Dean Simons
@deansimons.bsky.social
He/Him. UK-based freelance culture writer/journalist [news & features]. Interests: world comics, comics history, digital comics + tech/gaming
Portfolio | https://linktr.ee/dean.simons
Support my work | https://ko-fi.com/deansimons
Follow ≠ endorsement
Portfolio | https://linktr.ee/dean.simons
Support my work | https://ko-fi.com/deansimons
Follow ≠ endorsement
More award coverage.
More to come.
More to come.
NAACP Image Award 2026 nominations roll in
NAACP Image Award 2026 nominations roll in
The full nominations list for the 57th NAACP Image Awards were announced Monday. For the third year, graphic novels were included in the list. Comics inspired media also had a pretty good showing with 13 total nominations between them
www.comicsbeat.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:06 AM
More award coverage.
More to come.
More to come.
Took them a little while to make this available but the Nintendo Year in Reviews are up. I thought I hadn’t played that much on my Switch this year. Clearly I was wrong.
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Took them a little while to make this available but the Nintendo Year in Reviews are up. I thought I hadn’t played that much on my Switch this year. Clearly I was wrong.
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
See yours at year-in-review.nintendo.com
More awards coverage...And more to come (I have a growing list)
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
GLAAD Awards 2026 Nominations Have Arrived
Last week brought the nominees in contention for the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. As ever, we have a smorgasbord of a list (especially in the comics and graphic novel categories). The winners will be announced March 5 at a special ceremony in Los Angeles
Last week brought the nominees in contention for the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. As ever, we have a smorgasbord of a list (especially in the comics and graphic novel categories). The winners will be announced March 5 at a special ceremony in Los Angeles
GLAAD Awards 2026 Nominations Have Arrived
Last week brought the nominees in contention for the 37th GLAAD Media Awards. As ever, we have a smorgasbord of a list (especially in the comics and graphic novel categories). The winners will be announced March 5 at a special ceremony in Los Angeles
www.comicsbeat.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:28 PM
More awards coverage...And more to come (I have a growing list)
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
If there is a local, national or international award involving comics that I've missed - do give me the heads up
Started my next read.
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
January 11, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Started my next read.
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
Technically breaking my “no sequels, only standalone novels” rule of past two years with this standalone sequel: “Urth of the New Sun” by Gene Wolfe.
I recall its precursor (“Book of the New Sun”) like a mesmerising fever dream. Hopefully this won’t take months to finish
Finished this last night. Never got as disturbing as those few chapters but a gripping read towards the end.
Currently reading Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’. I have read a handful of King novels over the years and a few other novels in the “horror” category but chapters 25 through 30 actually scared the crap out of me. Don’t remember the last time a book has done that.
January 11, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Finished this last night. Never got as disturbing as those few chapters but a gripping read towards the end.
I wonder if we will ever get an English edition of Yaro Abe’s manga Midnight Diner (Shin'ya Shokudō - 深夜食堂). The live action series has been available for years but no interest in a localisation of the manga. I presume it isn’t a particularly easy sell - art style and genre-wise. Plus it is ongoing
January 10, 2026 at 11:06 PM
I wonder if we will ever get an English edition of Yaro Abe’s manga Midnight Diner (Shin'ya Shokudō - 深夜食堂). The live action series has been available for years but no interest in a localisation of the manga. I presume it isn’t a particularly easy sell - art style and genre-wise. Plus it is ongoing
Might see if I can somehow get a ticket for this event at London's Natural History Museum. Or maybe cave for one of the bits of merch online (if anything is left)
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
All the rare Pokémon merch you can buy at the Natural History Museum’s upcoming pop-up shop
Catch exclusive plushies, pins, and more at the exclusive event this month.
www.timeout.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Might see if I can somehow get a ticket for this event at London's Natural History Museum. Or maybe cave for one of the bits of merch online (if anything is left)
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
I also would like to see what they do around the museum. Change some exhibit descriptions, perhaps? 'Hope, the Wailord'?
Award news.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
The JACK AND ROZ KIRBY AWARDS take shape
We now know that these brand new awards will cover a total of seven categories
We now know that these brand new awards will cover a total of seven categories
The JACK AND ROZ KIRBY AWARDS take shape
We now know that these brand new awards will cover a total of seven categories
www.comicsbeat.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Award news.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
This required a tiny bit of guesswork but I am very curious how the actual awards will turn out.
Very busy week for award news and trying not to overstuff.
