Source Point Press's own Joshua Werner was given the 2021 Gary Reed Independent Creator of the Year Award at this year's Cherry Capital Con for his "willingness to share his insights, attention to detail, versatility, management and overall dedication to help aspiring artists see the fruition of their stories into comics."
Werner's most recent work is "The Winchester Mystery House," a miniseries he wrote after working closely with the staff and historians of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, touring the halls of the house itself and pulling the rope in the famous bell-ringing ceremony.
“Receiving [this award] is such a huge honor, and holds such a special place in my heart. Gary was a friend and mentor who I owe a great deal. And to think that there are those in this industry who feel I am living up to the spirit of this award, to his legacy, absolutely floors me. I am so very humbled and grateful. And what an honor to share the stage with three amazing finalists who I get to call my friends and collaborators," says Werner.
Other nominees of the award include Garrett Gunn (Good Boy, Warcorns), Christina Blanch (Good Boy, Damnation of Charlie Wormwood), and Drena Jo (Butts in Seats, Buried But Not Dead).
From cherrycapitalcon.com: "The late Gary Reed- comic writer, publisher, and mentor- spent his career supporting and giving a voice to independent creators through Caliber Comics in addition to creating his own prolific body of work through the Caliber imprint. Gary embodied the absolute best of what the comics industry is all about- creative and compelling storytelling, a breakneck work ethic, and the mindset that you always pay it forward and invest in the next generation of creators.
This award will be bestowed upon the creator that most espouses Gary’s spirit. In addition to creating comics of their own, either self-published or through small press publishers like Caliber, the recipient of this award will be someone who also encourages, lifts up, and helps other independent creators on their journey."
