Los Angeles, CA (June 1, 2004) -- TOKYOPOP Inc. is looking for a few good manga-ka! The country's leading manga publisher is pleased to announce the highly anticipated launch of its fourth Rising Stars of Manga competition. From June 1 through August 16, aspiring artists and writers may submit their 15-to-20-page manga -- along with completed entry forms -- to TOKYOPOP for the chance to join the next generation of nationally published manga-ka. The top 10 talented winners will score cash prizes and have their winning entries presented in the next Rising Stars anthology.
But, wait... it gets better!
Past winners have seen their success blossom into full-fledged book deals. Lindsay Cibos, M. Alice LeGrow, Mike Schwark and Ron Kalfersch are just a few of the Rising Stars who are working on TOKYOPOP manga series scheduled to release in 2005. More deals will be announced soon.
"The sheer career advancement possible for our Rising Stars winners is worth their hard work and then some," comments Mark Paniccia, the series' editor. "Now that America knows we're serious about this competition, the bar has been raised, and we expect that the manga artists and writers out there will work even harder to blow us away this time."
During its three previous national talent competitions, TOKYOPOP collected thousands of entries. Everyone from top manga creators ("I enjoyed the book and it made a great impression on me!" -- Nao Yazawa, creator of Wedding Peach) to the national press ("TOKYOPOP is also stepping up its efforts to develop American manga creators." -- Publishers Weekly) has taken note of the company's exclusive competition. Complete details for the fourth Rising Stars of Manga competition are available NOW on TOKYOPOP's website at: www.tokyopop.com/news/mangatalent/index.php.
ABOUT TOKYOPOP Inc.
TOKYOPOP Inc. is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing segment within the publishing industry. With exclusive rights to hundreds of licensed and original book, video and music properties, the company has rapidly become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and publishes many hit manga series, including Love Hina, Chobits, Rave Master, Initial D, GTO, Battle Royale and Cowboy Bebop. The company pioneered Cine-Manga(tm), releasing such titles as Finding Nemo, SpongeBob SquarePants, Lizzie McGuire and Transformers Armada. TOKYOPOP television properties include Rave Master, GTO and Reign: The Conqueror. The company has also expanded its presence as a licensor, representing merchandising rights for Rave Master, Initial D, Stray Sheep and others. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information. TOKYOPOP(R) is a registered trademark of TOKYOPOP Inc.
