Diamond Comics has announced the winners of the 2007 Gem Awards, their "annual recognition of outstanding suppliers and vendors in the comic book specialty market" as well as best comics and merchandise.  Among the big winners this year is the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight, which should come as no surprise to anyone.  The book has done big numbers in an otherwise loose market, and Gem Awards are voted on by retailers who know a good thing for their bottom lines when they see it. 

The winners:

Comic Book Publisher of the Year Over 5%

DC Comics

Comic Book Publisher of the Year Under 5%

IDW Publishing

New Publisher of the Year

Red 5 Comics

Star System Backlist Publisher of the Year

DC Comics

Manga Publisher of the Year

VIZ Media

Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year

The Upper Deck Company

Non-Sports Card Manufacturer of the Year

Inkworks

Game Manufacturer of the Year

WizKids, Inc.

Toy Manufacturer of the Year

DC Direct

Video Manufacturer of the Year

WarnerHome Video

Comic Book of the Year Under $3.00

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1

Comic Book of the Year Over $3.

00

Captain America #25

Licensed Comic of the Year

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1

Original GN of the Year

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Black Dossier HC

Reprint TP or HC of the Year

Heroes HC

Manga TP of the Year

Naruto TP Volume 14

Trade Book of the Year

Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide Volume 37

Magazine of the Year

Classic Marvel Figurine (Eaglemoss)

Sports Card Product of the Year

Playoff Contenders NFL T/C Box (Playoff)

Non-Sports Card Product of the Year

Marvel Masterpieces T/C Box (Upper Deck)

Game Product of the Year

Magic: The Gathering TCG – Lorwyn Expansion (Wizards of the Coast)

Toy Product of the Year

World of Warcraft Series 1 Figures (DC Direct)

Toy Line of the Year

DC Direct 13" Collector Figures (DC Direct)

Collectible Statue of the Year

Batman: Black and White Statue – Alex Ross (DC)

Mini-Bust of the Year

Women of the DC Universe: Batgirl Bust (DC)

Video / DVD of the Year

"Superman / Doomsday Animated Movie" DVD (Warner Home Video)