77 Star, the Japanese company that’s being bringing otaku-culture education & training to Singapore, has another programme up the sleeves: The First Manga Artist Challenge Contest (マンガアーチスト チャレンジコンテスト)!
The First Manga Artist Challenge Contest
77 Star has tied up with publisher Shueisha (集英社, the people behind Shonen Jump and the rest of the Jump-series manga) to discover new manga talents. The chosen ones will have their manga published in one of their monthly/weekly anthologies. For those wanting to break into the Japan manga scene, this is a great opportunity.
There are no restrictions whether if you’re a professional or an amateur. The only conditions are that you must be a resident in Singapore (regardless of nationality) and be above 13 years old.
Rules and Regulations
Here are the regulations for submission:
- The manuscript (canvas) must be between 230mm x 330mm to 260mm x 365mm; the standard frame size is 180mm x 270mm.
- Number of pages: 15pp
- Provide a written summary of the story/plot, in Japanese if possible. In another sheet, provide your personal information : name, correspondence address, contact numbers, occupation and a short write up of your achievements (something like a resume or CV)
- Original copy for submission; do make a copy for your own keeping because the submitted material is non-returnable. The publishing rights of winning entries will be ceded to 77 Star and Shueisha.
- Entries are to be submitted to : 77 STAR PTE LTD, 9 Shenton Way ＃04-01, Singapore 068813. For enquiries, call 6410-9770 or 8182-2607.
- Closing date for submission: 20 APRIL 2008
According to Mr Enomoto, this is the first of a series of quarterly contest. 77 Star will also be tying up with other publishers such as Kodansha and Shogakukan for subsequent contests.
I believe there are many of you out there who are talented artists and story tellers, just like the team from Chuang Yi’s MUGEN. I hope some of these artists have additional material that they can submit – especially the team that did Jack Doe (my personal favourite)
DIGITAL MANGA COURSE
For those who’re keen to brush up/rush up their drawing skills, 77 Star is also starting a Digital Manga Course. Progressing over three levels (12-lessons for Level 1 & 3; 16-lessons for Level 2), aspiring manga artists can learn how to put together a comic story with Manga Studio.
Course pre-requisites:
- Secondary school graduate (or anyone above 12 years old with an ability to learn)
- Basic computer knowledge
- PC running on Windows OS and digital tablet
The course begins in March, and students can choose between Tuesday (630pm to 730pm) or Thursday (730pm to 830pm) evening classes. Fees are at S$800 (inclusive of software) for Level 1 and 2, and S$600 for Level 3.
