethics, etc. Last year's Spiritual winner: Due East

Best Romance Comic This comic will have romance as the or one of the central themes not just a side plot. Last year's winner: The Dreamer

Best Sci-Fi Comic A futuristic or alternate universe. Technology and machine-based instead of organic like fantasy stories. Last year's winner: White Noise

Best Slice of Life/Autobiographical Comic Any form/style of comic that deals with ordinary, every day life and situations. Last year's autobiographical winner: Pictures of You. Last year's slice of life winner: Raw Fish.

Best Socio/Political Comic Any form/style of comic with a focus on political or sociological issues. Humor or drama. Last year's winner: Taking Stock

Best Superhero Comic The main character or characters must be superheroes or supervillains. Any form or content. No copyrighted characters used without permission. Last year's winner: Super Temps

Best Background Art This applies to background art ONLY. Can be meaningful, scenic, funny, etc. Last year's winner: Shades

Best Black and White Art Self-explanatory. Black and white/greyscale art only. One or two additional contrast colors used sparingly is allowed. A comic which has started in color and has reverted to black and white full-time is eligible. A previously black and white comic which is now updating in full color is NOT eligible. Last year's winner: Opey the Warhead

Best Color Art Again, self-explanatory. A primarily full color comic with areas of black and white for emphasis is eligible. A comic which has started in color and has reverted to black and white full-time is NOT eligible. A previously black and white comic which is now updating in full color is eligible. Last year's winner: Dark Rising

Most Improved Art This is judged based on artistic progress made since August 2008. Last year's winner: Used Books

Best Layouts in a Comic Pacing, aesthetics. Interesting or unusual paneling, great use of space. Last year's winner: Rainbow Carousel

Best Manga-Style Art For manga-styled comics. Should be drawn and colored/toned accordingly. Last year's winner: Blue0

Best Photo Comic Any form/genre of comic told using actual photographs. Manipulated photographs are acceptable. Non-copyrighted content unless permission is given and documented. Boo to those who use Google Image Search without giving credit! Last year's winner: Lost

Best Pixel/Sprite/Stock Image Comic Any genre made with stock images or sprites - these can be custom or downloaded (with credit). Last year's winner: RPJay

Best 3D/Poser Comic Any style/form of comic using 3D imaging or Poser-style software for art.

Best Simplified/Stick Figure Comic This one is pretty obvious. Any style or form of comic with either stick or very simplified figures. Last year's winner: Frank & Vinny

Best Action Scenes in a Comic Refers to art, pacing, dialogue, and narration of action scenes specifically. This can be fights, shoot-outs, chases, etc. Comics in this category should not be judged on art/pacing/dialogue of non-action scenes. Last year's winner: Scorch

Best Protagonist The main character rocks! Last year's winner: Charby from Charby the Vampirate

Best Antagonist Any form/style of comic with a recurring antagonist. The antagonist is pitted against the main character(s). Could be a person, an institution, a trait, etc. Last year's winner: Dr. Argon of Villain Next Door (with new rules in place, Dr. Argon would actually be a protagonist).

Best Humor Comic Any style/form comic focused on comedy and humor. Last year's winner: Last Place Comics

Best Dramatic Comic Any style/form. Dialogue, art, pacing, mood, etc work together to create a primarily dramatic storyline.

Best Overall Writing Any style/form of comic with truly excellent writing, pacing, dialogue, etc.

Best Adult Comic This one is pretty obvious. A-rated comics only. Should be judged based on story and art. Last year's winner: Xolta

Best All Ages Comic Any style/form of comic which remains inoffensive and safe for all ages and workplaces.

Best Anthropomorphic Comic Any form/style of comic involving non-human beings with human-like characteristics as the main characters. Should be judged on both art and content. Last year's winner: What You Don't See

Best Character Design This goes to a character who is memorable in appearance, personality, and role in the comic.

Best Community Project A project openly posted on the forums which allows participation in some form from ANY Drunk Duck user. This is not for private collaborations between a couple of members. Last year's winner: DD Zombies

Best Completed Comic Comics eligible for this award have been officially completed - not abandoned or on hiatus.

Most Deliciously Offensive The comic that cracks you up even though you know you shouldn't laugh. The dark, perverse comic you wouldn't admit to reading. Last year's winner: Last Place Comics

Best Website Design Ease of use, aesthetics, quick to load, etc. This applies to the design and layout of the site ONLY, not the comic. Last year's winner: Ever Hollow

Best Overall Comics The cream of the crop. Story and art are superior and engaging. All elements are at the top of the game. Last year's winner: Simply Sarah

Friendliest Drunk Ducker An unfailingly friendly, supportive, and active forum poster and comic commenter. Winner chosen by popular vote. Last year's winner: Skoolmunkee

Funniest Drunk Ducker Solid humor and wit from a DrunkDucker. NOT from his/her comic but specifically for forum and commenting presence. Winner chosen by popular vote. Last year's winner: (TIE) GhostRunner, LeFarce

Most Helpful Drunk Ducker A Ducker who exhibits helpfulness and provides solutions for others. Should be active on the boards. Winner chosen by popular vote. Last year's winner: OzoneOcean

Most Supportive Reader popular vote nominated readers/commenters who provide support and awesomeness to comic creators on DD.