“The amount of variation in art style and storytelling once again made a strong impression on me. All the top awarded manga were incredibly well-crafted, but speaking from my personal perspective, none of them left a sense of urgency within me to read them again or learn more about its creators. I hope that in the future, you can strive to capture the attention of your readers with even more emotionally rich stories.”
Creator: City Hunter, etc.
“This time, I was delighted to come across many young and exceptionally talented entries, which made reviewing them a true pleasure. We don’t expect entries to be flawless; after all, it’s an “audition.” What we’re looking for is that spark in each entry that makes us think, “This creator has the potential to achieve amazing things in the future with our support!” I look forward to seeing more entries that evoke that feeling in SMA20 as well.”
Co-Creator: Fist of the North Star, etc.
“Is there anything that international creators cannot do? The quality of their works is just outstanding. About the characters’ emotions and expression, I feel you have already reached very high levels. Since you are still very young, I want you to dedicate time and effort to master the art of storytelling and how to convey the emotions of your characters to the heart of the readers.”
Creator: Yoroshiku Mecha-Doc, etc.
“This time, we didn’t see any entries that aimed to play with the readers’ hearts or utilized words to convey the message of the theme. It was a truly enjoyable silent manga round! And it seems like cats were a popular theme this time around (laughs). Some entries may have been affected by an excessive amount of details on their pages. Remember to determine the overall tone of your work first and then add details to enhance its impact and shine!”
Creator: Koroshi-ya Menkichi (Menkichi the Avenger), etc.
“With the largest number of entries to date, SMA19 once again demonstrated that the overall quality of work from international creators is on par with manga professionals in Japan. The expressions of the characters and the heartwarming or impactful artwork have been particularly impressive, igniting anticipation for inviting more award-winners to debut in Japan with our support. Well done to everyone involved! Let’s set our sights on reaching 1000 entries next time!”
CEO, COAMIX Inc.
Author:
Keiji’s Kabuki Adventure,
etc.
(Former Chief Editor, Weekly Shonen Jump)
Monthly Comic ZENON Editorial Dept.
“Some entries made a stronger effort than others to entertain the readers. In Comic ZENON, we prioritize evaluating how creators engage with readers rather than the complexity or overall quality of entries. We are currently working with selected MasterClass members for their debut in Japan soon. We are excited to work with more entertainment-focused creators in the future!”
Publications: Record of Ragnarok, etc.
A manga set with vibrant colored markers, illustration prints, and even multiliners from Copic.
Check THIS VIDEO to see how this prize can be used to create beautiful manga!
A curated set of 12 colored markers bundled with a guidebook from Copic.
Check THIS VIDEO to see how this prize can be used to create beautiful manga!
A manga set with models and instructions to learn how to draw analogue manga from I・C.
Check THIS VIDEO to see how this prize can be used to create beautiful manga!
GRAND PRIX
500,000 JPY
Offer to Enter the MasterClass
Introduction to our Artists Village Aso 096k Project
To Be Published on the Manga App “MangaHot”
To Be Featured in Monthly Comic ZENON
TITLE The Unexpected Dinner Guest
CREATOR ryancomicpress
COUNTRY United States
Read this MANGA
Ryuji TSUGIHARA:
“The simplicity of the story was beautifully complemented by the artist’s strong
personality and easily relatable emotions, captivating readers on every page. It
was impossible not to be charmed by this work.”
Tsukasa HOJO:
“Every aspect of the entry was meticulously crafted to provide readers with the
most enjoyable reading experience. And who can resist the adorable cat? Thank
you for this amazing piece of work, I’m eagerly looking forward to your next
one!”
Too Marker Products. Inc.:
“We were particularly impressed by the use of tone to express the old man’s
emotion and soft expression in the scene where the old man and the cat are
safely reunited. The artist’s excellent use of simple tones displayed their
highly technical skills.” (I・C Prize)
TITLE Eyes of Snow
CREATOR Nachi
COUNTRY Vietnam
Read this MANGA
Nobuhiko HORIE:
“The splendid drawings and beautiful expressions of the characters kept me
captivated, unable to take my eyes off the pages even for a second. We have high
expectations for you going forward, so let’s work hard together for your debut!”
Tetsuo HARA:
“Among the many entries that joined this time, “Eyes of Snow” was the one that
left a stronger impression on me. I can’t wait to read this creator’s next work
with their original illustration-like style now that they are part of the
MasterClass.”
