The jury announced on Thursday that the National Award for the Best Cultural Editorial Work for 2022 is granted to a publisher in recognition of a long-standing and influential contribution to cultural life. The selection highlights the editorial house for its sustained impact on culture and society, noting the broad, positive effects along the entire value chain of the publisher’s books. The committee also advised Norma Editorial in the comics and graphic novel sector to continue promoting Spanish and Catalan creativity across genres and markets.
The resolution speaks of a publication house with a rich history and an international footprint, especially in Latin America. Its commitment to encouraging young readers is singled out, marking it as a pioneer among comics publishers to receive this honor.
The award aims to recognize individuals or organizations whose editorial work stands out for outstanding and innovative contributions to Spanish cultural life. It is an honorary distinction, without a financial endowment.
The publisher was established in the late 20th century in a European city known for its vibrant comics and illustration scene. A leading force in shaping the profile of contemporary comic and illustration culture in Spain and across Latin America, this publisher serves as a reference point for many generations of writers and readers and is also a notable presence in manga publishing.
Nationally, Norma Editorial has published a roster of acclaimed creators, including Miguelanxo Prado, Luis Royo, Conrad Roset, Sergio Mora, Daniel Torres, Victoria Frances, Ana Miralles, Juanjo Guarnido, Juan Díaz Canales, and Josep María Martín Saurí, among others. Through collaborative books and anthologies such as Barcelona TM, Revolution Complex, and Valentia, Norma Editorial has emerged as a platform for a new generation of internationally influential writers, including Jordi Lafebre, Josep Homs, Claudio Stassi, and Joan Marín, among others.
From its inception, Norma Editorial has maintained a robust international presence, participating in the major international fairs of the comics industry and sustaining involvement in several events for decades. It stands as one of the Spanish publishers with global recognition. The house was a founding member of societies and fairs that have shaped the comics scene, including a major Barcelona event and new industry initiatives that have continued to evolve over time.
The award has a long trajectory, first presented to broadcasters in the mid-1990s. Since then, many notable publishers have been recognized for their contributions, including houses such as Tusquets and Anagrama, and over the years the prize has acknowledged a wide array of publishers renowned for their impact on Spanish-speaking literary and comic culture. These recognitions have helped elevate the profile of the participating publishers and their authors on an international scale.