The 2010 Kukoc and a $350 cash prize was awarded to Sarah Oleksyk, who had this to say:

"Winning this right at the moment I decided to branch out into comics full-time makes me feel like my decision was the right one. I'm really honored! I have it in my studio as an inspiration and a reminder that this is what I love doing, and to stay focused and keep making better and better work."

The other five nominees each received $20:

• Will Dinski   Covered In Confusion
• Damien Jay   The Natural World #1-2
• Jonas Madden-Connor   Ochre Ellipse #3
• Corinne Mucha   Buzz #3, My Every Single Thought
• John Porcellino   King-Cat #70

The 22 nominating judges were: Andrice Arp, Rina Ayuyang, Greg Beans, Nate Beaty, Mark Campos, Lilli Carré, Isaac Cates, Robyn Chapman, Rob Clough, Vanessa Davis, Austin English, Josh Frankel, Justin Hall, Eric Haven, John Isaacson, David King, Joe Kuth, Alec Longstreth, Barry Matthews, Sarah Morean, Jesse Reklaw, and Jeremy Tiedeman.

Prize money for 2010 was generously donated by The Center for Cartoon Studies, Tugboat Press, Bodega Distribution, Secret Acres, and Guapo Comics & Books The award was coordinated by Jesse Reklaw, and the trophy was hand-made by Andrice Arp.