Too Marker Products. Inc.:
“Although the work is attractive enough in black and white, we selected it with
the hope of seeing the difference between the world the girl can see and the
colored world by using Copic in the future.” (My First Copic Prize)
GRAND PRIX RUNNER-UP
300,000 JPY
Offer to Enter the MasterClass
Introduction to our Artists Village Aso 096k Project
To Be Published on the Manga App “MangaHot”
To Be Featured in Monthly Comic ZENON
TITLE Wisteria Heart
CREATOR NASS
COUNTRY United States
Read this MANGA
Jun TOMIZAWA:
“Your paneling, drawings, and character expressions are all top-notch! Maybe you
could have expanded a bit more on the relationship between the main characters
to make the story feel more complete. Additionally, be mindful of not adding too
much screentone in the final manuscript for a smoother reading experience.
Incredible job overall!”
Too Marker Products. Inc.:
“The work was a delicate depiction, yet it strongly conveys the girl’s sadness,
and the psychological transitions were beautifully expressed. The theme of the
work seems to be wisteria flowers, and we would love to see their wonderful
colors illustrated someday.” (My First Copic Prize）
TITLE ENCORE
CREATOR Thuntopia
COUNTRY Thailand
Read this MANGA
Tsukasa HOJO:
“The story was so good! The creator was also able to convey all the necessary
emotions inside the story with such a limited number of pages (only 10!). If I
can offer just one criticism, it would be that it wasn’t clear who the old man
was (her father? grandfather?). With that information explained, the emotional
impact would have been much greater. All in all, amazing job!”
TITLE I’ll Be There
CREATOR 米豆 (Mido)
COUNTRY Taiwan
Read this MANGA
Ryuji TSUGIHARA:
“Impressive art style! It showcased the creator’s immense potential and
foreshadowed what they will be capable of creating in the future. Keep working
on paneling and composition for your next manga!”
TITLE Forget me not
CREATOR maya fella
COUNTRY Algeria
Read this MANGA
Tetsuo HARA:
“You are only 16 years old, and yet you were able to portray such profound human
emotions through your exceptional art style. I’m truly impressed. I hope that by
joining the MasterClass, you will gain a better understanding of Japanese manga
and work diligently with us towards your debut.”
EXCELLENCE AWARD
100,000 JPY
To Be Published on the Manga App “MangaHot”
To Be Featured in Monthly Comic ZENON
TITLE Tear
CREATOR Yinfu
COUNTRY Taiwan
Read this MANGA
ZENON Editorial Dept:
“In our opinion, this entry stood out as the one that made the greatest effort
to entertain readers with a powerful and meaningful ending. It was a pleasure to
read such a well-crafted and beautifully executed work.”
Too Marker Products. Inc:
“We were impressed by the rich expressions of the characters and the very
effective use of various types of screens. We were also impressed by the high
level of expression in the double-page spread at the end of the story, where the
atmosphere suddenly takes a turn for the better.” (I・C Prize）
TITLE Lost and Found
CREATOR Volpe
COUNTRY Mexico
Read this MANGA
Tsukasa HOJO:
“This entry displayed an incredibly high level of quality. However, it was
missing the core dramatic element that would have compelled readers to eagerly
turn the pages. For your next entry, I recommend envisioning the climactic
moment of your story first and then constructing the narrative backward from
there.”
TITLE Waiting
CREATOR Kshatriya
COUNTRY Indonesia
Read this MANGA
SMA Editorial Dept:
“The story was constructed in a easy-to-understand manner. It’s unfortunate that
a very important part of the plot was hidden inside the newspaper headlines. For
your next work try to challenge yourself not to use the words at all and you be
on the path for higher awards!”
TITLE Seca
CREATOR Dani Bolinho and Carlo
COUNTRY Brazil
Read this MANGA
Nobuhiko HORIE:
“Your artwork in the story was outstanding. The concept was interesting and well
executed, but it needed more drama and a climax to receive a higher award. Keep
submitting your manga! We hope to have you join the MasterClass in the future
and aim big in Japan!”
TITLE Lost in flames, found in memories
CREATOR Alcro & Papouchiko
COUNTRY France
Read this MANGA
Tetsuo HARA:
“Your artwork has the potential to captivate readers’ hearts and eyes. To truly
showcase the brilliance of your drawings, I suggest focusing on crafting a story
with a clear and beautiful climax that aligns with your art style. I’m eagerly
awaiting your SMA20 entry.”
Too Marker Products. Inc.:
“The work beautifully conveyed the emotions of the woman in the final scene. The
black-and-white version of the story expressed well the emotional changes that
occur after the loss of a family member from a happy everyday life, so we would
love to see what this artist can do with color in the future.” (Copic Prize）
TITLE Absent
CREATOR xarem
COUNTRY Portugal
Read this MANGA
Ryuji TSUGIHARA:
“Amazing art and immersive storytelling! However, the climax was a bit
confusing. Please participate in SMA20 with a simpler plot and aim for better
clarity. Keep up the great work!”
Too Marker Products. Inc.:
“The cute touch of the illustrations and the use of black were impressive. The
psychological depiction was expressed in many fantastic scenes, so we selected
this work because we would love to see this artist’s works in color as well!”
