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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