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
AWARDS ROUNDUP: Eisner Awards, Graphic Medicine Awards & Cartoonist Studio Prize open submissions, and more
In this edition of ye olde Awards Roundup: three annual awards - including the Eisners - have opened for submissions, France introduces yet another comics award, and the British Book Awards…
In this edition of ye olde Awards Roundup: three annual awards - including the Eisners - have opened for submissions, France introduces yet another comics award, and the British Book Awards…
AWARDS ROUNDUP: Eisner Awards, Graphic Medicine Awards & Cartoonist Studio Prize open submissions, and more
In this edition of ye olde Awards Roundup: three annual awards - including the Eisners - have opened for submissions, France introduces yet another comics award, and the British Book Awards introduce a graphic novel category (which is also open for submissions)
www.comicsbeat.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:23 PM
Very busy week for award news and trying not to overstuff.
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
Anywho...this contains three established awards opening for submissions v recently + news missed from December: a brand new award in France by national broadcaster FranceTV, and the British Book Awards introducing a graphic novel category
Wow that’s an interesting list.
The best of 2000 AD in 2025 – as chosen by you! What were the most popular covers and stories from last year? Find out 👉 https://bit.ly/4boouhJ
The best of 2000 AD in 2025 – as chosen by you!
Each year we ask Earthlets to tell us which of Tharg the Generous's offerings from your planet's most recent trip around its puny sun were their favourites – and they've voted in droves! While democracy may be under strain at home and abroad, in the 200...
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Wow that’s an interesting list.
Reposted by Dean Simons
Applications are open for the Kuš! Comics Residency 2026! We’re offering six free spots for international artists to spend one or two months in Riga. This opportunity is aimed at artists to focus on their personal comics projects in an inspiring environment away from home. 👉 komikss.lv/residency
January 6, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Applications are open for the Kuš! Comics Residency 2026! We’re offering six free spots for international artists to spend one or two months in Riga. This opportunity is aimed at artists to focus on their personal comics projects in an inspiring environment away from home. 👉 komikss.lv/residency
Part of me is very curious to try the Dragon Quest 7 remaster. I had a really fun summer playing the 3DS port way back when.
That said, I also remember how long it was - something like 80-130 hours. It’s a long one that I have already experienced (and loved)
Really does look great though.
That said, I also remember how long it was - something like 80-130 hours. It’s a long one that I have already experienced (and loved)
Really does look great though.
January 7, 2026 at 3:19 PM
Part of me is very curious to try the Dragon Quest 7 remaster. I had a really fun summer playing the 3DS port way back when.
That said, I also remember how long it was - something like 80-130 hours. It’s a long one that I have already experienced (and loved)
Really does look great though.
That said, I also remember how long it was - something like 80-130 hours. It’s a long one that I have already experienced (and loved)
Really does look great though.
Reposted by Dean Simons
Over at @comicsbeat.bsky.social last week, @deansimons.bsky.social and @zackquaintance.bsky.social looked back over the last year of 2000 AD!
What were their highlights from The Galaxy's Greatest in 2025? https://bit.ly/4aEfp45
What were their highlights from The Galaxy's Greatest in 2025? https://bit.ly/4aEfp45
2000 AD in Review: Looking Back at 2025
2000 AD in Review: Looking Back at 2025
www.comicsbeat.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Over at @comicsbeat.bsky.social last week, @deansimons.bsky.social and @zackquaintance.bsky.social looked back over the last year of 2000 AD!
What were their highlights from The Galaxy's Greatest in 2025? https://bit.ly/4aEfp45
What were their highlights from The Galaxy's Greatest in 2025? https://bit.ly/4aEfp45
Currently reading Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’. I have read a handful of King novels over the years and a few other novels in the “horror” category but chapters 25 through 30 actually scared the crap out of me. Don’t remember the last time a book has done that.
January 6, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Currently reading Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’. I have read a handful of King novels over the years and a few other novels in the “horror” category but chapters 25 through 30 actually scared the crap out of me. Don’t remember the last time a book has done that.
Here’s what I currently know is coming up in 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine - based largely on what was previously teased in both publications last year.
The first issue of 2026 comes out Wednesday. My subscriber copy may show up by then.
(P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Review of 2025)
The first issue of 2026 comes out Wednesday. My subscriber copy may show up by then.
(P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Review of 2025)
2000 AD: Thrills to Come in 2026
With the end of 2000 AD's winter hiatus closing in, we take a look ahead at what to expect from the British weekly anthology and its monthly sister title in the year ahead
With the end of 2000 AD's winter hiatus closing in, we take a look ahead at what to expect from the British weekly anthology and its monthly sister title in the year ahead
2000 AD: Thrills to Come in 2026
With the end of 2000 AD's winter hiatus closing in, we take a look ahead at what to expect from the British weekly anthology and its monthly sister title in the year ahead
www.comicsbeat.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Here’s what I currently know is coming up in 2000 AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine - based largely on what was previously teased in both publications last year.
The first issue of 2026 comes out Wednesday. My subscriber copy may show up by then.
(P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Review of 2025)
The first issue of 2026 comes out Wednesday. My subscriber copy may show up by then.
