LINE Manga Launches NEXT Manga Grand Prix in Collaboration with Starts Publishing
In an exciting development for manga enthusiasts, LINE Digital Frontier Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has announced the launch of the NEXT Manga Grand Prix in collaboration with Starts Publishing’s seven editorial departments. This unique partnership seeks to uncover fresh talent in the manga industry and provide them with a platform to showcase their original works.
The competition, named "Starts Publishing NEXT Manga Grand Prix powered by LINE Manga Indies," officially commenced on June 22 and is open for submissions until September 13, 2026. Aspiring manga creators are invited to submit their original manga works through LINE Manga's dedicated submission service, which is part of their innovative "LINE Manga Indies" platform. The detailed announcement can be found on the event page: NEXT Manga Grand Prix Overview.
The judging panel will comprise editors from seven different comic magazines and labels under Starts Publishing, including BeLuck COMICS, Berry’s Fantasy, Comic Grasuto, Comic Zerais, Comic Berry's, Noicomi, and OZcomics. This diverse panel will evaluate the submissions across various genres without any restrictions, allowing for an inclusive range of creativity.
Winners of the grand prize will take home a cash award of 1 million yen along with publishing rights across various Starts Publishing media and LINE Manga. Additionally, other categories including a semi-grand prize and excellence awards also come with monetary rewards and opportunities for mentorship from assigned editors from the participating departments. The awards are structured to encourage budding talent, with prizes distributed as follows:
The submission process entails different guidelines for manga works and name submissions. Participants are encouraged to create horizontal manga works, and there are no limits on the number of pages or the genre of stories. This open approach aims to foster creativity and encourage diverse storytelling methods among new manga creators.
As part of its commitment to promoting and revitalizing the manga industry, LINE Manga continues to explore various initiatives aimed at supporting creators and nurturing new talents. This event is not only a contest but also an opportunity for creators to establish professional connections within the manga publishing industry.
Contest Schedule:
For detailed submission guidelines and information, interested creators can visit the event page to learn more about how to participate.
Furthermore, LINE Manga operates its original webtoon creation and publishing division called "LINE Manga Webtoon Studio," which aims to produce and promote original horizontal manga and webtoon stories. This creative arm of LINE Manga is actively seeking innovative projects and talented creators, reinforcing the company’s dedication to advancing the manga landscape.
Since its launch in 2013, LINE Manga has become the leading digital comic service in Japan, boasting an impressive monthly user base of approximately 163.2 million as of December 2025. It is part of the "WEBTOON Worldwide Service" and continues to thrive with a wide array of exclusive and original content catering to a diverse audience. The platform offers vertically scrolling color digital comics designed for easy reading on smart devices, reflecting the dynamic evolution of manga consumption.
In conclusion, the Starts Publishing NEXT Manga Grand Prix exemplifies LINE Manga's commitment to nurturing the next generation of manga creators and ensuring the ongoing growth and vibrancy of the manga industry.
The competition, named "Starts Publishing NEXT Manga Grand Prix powered by LINE Manga Indies," officially commenced on June 22 and is open for submissions until September 13, 2026. Aspiring manga creators are invited to submit their original manga works through LINE Manga's dedicated submission service, which is part of their innovative "LINE Manga Indies" platform. The detailed announcement can be found on the event page: NEXT Manga Grand Prix Overview.
The judging panel will comprise editors from seven different comic magazines and labels under Starts Publishing, including BeLuck COMICS, Berry’s Fantasy, Comic Grasuto, Comic Zerais, Comic Berry's, Noicomi, and OZcomics. This diverse panel will evaluate the submissions across various genres without any restrictions, allowing for an inclusive range of creativity.
Winners of the grand prize will take home a cash award of 1 million yen along with publishing rights across various Starts Publishing media and LINE Manga. Additionally, other categories including a semi-grand prize and excellence awards also come with monetary rewards and opportunities for mentorship from assigned editors from the participating departments. The awards are structured to encourage budding talent, with prizes distributed as follows:
- - Grand Prize: 1 million yen + publishing rights + editorial support
- - Semi-Grand Prize: 100,000 yen + publishing rights + editorial support
- - Excellence Award: 50,000 yen + editorial support
- - Name Award: 50,000 yen + editorial support
- - Special Award: 10,000 yen
The submission process entails different guidelines for manga works and name submissions. Participants are encouraged to create horizontal manga works, and there are no limits on the number of pages or the genre of stories. This open approach aims to foster creativity and encourage diverse storytelling methods among new manga creators.
As part of its commitment to promoting and revitalizing the manga industry, LINE Manga continues to explore various initiatives aimed at supporting creators and nurturing new talents. This event is not only a contest but also an opportunity for creators to establish professional connections within the manga publishing industry.
Contest Schedule:
- - Submission Deadline: September 13, 2026, at 23:59
- - Results Announcement: Early November 2026
For detailed submission guidelines and information, interested creators can visit the event page to learn more about how to participate.
Furthermore, LINE Manga operates its original webtoon creation and publishing division called "LINE Manga Webtoon Studio," which aims to produce and promote original horizontal manga and webtoon stories. This creative arm of LINE Manga is actively seeking innovative projects and talented creators, reinforcing the company’s dedication to advancing the manga landscape.
Since its launch in 2013, LINE Manga has become the leading digital comic service in Japan, boasting an impressive monthly user base of approximately 163.2 million as of December 2025. It is part of the "WEBTOON Worldwide Service" and continues to thrive with a wide array of exclusive and original content catering to a diverse audience. The platform offers vertically scrolling color digital comics designed for easy reading on smart devices, reflecting the dynamic evolution of manga consumption.
In conclusion, the Starts Publishing NEXT Manga Grand Prix exemplifies LINE Manga's commitment to nurturing the next generation of manga creators and ensuring the ongoing growth and vibrancy of the manga industry.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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