Celsys

July 6, 2026, Tokyo - Celsys today announces the winning entries of the seventh Global Comic Awards held in cooperation with pixiv, one of the creator’s platforms with over 100 million users in 240 countries and regions. The Grand Prize goes to The Long Sleep by artist Lilywiu (Le Loi Thu Dinh), a Vietnamese comic artist based in Hamburg, Germany. This moving short comic embodies the “journey” theme through the journey of a teenager learning to heal a wounded soul.
 
Lilywiu said that the "journey" theme resonated with her immediately. "We often celebrate journeys that lead to tangible achievements: competitions, success, or material things. But the journey of healing a wounded soul is just as worthy of admiration." The story follows a teenager through this journey, taking inspiration from the author's own experiences as well as film works like Marrowbone and A Tale of Two Sisters. The entry, created with a blend of traditional and digital techniques to retain a raw analog feel, includes self-made digital pattern assets added in Clip Studio Paint. Lilywiu is the author of ongoing series Bad Blessing (Tàn Lửa) published by Wings Books-Kim Dong Publishing House, set to reach its third volume in Vietnam. 

Open from January 14 to March 31, 2026, this iteration of the Global Comic Awards called for artists to challenge themselves to create a comic on the “journey” theme or in an open category, receiving over 1,100 entries this time. The contest aims to encourage artists to present their creations and connects winning artists with sponsor companies from the comic industry such as JumpTOON, KADOKAWA, and more. In addition to connections with sponsor media and a Clip Studio Paint EX activation code, the Grand Prize winner receives 500,000 JPY (approx. US$3,250) while the category winners receive 150,000 JPY (approx. US$980) in prize money. Cash prizes are also given for the 10 Excellence Awards. 

Celsys will continue to collaborate with leading enterprises in comic culture both in Japan and across the globe, to support young creators in their goal of becoming professional comic artists.

Please see the announcement site on pixiv to read the winning entries in full.


pixiv × Clip Studio Paint 7th Global Comic Awards Winning Entries
https://www.pixiv.net/contest/GlobalComicAwards2026

 

■ Winning Entries

Grand Prize

Artist: Lilywiu      
Title: The Long Sleep
URL: https://www.pixiv.net/i/142887791 

 
■ Guest Judges

Ann Maulina (Comic Book Artist/Author)
Ann Maulina is an artist from Indonesia who has worked with comic studios such as DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Titan Comics. She also created her own original comic, Raruurien, which won awards at Japan's International Manga Awards and Jogja Comic Awards.

Official website: https://www.raruurien.com/
X: https://x.com/Ann_Maulina


Nina Vakueva (Comic and illustration artist)
Nina is an independent artist who specialises in comics and visual development for animation and is currently hard at work on the reboot of her webcomic, Lilith's Word. Graduating from Moscow Architectural University, Nina quickly transitioned into the world of comics and character design, partnering with studios such as DC, Marvel, Riot, and many others.

Official website: https://ninavakueva.myportfolio.com/     
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkpangur/

 

■ Supporting Media

KADOKAWA, JumpTOON, Palcy, Weekly Shonen Sunday, EARTH STAR COMICS, COMIC OGYAAA!!, PRESTIGE BOOKS, Mangatari Co., Ltd, Ki-oon, Glénat Manga, Norma Editorial, Planeta Cómic, TACOTOON

■ Organizers

Clip Studio Paint by CELSYS, Inc.

About Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is the drawing app chosen by over 60 million people (*) worldwide. Known for its natural drawing feel and powerful features, Clip Studio Paint is loved by illustrators, comic artists, webtoon creators, and animators alike. The app is available on iPad, Android, Windows, macOS, and iPhone, providing access to professional tools for all creators from beginners to industry professionals.

CLIP STUDIO PAINT Official Site: https://www.clipstudio.net/
X: https://x.com/clipstudiopaint
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/CLIPSTUDIOPAINTchannel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clipstudioofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clipstudioofficial

* Includes free trial users and downloads of the iPad, iPhone, Galaxy, Android, and Chromebook versions.

pixiv by pixiv Inc.

About pixiv
pixiv is a social networking service for creators, focused on fostering new connections through sharing creative work. It launched in September 2007 as a specialized service for posting and exchanging illustrations, manga, and novels, and operates under a philosophy dedicated to "accelerating creativity." Currently, pixiv has more than 100 million registered accounts.

pixiv Official Site: https://www.pixiv.net/


About CELSYS, Inc.
In the expanding creator economy surrounding digital content, Celsys provides tools including Clip Studio Paint that empower creators, alongside service platforms that will act as a new avenue for artistic pursuits. We strive for a more vibrant world where everyone’s passions are connected, offering total support to creators around the world through each part of their “creator journey”.

https://www.celsys.com/en/

For media inquiries
Celsys Media Relations: press@celsys.com