[n9zee]

A little bit of news to start the week:

Atwood nets prestigious Spanish literary prize

Spain has named writer Margaret Atwood winner of one of the country's most distinguished arts prizes, sometimes likened to the European country's version of the Nobel Prize.

The Canadian literary icon was named winner Wednesday of the Prince of Asturias Prize for Letters.

In its citation, the jury praised Atwood for penning "outstanding literary work that has explored different genres with acuteness and irony."

The jury also chose Atwood "because she cleverly assumes the classic tradition, defends women's dignity and denounces social unfairness."

Comic book artist Michael Turner dies of bone cancer

Michael Turner, a comic book artist who drew covers for major titles such as Superman/Batman, The Flash and Civil War, has died. He was 37.

Turner died June 27 at a Santa Monica hospital of complications related to cancer, Vince Hernandez revealed late Friday. Hernandez is the editor in chief of Aspen MLT, the Santa Monica publishing company Turner founded in 2003.

The illustrator and writer had battled bone cancer for eight years.

Through his company, Turner created online comic adaptations for the NBC series Heroes and published his own titles, including the best-selling Fathom, a deep-sea story about a female superhero.

Africa book prize to be announced

The winner of the ninth edition of one of Africa's top literary awards, the Caine Prize for African Writing, is due to be announced.

Two writers from South Africa have been shortlisted for the prestigious prize, along with candidates from Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria.