SILENT MANGA AUDITION®

WHAT IS THE SMA MASTERCLASS?

Hosted by Japanese manga publisher COAMIX Inc., the SMA MasterClass is a fraternity of international manga creators who have produced work, above and beyond the expectations of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® judging panel during the SMA Rounds stage.

Open to artists who exhibit the most manga making potential, the goal of the SMA MasterClass is to enable a Japanese debut through exclusive opportunities, editorial support and a dedicated mindset.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE SMA MASTERCLASS?

Potential members of the SMA MasterClass must first ‘prove’ their manga making skills by entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® Rounds.

With an accumulation of awards and a committed body of submitted work, showing potential in illustration, composition skills and narrative originality, MasterClass nominees will be reviewed by the ZENON editorial team pending final approval.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE SMA MASTERCLASS?

The Masterclass program offers exclusive opportunities and invaluable editorial support in helping you to break into the Japanese manga industry. From competing in domestic Japanese manga contests, to pitching original manga concepts to the COAMIX Inc. editorial department, the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® Masterclass is the first step on the road to your Japanese manga debut!

THE ROAD TO DEBUT

SMA Masterclass will follow the same path as Japanese manga artists, namely by entering Japanese Manga Magazine Competitions where artists can grab the attention of industry professionals by exhibiting their talent and potential. The SMA editorial team will also help guide members with developing manga concepts to pitch to the COAMIX Inc., editorial department in the Zenon Pitch Sessions. Competitions and pitch sessions are where every series begins!

1. Manga Magazine Competitions

Master Class members will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in TWO Japanese manga competitions run by COAMIX Inc., Itten-Toppa and Manga-Taisho. Manga competitions such as these have launched countless careers in Japan and the Master Class will have the chance to compete with the next stars of Japanese manga, while receiving exceptional editorial support from the SMA team.

What is Itten-Toppa?

Every artist needs to develop their strengths to become a pro Mangaka! From dialogue to dynamic action scenes, Itten-Toppa challenges participants to show off their “secret weapon” within 5 - 17 pages.

What is Manga-Taisho?

Manga Taisho is not just judged by professional mangaka, but also manga editors, booksellers and the general public. Focussing on the marketability of manga concepts, there are no theme or genre requirements, just (up to) 39 pages of solid manga entertainment!

2. Zenon Pitch Sessions For DEBUT

Perhaps one the strongest reasons to aim for the SMA Masterclass is the chance to develop manga “names” to pitch to the Zenon editorial team for publication consideration. A standard process within the industry, the pitch sessions require the artist to work closely with their editor for the creation of a “oneshot”. Reviewed in the weekly editorial meetings, if your oneshot is picked up, you could be on your way to your manga debut!

WORKS FROM MASTERCLASS

  • MANGA-TAISHO

    BEST MANGA IN READERS SURVEY

    HONOURABLE MENTION

    Title : Max of the Back Alley

    Creator : Momo Sanse

  • ITTENTOPPA

    GUEST JUDGE AWARD

    HONOURABLE MENTION

    Title : Subtle Abstract

    Creator : Yoonmi

  • ITTENTOPPA

    HONOURABLE MENTION

    Title : Like a fairy tale

    Creator : Sideburn004

  • ITTENTOPPA

    EXCELLENCE AWARD RUNNER-UP

    Title : Until the Storm Ends

    Creator : Ichirou

  • ITTENTOPPA

    EXCELLENCE AWARD

    Title : Island of Gods

    Creator : MAGE

  • ZENON Creator Audition

    SMA x ZENON Collaborative Work

    Title : Joze and the Magical Mansion

    Creator : Mirai Mutsuhara (Original story), Dedy Koerniawan (Drawings)

  • ZENON Creator Audition

    SMA x ZENON Collaborative Work

    Title : Midnight Shadow

    Creator : Matsuri Midō (Original story), Sideburn004 (Drawings)

  • ZENON Creator Audition

    SMA x ZENON Collaborative Work

    Title : REFORMER

    Creator : Toshiaki Yamada (Original story), Alex Irzaqi (Drawings)

  • Kyushu International Manga Award

    Excellence Award

    Title : My Friend Mana

    Creator : monotone_ink

  • MANGA TAISHO

    Excellence Award

    Title : The Sunflower Theorem

    Creator : Enewald

  • Kyushu International Manga Award

    Excellence Award

    Title : Fragments of the Soul

    Creator : Enewald

  • MANGA TAISHO

    Excellence Award

    Title : The Witch of Petrovsky

    Creator : monotone_ink

  • MANGA TAISHO

    Excellence Award Runner-Up

    Title : Ephemera

    Creator : Laica Chrose