"Buffy : Season 8" Comic Book #1 wins two Diamond's 2007 Gem Awards

DC Comics, IDW Publishing and Viz Media were named publishers of the year in their respective categories in Diamond’s 2007 Gem Awards.

Red 5 Comics was selected as New Publisher of the Year.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1 was named Comic Book of the Year Under $3 and Licensed Comic of the Year. Captain America #25 was chosen as Comic Book of the Year Over $3. Naruto, Vol. 14, was selected as Manga of the Year, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen : Black Dossier as Original GN of the Year.

The awards, announced yesterday, honor direct-market suppliers and products. The nominees were selected by Diamond Comic Distributors and voted on by retailers.

The full list of winners appears after the break :

Comic Book Publisher of the Year Over 5%
DC Comics

Comic Book Publisher of the Year Under 5%
IDW Publishing

New Publisher of the Year
Red 5 Comics

Star System Backlist Publisher of the Year
DC Comics

Manga Publisher of the Year
VIZ Media

Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year
The Upper Deck Company

Non-Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year
Inkworks

Game Manufacturer of the Year
WizKids, Inc.

Toy Manufacturer of the Year
DC Direct

Video Manufacturer of the Year
WarnerHome Video

Comic Book of the Year Under $3.00
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1

Comic Book of the Year Over $3.00
Captain America #25

Licensed Comic of the Year
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1

Original GN of the Year
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen : Black Dossier HC

Reprint TP or HC of the Year
Heroes HC

Manga TP of the Year
Naruto TP Volume 14

Trade Book of the Year Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide Volume 37

Magazine of the Year
Classic Marvel Figurine (Eaglemoss)

Sports Card Product of the Year
Playoff Contenders NFL T/C Box (Playoff)

Non-Sports Card Product of the Year
Marvel Masterpieces T/C Box (Upper Deck)

Game Product of the Year
Magic : The Gathering TCG – Lorwyn Expansion (WotC)

Toy Product of the Year
World of Warcraft Series 1 Figures (DC Direct)

Toy Line of the Year
DC Direct 13” Collector Figures (DC Direct)

Collectible Statue of the Year
Batman : Black and White Statue – Alex Ross (DC)

Mini-Bust of the Year
Women of the DC Universe : Batgirl Bust (DC)

Video / DVD of the Year
Superman / Doomsday Animated Movie DVD (Warner Home Video)