Lawrence comic book author Jai Nitz won a Bram Stoker Award on Saturday in Burbank, Calif.

Nitz captured the illustrated narrative category for his graphic novels series, “Heaven’s Devils,” published by Image Comics. The story follows a magic-wielding outlaw in Mexico and a federal agent with the National Center for Infectious Disease who cross paths with a radical environmentalist.

This is Nitz’ first win in this competition.

Each year The Horror Writers Assn., a 900-member group, presents the Stoker Awards (named in honor of the “Dracula” author) for superior achievement in the field of horror writing.

Other winners this year include Peter Straub, Charlie Kaufman, Clive Barker, Simon Pegg and Michael Moorcock.