Deadline: March 31, 2026
The Global Comic Awards 2026 is an exciting international competition designed to celebrate creativity and storytelling through comics, manga, and webtoons. Organized by Celsys in collaboration with popular comic posting platforms such as Pixiv, the award recognizes talented comic artists from all over the world and gives them a platform to showcase their original works to a global audience.
The Global Comic Awards 2026 is open to all creators, whether professionals or emerging artists, who wish to share their visual stories with the world and gain international recognition.
Application Deadline
Deadline: March 31, 2026
All entries must be submitted before the deadline via the online portal. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Competition Overview
This year’s Global Comic Awards 2026 offers creators the opportunity to submit original comics across two main categories — giving participants freedom to explore diverse storytelling forms and creative styles.
The contest aims to inspire both traditional and digital artists to express their imagination while connecting with a community of international comic enthusiasts and professionals.
Categories
Participants can submit their works under either of the following categories:
- Free/Open Category:
Artists can submit any original comic without a specific theme. Creativity and originality are the key judging criteria here. - Themed Category:
Entries must reflect this year’s theme, “Journey.” The interpretation of the theme is flexible and can range from literal journeys, such as travel and exploration, to emotional or spiritual experiences, or even fantastical voyages through imaginative worlds.
Both categories are open to artists worldwide, and entries can be presented in manga, webtoon, or ToonScroll format.
Prizes and Awards
Winners of the Global Comic Awards 2026 will receive a combination of cash prizes and software subscriptions from Celsys. In addition to the monetary rewards, selected works will gain global visibility and exposure across popular digital art platforms.
- Grand Prize: ¥500,000 JPY (approximately US $3,250) + Clip Studio Paint EX (3-year license)
- Open Category Winner: ¥150,000 JPY (approximately US $980) + Clip Studio Paint EX (3-year license)
- Theme Category Winner: ¥150,000 JPY (approximately US $980) + Clip Studio Paint EX (3-year license)
- Awards of Excellence: ¥20,000 JPY (approximately US $130) + Clip Studio Paint EX (1-year license) — up to 10 winners
Winning works will also be featured across Celsys’ and Pixiv’s global channels, offering invaluable recognition and portfolio exposure to participants.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to comic creators worldwide — no nationality restrictions.
- Submitted works must be original and not infringe on any copyrights.
- Entries can be created in any of the following styles: manga, webtoon, or ToonScroll.
- There is no entry fee required to participate in the competition.
Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be made online via Pixiv (participants must have a Pixiv account).
- Ensure your comic is formatted for both desktop and mobile viewing.
- For the themed category, ensure your work clearly represents the theme “Journey.”
- Submit before March 31, 2026, to ensure eligibility.
Benefits of Participating
Apart from the prizes, participants gain:
- Global recognition and exposure to an international audience.
- The opportunity to connect with industry professionals and fellow artists.
- A boost to personal and professional credibility in the comic and illustration community.
This competition serves as a launchpad for aspiring creators to share their unique stories and visual expressions with the world.
Tips for a Successful Entry
- Focus on originality and clear storytelling.
- Use a strong visual narrative that aligns with the theme.
- Review the submission format and technical requirements on Pixiv before uploading.
- Refine and proofread your entry carefully to ensure professional presentation.
Need Help?
If you’d like assistance with proposal drafting, refining, or review, feel free to contact us for expert support and guidance.
