Mayhem Comics and Games, an Ames standard since 1990, has been nominated for an Eisner Award at Comic-Con 2010.

“It’s basically the comic book world’s Oscars,” said Chris Pellack, manager of Mayhem Comics and Games. Like the Academy Awards, there are different categories of Eisners, ranging from writing, to drawing, to retailing.

Mayhem is nominated for The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award.

Unlike the Academy Awards, however, nominees for the Eisners are chosen by comic fans, and fans get to vote in the final awards.

Pellack said it was “a moment of pride” when they learned that a customer had nominated the store for the national award.

Once a store is nominated, they must submit a video package to qualify for the final competition. Mayhem’s video will include descriptions of their store operations, displays, events and testimonials from customers.

The videos are then judged, and the top six stores will be chosen as finalists. The winner will be announced July 23 at Comic-Con in San Diego, Calif.

Pellack said he plans to travel to Comic-Con if Mayhem makes the final cut or not. He said the convention is an opportunity to learn about the industry and the other nominated stores.