Global Comic Awards 2026 (Round 7) is an international manga, comic, and webtoon competition co-hosted by CLIP STUDIO PAINT (CELSYS) and pixiv, designed to spotlight emerging and established creators from around the world. The contest welcomes original storytelling in comic form, including both traditional page-based manga layouts and vertical-scrolling webtoon formats, making it a highly accessible opportunity for artists working across different styles and publishing trends. As a global comic contest backed by major industry platforms, it positions itself as a high-visibility route for creators aiming to gain recognition, build a professional portfolio, and connect with the wider comics and digital publishing ecosystem.
The awards structure is divided into two main entry routes: an Open Category (free theme) for any original story concept, and a Themed Category focused on the keyword “Journey,” encouraging creators to interpret the theme through action, drama, fantasy, romance, comedy, or any genre they choose. Submissions are made online through pixiv, streamlining participation for international applicants and allowing entries to be discovered by a broad readership. With support from leading Japanese manga publishers and the creative software brand behind Clip Studio Paint, the contest blends community-based publishing with professional industry attention, offering entrants both creative freedom and competitive prestige.
By combining cash prizes with Clip Studio Paint EX rewards, Global Comic Awards 2026 promotes both artistic achievement and long-term skill development for comic artists and webtoon creators. The competition emphasizes original works, digital-friendly formats, and global accessibility, reflecting modern publishing realities where manga, webcomics, and webtoons are consumed worldwide across mobile and desktop platforms. For creators seeking a reputable comic award, a major webtoon contest, or an international manga competition with professional exposure, Global Comic Awards 2026 stands out as a keyword-relevant opportunity that supports new talent, celebrates storytelling, and encourages high-quality comic creation on a global stage.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to global entrants submitting original works via pixiv, in manga/webtoon format (including ToonScroll), under either the Free/Open category or the themed “Journey” category.
Prize
The contest awards multiple cash prizes plus Clip Studio Paint EX software: the Grand Prize (1 winner) is 500,000 JPY (about US$3,250) plus Clip Studio Paint EX (single-device plan, three years); the Open Category Award (1 winner) and Themed Category Award (1 winner) are 150,000 JPY (about US$980) each plus Clip Studio Paint EX (three years); and Awards of Excellence (10 winners) receive 20,000 JPY (about US$130) plus Clip Studio Paint EX (one year).
