OPEN CALL — Horror Manga Anthology

About the project

This is an independent collaborative manga and comic anthology bringing together original short-form stories by multiple artists and creators.

The anthology will combine invited contributors with artists selected through this international open call.

We are interested in work with a strong individual identity rather than one particular drawing style. Manga, comics and experimental sequential art are all welcome.

Who can apply?

Artists, illustrators, comic creators and creative teams may apply.

You can submit as:

  • writer and artist

  • artist working with a writer

  • established creative team

Both emerging and established creators are welcome.

International submissions are welcome.

What should I propose?

An original short manga/comic story intended for inclusion in the anthology.

Recommended length:

4–12 finished pages

If a proposal genuinely requires a different length, you may explain this in your application.

Do not create the complete finished story before selection.

What should I submit?

Please provide:

  • your name or artist name

  • country

  • email/contact information

  • portfolio / website / social links

  • a 150–300 word synopsis of your proposed story

  • estimated page count

  • 3–6 examples of your artwork or comic work, or a portfolio link

  • a short description of your artistic practice/style

  • information about any collaborators

  • confirmation that the proposed work is original and that you have the right to submit it

Selection

This is a curated anthology and space is limited.

Submission therefore does not guarantee inclusion.

Projects will be considered according to the strength and individuality of the proposal, visual approach, compatibility with the anthology, the overall balance and variety of the collection, available space and practical production considerations.

Because of the number of submissions we may receive, we may not be able to provide individual feedback on proposals that are not selected.

Payment and project funding

This is an unpaid independent collaborative project.

Contributors will not be charged to participate.

All revenue generated through sales of the anthology will be reinvested into the project rather than distributed as profit. This may include printing, production, distribution, promotional campaigns, press outreach, event participation, exhibition/presentation costs and other expenses directly connected to developing and promoting the anthology and its participating artists.

Participation should therefore be understood as a creative publishing collaboration rather than paid commissioned work.

Copyright and ownership

Creators retain copyright and ownership of their individual original stories and artwork.

Selected contributors will grant the anthology/project permission to reproduce, publish, distribute and promote their contribution as part of the anthology and its related publicity.

The project may also reproduce excerpts, pages or images from accepted works for press, social media, exhibition and promotional purposes, always with appropriate creator credit.

Full publication terms will be provided to selected contributors before final participation is confirmed.

Promotion

We intend to actively promote the completed anthology and its contributors.

This may include:

  • social media campaigns

  • editorial and magazine outreach

  • press releases

  • review copies

  • interviews/features

  • exhibitions

  • art/comic events

  • festivals

  • presentations

  • online promotion

  • collaborations with cultural organisations

External coverage, exhibition invitations and other third-party opportunities cannot be guaranteed.

Dates

Open call launches: 20 August 2026

Submission deadline: 15 October 2026

Selected contributors contacted: approximately late October / early November 2026

Final artwork deadline: 28 February 2027

Publication: TBA

How to apply

Complete the submission form here: