Los Angeles-based anime and manga house TOKYOPOP has announced the launch of its second Rising Stars of Manga contest (June 1 – September 1, 2003). Like its predecessor, this competition calls for original manga submissions from aspiring U.S. creators, and will award 10 winners $7500 in cash prizes and the potential to be published nationally in a Rising Stars anthology.
The company has also made a few important changes to the rules, however, and the complete details can be found on TOKYOPOP’s website at: www.tokyopop.com/news/mangatalent/index.php.
TOKYOPOP turned all 10 winners of its inaugural Rising Stars of Manga competition into published authors. Just weeks ago, the anthology books featuring these winners were shipped to bookstores nationwide.
“With the publication of the first Rising Stars of Manga anthology, the dream has come true for ten aspiring manga-ka,” said Jeremy Ross, TOKYOPOP’s editorial director. “We were impressed by the dedication and creativity that our winners demonstrated, and we’re looking forward to an even greater flood of amazing entries for round two. So, to all you artists and writers: put your manga where your mouth is!”
“The contest took a lot of effort and willpower, but doing it was the best decision we made as artists,” said Priscilla Hamby, whose entry with teammate Clint Bickham won last year’s grand prize. “If you hang in there and have faith in your skills, then it’s a perfect chance to stop dreaming and make something really happen.”
TOKYOPOP Inc., founded in 1996, is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing category within the publishing business. With exclusive rights to hundreds of book, video and music products, the company has become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and publishes several hit properties based on popular Cartoon Network and Kids! WB programs. Popular TOKYOPOP titles include Love Hina, Chobits, Sailor Moon, Gundam, Initial D, GTO, Real Bout High School, Reign: The Conqueror and Cowboy Bebop, among others. With rapidly growing U.S. demand for its properties, TOKYOPOP is actively expanding into television, film and licensed goods. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional info.
