The judges had amazing comments about Bingo Love that made my eyes tear up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The judges said of the characters, Hazel and Mari, that \u201ctheir experiences are portrayed with honesty and integrity,\u201d and that \u201csupporting characters are also relatable and multi-faceted. They take their own journeys, and grow and develop throughout the story.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They complimented the artwork as \u201csuper bright and colorful, showcasing black characters we don’t get to see much in adult graphic novels,\u201d and noted that the \u201cvisual diversity in the graphic novel is absolutely incredible. Each person of color is drawn differently to reflect their individuality. Various skin tones, hair styles, and body types are portrayed naturally, realistically, and respectfully.\u201d
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The judges praised Bingo Love for \u201cgiving visibility to characters to don’t often see. The main characters are black, gay seniors and those things just don’t get a lot of visibility in a world of white, young, mostly straight characters in comics and graphic novels.\u201d Perhaps most importantly, they felt that \u201cBingo Love tells a heartbreaking and important story that is all too realistic. It is vital that such stories be told to help advocate for diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance, not just tolerance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve always been extremely proud of Bingo Love and while there weren’t books like this when I was growing so that future generations can read and see themselves in this graphic novel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to Jenn St-Onge (artist), Joy San (colorist), Erica Schultz (editor & letterer) for their fantastic work on Bingo Love! Thank you, as well, to the judges who voted for Bingo Love and, above all…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to thank each and every person who has picked up and spread the word about Bingo Love! <\/p>\n\n\n\n