Nick Drnaso

Nick Drnaso (born 1989) is an American cartoonist and illustrator, best known for his books Beverly (2016, Drawn and Quarterly) and Sabrina (2018, Drawn and Quarterly), the latter being the first graphic novel nominated for a Man Booker Prize in 2018. His third book Acting Class (2022, Drawn and Quarterly) is rumored to be currently in development into a feature film directed by Ari Aster and produced by A24.

Biography
Drnaso grew up in a working-class environment. He became interested in making comics when he was in community college. After transferring to Columbia College Chicago, where he majored in illustration, Drnaso was mentored by cartoonist Ivan Brunetti. Early influences on Drnaso included Robert Crumb and the filmmaker Todd Solondz. Later influences included Julie Doucet and Henry Darger.

Personal life
Drnaso lives in Chicago with his wife, Sarah Leitten (also a cartoonist), and their three cats.

Awards

 * 2012 (nomination) Ignantz Award for Outstanding Story for “Keith or Steve”, Mome #22
 * 2014 (nomination) Ignatz Award for Outstanding Story for "The Grassy Knoll"
 * 2016
 * (nomination) Ignatz Award for Outstanding Anthology or Collection for Beverly
 * Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Graphic Novel for Beverly
 * 2018
 * (longlist) Booker Prize for Sabrina
 * Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize for First Comic Book for Beverly
 * 2019
 * (shortlist) Orwell Prize for Sabrina|
 * (finalist) Young Lions Fiction Award for Sabrina
 * 2023 (finalist) PEN/Jean Stein Book Award for Acting Class