(Copic Prize）
TITLE Balloons
CREATOR Kawjia
COUNTRY United States
Read this MANGA
Jun TOMIZAWA:
“Impressive talent and attention to detail at your young age! Adding a humorous
expression after your character took off their mask could have created a more
heartwarming climactic moment at the end. Keep up the great work, I look forward
to your next submission!”
HONORABLE MENTION
10,000 JPY
TITLE Bad Joke
CREATOR ci-jins
COUNTRY Italy
Read this MANGA
Nobuhiko HORIE:
“The shift from light to extra dark tones in your story was executed
excellently. However, certain scene transitions were a bit confusing. A clear
moment at the end where the lights are turned back may have helped reset the
story’s tone.”
TITLE Heart Of Stone
CREATOR Adween
COUNTRY France
Read this MANGA
Jun TOMIZAWA:
“I was impressed by the immense talent displayed in this creator’s work. It
seems that the intention was to set the manga in a fantasy world, which is a
setting you seem to enjoy. However, in this particular story, it wasn’t clear
why it couldn’t be set in a normal world. With some additional adjustments, this
entry may have received an even higher award.”
TITLE The End Is Where We Begin
CREATOR RyuuKun
COUNTRY Iraq
Read this MANGA
Ryuji TSUGIHARA:
“Great art and knowledge of manga-style design, but the theme wasn’t well
conveyed, and the story was a bit too simplistic. Remember to keep the core of
the story simple yet infused with your unique creativity when making your next
SMA entry.”
TITLE My broken wings
CREATOR Tato
COUNTRY Russia
Read this MANGA
ZENON Editorial Department:
“Despite the simplicity of the line art, the creator showed a remarkable ability
to design unique characters. However, the ending lacked a surprise element. If
there had been an additional twist or something unexpected at the end, this work
could have achieved a higher award.”
TITLE The Thrilling Night
CREATOR Rock Key
COUNTRY Malaysia
Read this MANGA
ZENON Editorial Department:
“You’ve done an exceptional job with delivering the message of your manga! If
you rearranged the beginning in a way so it would connect more to the latter
part of the story, your message would have stood out even more. We’re looking
forward to seeing your power of delivering an emotional story in your next entry
as well!”
TITLE My Friend Chonkuin
CREATOR Zanuse(Art)/ Beatrush(Story)
COUNTRY Italy / United States
Read this MANGA
Tsukasa HOJO:
“Your art style is undeniably cute, but it seemed to have a slightly darker tone
that didn’t fully align with the overall theme. We are eager to see your
original ideas and storytelling again in SMA20. Good luck!”
TITLE Ballerina
CREATOR Luciel
COUNTRY Italy
Read this MANGA
Jun TOMIZAWA:
“The authenticity and depth of the story were evident in every panel and
character movement. The creator’s experience shone through in their work. While
the story was rich with realism, adopting a more realistic art style could have
further elevated this work into potentially securing a higher award.”
SMA Editorial Dept. Award
For more amazing manga, check out the SMA19 Nominees and Candidates!
View the SMA19 Finalists – Nominees and Candidates!The new SILENT MANGA AUDITION® is already open!
We can’t wait to display YOUR work in the next SMA!
A message from SMA Chief Editor, Shuichi “Mocchi” Mochida
Shuichi “Mocchi” Mochida
Board Member, COAMIX Inc.
CEO, Kumamoto COAMIX Inc.
Chief Editor, SILENT MANGA AUDITION® Committee
“We would like to express our thanks for your continuous support of SMA and your participation in SMA19! This time we received 824 entries from 88 countries, the most number of entries for twice-yearly AND a yearly SMA round! For this round the top number of entries were from the United States, with Togo, North Macedonia, Maldives, Armenia, and Guyana joining SMA for the first time.
It was truly humbling to witness so many talented creators join this round, and it was the best possible way to celebrate over 10 years of SMA. It’s clear that your passion for manga and support helped us achieve this record-breaking number of entries, and in turn we feel that we should work even harder to help you debut in Japan. We’re looking forward to inviting the Grand Prix recipients and Grand Prix Runner-Ups to join the MasterClass and introducing them to the Artists Village Aso 096k, where MasterClass members are working hard with us in Japan to debut!
While reviewing all of the SMA19 entries, we were very happy to once again see your potential and talent through so many high-quality entries. It’s clear that after each round the overall quality of the entries is getting better and better. It was particularly exciting to see so many talented young creators join this round, and we’re excited that SMA is resonating with so many up-and-coming creators. We hope you can further cultivate your skills and talents by referencing this round’s top awarded works while you prepare for SMA20!
Thank you all once again for your continued support of SMA and unmatched passion for manga. We wish you all the best in your preparations for the next round and can’t wait to see what you create!”
Shuichi “Mocchi” Mochida