Manga Publisher VIZ Media has launched a one-shot submission portal for the American creators to have a chance at getting their original story picked up for publication on Viz Manga alongside other well established manga creators.
This is a common practice in Japan as a way of finding stories that find large enough audiences to garner an interest in having a serialized series. Some well known creators who have gone on to become very successful by way of submitting one-shots include Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha and Ranma 1/2), Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto) and Tite Kubo (Bleach).
Leading the acquisitions is former Weekly Shonen Jump Editor-in-Chief Hisashi Sasaki who oversaw the Japanese magazine at the time the previously mentioned creators were being serialized.
“In Japan, a yomikiri or one-shot story has a proven track record for producing hit manga, and I’m thrilled to implement this method at VIZ for local writers in the U.S.,” said Sasaki. “I’m particularly excited to work with aspiring mangaka as Japanese pop culture continues to keep fans enthused and wanting more.”
Until now, this opportunity was only available in Japan. So if you wanted to participate in submitting one-shots to Shonen Jump, you either had to already be living in Japan, or move to Japan. This will be the first time American creators will be offered the chance to have their names listed among other manga creators without having to go to Japan.
VIZ is accepting one-shots that are 20-50 pages or at least 10 pages of VIZ Originals. A one-shot manga is a complete story whereas an Original is a scene from the story you want to tell. They must all showcase dynamic paneling, skillful black-and-white artwork, and compelling storylines that keep readers hooked. Expect each submission to receive professional feedback and advice with notes on ways to improve the work that was submitted.
They accept submissions both right-to-left (Japanese style) and left-to-right (western style) way of reading. For either one-shot or Original they must also include a story synopsis, character descriptions, character designs (if an artist is attached), target audience and comparable titles, and creator bios.
As a bonus addition, a creator can also include samples of previous work for them to get a sense of how ready you are to achieve the visual aims of the submitted manga.
If someone is selected they will be able to work closely with Sasaki as well as have all that VIZ Media has to offer which includes licensing and establishing of the IP as an ongoing series for both digital and print formats, an anime adaption, and the creation of consumer products.
For more information on how to prepare and submit a one-shot or Original, click on here.
ClownfishTV.com strives to be an apolitical, balanced and based pop culture news outlet. However, our contributors are entitled to their individual opinions. Author opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of our video hosts, other site contributors, site editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. This website contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. We disclaim products or services we have received for review purposes, as well as sponsored posts.
