The 2008 Kukoc and a $400 cash prize was awarded to Sarah Glidden, who had this to say:

"Winning the Kukoc was SO inspiring! I was also really surprised that anyone has actually read the mini. I've sold about 5 of them off my website.... I guess with the $400 I will print more minis for MoCCA and SPX. ... I could also use a new Rotring pen. ... I really appreciate the extra push the award gives those of us who are just starting out in this weird comics world. It'll help keep me pumped about having no social life and staying indoors drawing on upcoming nice summer days."

The nominees were:

• Rina Ayuyang   Doodle Daze
• Liz Baillie   My Brain Hurts #7, Layover
• Jon Chadurjian   LEO GEO Acquires Ancient Knowledge, Shortstack: The Journal Comic Card Game
• Sarah Glidden   How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
• Alex Holden   Magic Hour Sketchbook
• David King   Danny Dutch and The King of the Aliens

The 25 nominating judges were: Andrice Arp Rina Ayuyang, Greg Beans, Mark Campos, Isaac Cates, Randy Chang, Robyn Chapman, Rob Clough, Toby Craig, Vanessa Davis, Austin English, Josh Frankel, Justin Hall, Eric Haven, John Isaacson, David King, Joe Kuth, David Lasky, Matt Leunig, Alec Longstreth, Anne Elizabeth Moore, Jesse Reklaw, Tom Spurgeon, Jermy Tiedeman and Dylan Williams. Judges were not allowed to nominate themselves, and both were happily surprised to be on the ballot.

Prize money for 2008 was generously donated by The Center for Cartoon Studies, Sparkplug Comic Books, and several anonymous donors. The award was coordinated by Jesse Reklaw, and the stuffed cat was hand-made by Katie Aaberg.