The 2009 Kukoc and a $450 cash prize was awarded to Vanessa Davis, who had this to say:

"I feel really lucky to have found both the medium of minicomics and the people who are making them. They really made me feel like there was a place in art for me. Thanks for the award and thanks to everyone out there making and reading good comics!"

The nominees were:

• Ken Dahl   Monsters #3
• Vanessa Davis   Spaniel Rage 2008
• Lisa Hanawalt   Stay Away from Other People
• Mardou   Manhole #3
• Onsmith   Fine Tooth Comics, Claptrap #2
• Calvin Wong   Ramble On! #1

The 30 nominating judges were: Andrice Arp, Rina Ayuyang, Greg Beans, Nate Beaty, Eli Bishop, Robin Bougie, Mark Campos, Lilli Carré, Isaac Cates, Randy Chang, Robyn Chapman, Rob Clough, Vanessa Davis, Austin English, Josh Frankel, Sarah Glidden, Justin Hall, Eric Haven, Shawn Hoke, John Isaacson, David King, Joe Kuth, Matt Leunig, Alec Longstreth, Robin McConnell, Sarah Morean, Laura Park, Jesse Reklaw, Jeremy Tiedeman, and Dylan Williams. Judges were not allowed to nominate themselves.

Prize money for 2009 was generously donated by The Center for Cartoon Studies, Sparkplug Comic Books, Tugboat Press, Bodega Distribution, and several anonymous donors. The award was coordinated by Jesse Reklaw, and the trophy was hand-made by Allie Tiedeman.