(P.S. Don’t forget to check out our Review of 2025)
Reposted by Dean Simons
![Comic. [Comment section on a video. 564 comments, including posts from three different avatars: “Who else is here in 2023?” “Is anyone else watching this in 2017?” “Anyone else here in 2025?”] [caption] For some reason, confused time travelers always try to find each other using YouTube comments.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreia42izz36bkhdteb5743objgf2s3whe3kblmnxnwjvgggtu66ea54@jpeg)
January 2, 2026 at 8:35 PM
A large overview of 2025 by me, and we check in on @zackquaintance.bsky.social as he concludes his second year as a weekly reader.
2000 AD in Review: Looking back at 2025
With the British weekly set to return from its winter hiatus next week, The Beat looks back at the raft of stories featured in the anthology in 2025
With the British weekly set to return from its winter hiatus next week, The Beat looks back at the raft of stories featured in the anthology in 2025
2000 AD in Review: Looking back at 2025
With the British weekly set to return from its winter hiatus next week, The Beat looks back at the raft of stories featured in the anthology in 2025
www.comicsbeat.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:16 PM
A large overview of 2025 by me, and we check in on @zackquaintance.bsky.social as he concludes his second year as a weekly reader.
Look Back today, Look Forward on Monday (I think).
2000 AD in Review: Looking back at 2025
With the British weekly set to return from its winter hiatus next week, The Beat looks back at the raft of stories featured in the anthology in 2025
With the British weekly set to return from its winter hiatus next week, The Beat looks back at the raft of stories featured in the anthology in 2025
2000 AD in Review: Looking back at 2025
With the British weekly set to return from its winter hiatus next week, The Beat looks back at the raft of stories featured in the anthology in 2025
www.comicsbeat.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Look Back today, Look Forward on Monday (I think).
Watching a delightful musical with my client (he slept through most of it) #catsitting
December 31, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Watching a delightful musical with my client (he slept through most of it) #catsitting
I can’t tell if this was done because of censorship or enshitification on Kindle post-Comixology app closure. The cover of this book was “removed” until you open the file. It is The Muse, by Zidrou & Oriol. Curiously the cover does show up when you find the Amazon listing
December 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
I can’t tell if this was done because of censorship or enshitification on Kindle post-Comixology app closure. The cover of this book was “removed” until you open the file. It is The Muse, by Zidrou & Oriol. Curiously the cover does show up when you find the Amazon listing
Watched the famous 1967 movie ‘The Graduate’ last night and…yikes. Grooming in the first half, stalking in the second. Toxic after the first 20 minutes. Whatever made it a cinematic classic has completely eroded with the passage of time.
a man is laying on a bed looking at an aquarium
ALT: a man is laying on a bed looking at an aquarium
media.tenor.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Watched the famous 1967 movie ‘The Graduate’ last night and…yikes. Grooming in the first half, stalking in the second. Toxic after the first 20 minutes. Whatever made it a cinematic classic has completely eroded with the passage of time.
Got round to finishing one of the manga series I started this year. Übelblatt.
A confusing start, a chaotic end, but a very interesting middle. The final battle featured a lot of characters and I couldn’t tell which side was which as some looked too similar. Not a classic but entertaining enough.
A confusing start, a chaotic end, but a very interesting middle. The final battle featured a lot of characters and I couldn’t tell which side was which as some looked too similar. Not a classic but entertaining enough.
December 26, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Got round to finishing one of the manga series I started this year. Übelblatt.
A confusing start, a chaotic end, but a very interesting middle. The final battle featured a lot of characters and I couldn’t tell which side was which as some looked too similar. Not a classic but entertaining enough.
A confusing start, a chaotic end, but a very interesting middle. The final battle featured a lot of characters and I couldn’t tell which side was which as some looked too similar. Not a classic but entertaining enough.
Opened the Pokémon Go app randomly. First critter on my screen is a shiny. Great timing too
December 25, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Opened the Pokémon Go app randomly. First critter on my screen is a shiny. Great timing too
I have a bunch of complaints about ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, especially the last act/hour of the film….And yet I kind of want to see it again.
The first hour was really good and heartbreaking/shocking.
While the tech hasn’t leapt as much as between 1 and 2, Pandora remains fascinating.
The first hour was really good and heartbreaking/shocking.
While the tech hasn’t leapt as much as between 1 and 2, Pandora remains fascinating.
a woman with a feathered headdress is standing in front of a fire
ALT: a woman with a feathered headdress is standing in front of a fire
media.tenor.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I have a bunch of complaints about ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’, especially the last act/hour of the film….And yet I kind of want to see it again.
The first hour was really good and heartbreaking/shocking.
While the tech hasn’t leapt as much as between 1 and 2, Pandora remains fascinating.
The first hour was really good and heartbreaking/shocking.
While the tech hasn’t leapt as much as between 1 and 2, Pandora remains fascinating.