Paul Trimble from Enniskillen has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Hugo Awards with his co-editors for their work on the online fanzine Journey Planet. The Hugo is considered to be the most important award in science fiction or fantasy writing and the awards have been presented every year since 1953.

With eight spectacular issues last year, each focusing on a different subject, the Journey Planet team announced that they'd been nominated as a finalist for a Hugo Award in the Fanzine category. Four of last year's co-editors are from Ireland: Michael Carroll, Pádraig Ó Méalóid, James Bacon and local comic fan and expert Paul Trimble.

"Paul's expertise in War comics, his appreciation of history and engagement with those involved proved invaluable for our issue on Battle, the renowned comic which ran from 1975 until 1988 and featured such stories as Johnny Red, Major Eazy and Charley's War," said founding co-editor James Bacon.

"As fans we thoroughly enjoy discussing, exploring and hearing new voices on a range of subjects. Paul brought a wealth of knowledge to the fanzine, helping us connect with artists and writers from the past and bringing the pleasure and thoughtfulness of their work to readers in his writing," continued James.

"We are incredibly honoured to be nominated, Journey Planet is an international multi faceted fanzine, and it was a great honour to be involved with the Battle issue, celebrating its 45th anniversary," said Paul.

He continued: "The Hugo awards are incredibly prestigious, voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention, known as Worldcon which is being held in Washington DC later this year in December, where the winners will be announced and the awards, will be presented."

Irish contributors to Journey Planet included Carol Connolly, comic writer Maura McHugh, James Mason, Monkey, John Vaughan, comic artist Keith Burns, Marguerite Smith, Noelle Ameijenda, comic artist Ryan Brown and writer of Preacher and The Boys, Garth Ennis.

The fanzines are available as PDF's on http://journeyplanet.weebly.com/.

Journey Planet is edited by Michael Carroll, John Coxon, Sara Felix, Ann Gry, Sarah Gulde, Alissa McKersie, Errick Nunnally, Pádraig Ó Méalóid, Chuck Serface, Steven H Silver, Paul Trimble, Erin Underwood, James Bacon and Chris Garcia.