September 1, 2026, Tokyo - Celsys today joins with Artfol to open the ninth iteration of the Global Comic Awards on the theme of “Out of Frame.” This comic contest for creators worldwide offers cash prizes, media placement opportunities, and creative app licenses, providing a chance for enthusiastic young creators to learn new techniques and connect with influential media organizations. This contest is hosted jointly with Artfol, a community-first social network for artists.
Open from September 1 to November 16, 2026, the Global Comic Awards is accepting single-page comic submissions from comic creators of all ages. Participating artists can have their stories seen by many and potentially connect with international comic and manga publishers supporting the contest. Comic entries should be a single page with up to 12 panels, and will be judged by artist Yi Chen Hock and illustrator/comic artist Scott Higginbotham.
Prizes include Clip Studio Paint licenses and $3,300 for the Grand Prize, $1,000 for second and third places, as well as cash prizes for 10 Excellence Awards.
Artfol × Clip Studio Paint’s Global Comic Awards
https://artfol.app/contest/GlobalComicAwards2026
Through these events, Celsys, together with leaders in comic culture both in Japan and across the globe, continues to support young creators aspiring to become professional artists.
Artfol × Clip Studio Paint’s Global Comic Awards
■ Contest categories and prizes
Grand Prize
Prize money: $3,300
Prize: Clip Studio Paint EX (Single-device plan, three years)
2nd & 3rd Place
Prize money: $1,000
Prize: Clip Studio Paint EX (Single-device plan, three years)
Excellence Award (10 winners)
Prize money: $100
Prize: Clip Studio Paint EX (Single-device plan, one year)
■ Theme: “Out of Frame”
Description: Not everything has to stay inside the panel. Bend the rules of comics and storytelling by exploring what happens beyond the frame. Surprise us with a unique interpretation that takes readers somewhere they never expected.
■ Schedule
Entry Period: September 1 to November 16, 2026, 23:59 UTC
Results announced: December 2026
■ How to Enter
- Create your “Out of Frame” comic following the rules on the Artfol contest page.
- Upload your comic as a submission to on the Artfol challenge by selecting “Participate” : https://artfol.app/contest/GlobalComicAwards2026
■ Submission guidelines
- Format: Single page comic, up to 12 panels (max aspect ratio 1:3)
- Content: Original works only
- Number of submissions: The same author may submit only one work
- Content guidelines: No NSFW, gore, or content containing mature or 18+ themes
- Language: English is recommended, but all languages are accepted
- Other: Entries may not be created using generative AI in any form. Participants are requested to refrain from entering their submissions into other contests or from commercializing them during the period extending from the submission phase to the announcement of results.
See Artfol site for full details on submission rules.
■ Supporting Media
KADOKAWA, JumpTOON, Ki-oon, Star Comics, Mangatari Co., Ltd, Norma Editorial, Planeta Cómic
■ Guest Judges
Yi Chen Hock (Artist)
Yi Chen Hock (known online as Chen or chen_dll) is an artist based in New York, from Singapore and the UK. Self-taught as an artist with a computer engineering degree from the University of Cambridge, she works across illustration, animation, and game dev, having previously worked at Meta, Adobe, and King (Candy Crush).
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chen_dll/
Website:
http://chen-dll.com/
Scott Higginbotham (Illustrator, Comic Artist)
Scott Higginbotham is an illustrator, comic maker and arts educator. He’s known for his work on Obojima: Tales From the Tall Grass, the Webtoon Original series Solid State, his comic work with Koguchi Press, and for his Dungeon Buddies illustration/comics project.
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/panelperday
■ Organizers
Clip Studio Paint by CELSYS, Inc.
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.
Artfol
https://artfol.app/
About Artfol
The social network for artists. Artfol is made for artists, focused on showcasing artwork and supporting artists of all levels. With a growing userbase of more than 500,000 artists, Artfol aims to be a positive space for all artists online. Artists can post their own work, share their favorite art, and join community activities such as challenges, discussions and polls.
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
