The Soddyssey cover image

Batton Lash's The Soddyssey, And Other Tales of Supernatural Law (published by Exhibit A Press) is one of three finalists in the graphic novel category of the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Awards.

Named in honor of America's most cherished publisher/printer, the Benjamin Franklin Awards recognize excellence in independent publishing. These awards are presented under the auspices of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA; formerly known as PMA), now celebrating its 25th year of supporting independent publishers.

Publications, grouped by genre, are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field. The trophies are will be presented to the publishers of the winning books during a gala awards ceremony at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City on the eve of the opening of Book Expo America.

The Soddyssey is the latest collection of stories featuring Lash's characters Alanna Wolff and Jeff Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre. "This is very exciting news," said Lash, "since May 1st is the 15th anniversary of the start of Exhibit A Press." Lash's Supernatural Law is now one of the longest-running self-published series in comics, appearing both in print (as comic books and trade paperbacks) and online (www.supernaturallaw.com). This fall also marks the 30th anniversary of Lash's creation of Wolff & Byrd, which first appeared as a weekly newspaper strip in The Brooklyn Paper and The National Law Journal before making the leap to full-length comic book stories.

More information on Batton Lash and Supernatural Law: www.exhibitapress.com

More information on the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Award nominees:
www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/benfrank2009_Finalist.aspx