That’s interesting. Looking through the call for submissions for the upcoming round of Eisner Awards, I think a category is missing:
“The tentative categories include best single issue, best short story, best continuing comic book series (at least two issues must have been published in 2007), best limited comic book series (at least half of the series must have been published in 2007), best new series, best title aimed at a younger audience, best humor publication, best anthology, best graphic album—new material, best graphic album—reprint, best reality-based work, best archival collection, best U.S. edition of foreign material, best writer, best writer/artist, best penciler/inker (individual or team), best painter (interior art), best lettering, best coloring, best comics-related book, best comics journalism periodical or website, and best publication design. The judges may add, delete, or combine categories at their discretion. The cover letter should include both a mailing address and an e-mail address.”
That would be “Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Japan.” The release does say that the list is tentative, so maybe it will be added back in later. And last year was the first year for the category, I think.
Update: In the comments, writer Tina Anderson notes that the category is listed on the application, and past judges chime in to explain the flexibility of the process.