Shueisha’s global platform MANGA Plus has announced a brand-new international manga contest in collaboration with France’s Japan Expo: “A La Recherche de Nouveau Manga” (The Search for New Manga). The competition will accept submissions in English and French, opening an exciting new avenue for creators seeking global exposure. Organizers say more details will be revealed in February — but the announcement alone signals another major opportunity for aspiring and independent mangaka to reach worldwide readers.
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What is “A La Recherche de Nouveau Manga”?
“A La Recherche de Nouveau Manga” is a joint initiative between Shueisha’s MANGA Plus and the France-based Japan Expo to discover fresh manga talent from around the world. The contest’s bilingual nature — accepting entries in both English and French — underscores its global ambition, aiming to bridge creators with an international audience and festival exposure in Europe.
Who’s behind the contest?
MANGA Plus is Shueisha’s global manga platform, launched in January 2019 to bring serialized and one-shot manga directly to international readers. With a reported audience in the millions, MANGA Plus is managed overseas by the Shonen Jump+ Editorial Department and has become a key channel for discovering and distributing new series outside Japan. Japan Expo, one of Europe’s largest events celebrating Japanese pop culture, provides a prominent festival stage where creators can gain visibility among fans, industry professionals, and press.
Why this contest matters for creators
Several factors make this contest especially compelling:
- Global exposure: A partnership with MANGA Plus can put entrants in front of an international readership and editorial staff with strong industry influence.
- Bilingual submissions: Allowing both English and French entries opens the competition to creators across multiple regions, increasing discovery potential in Europe and beyond.
- Festival platform: Japan Expo offers physical showcase opportunities, press attention, and networking that can accelerate a creator’s career trajectory.
What we know so far (and what to expect)
The official announcement confirmed entry acceptance in English and French, with further contest details scheduled for release in February. Expect information on submission format, eligibility, deadlines, judging criteria, and potential prizes. Creators should follow official channels closely to ensure they don’t miss application windows or specific technical requirements.
Where to follow updates
Primary updates will come from MANGA Plus’ social accounts. Bookmark and follow the announcement source to catch full submission guidelines when they drop: MANGA Plus announcement on X. You can also monitor the Japan Expo website and social feed for festival-related details and potential presentation schedules for finalists: Japan Expo official site.
How to prepare a strong submission
With full contest rules pending, creators can still take proactive steps to prepare a competitive entry. Focus on story, presentation, and accessibility to a global audience:
1. Polish the concept and script
Start with a clear hook: a compelling premise that’s easy to pitch in one or two sentences. Judges often respond to strong high-concept ideas that show originality and room to expand into longer works. If submitting in English or French, make sure the script is clean, natural, and free of awkward translations.
2. Tighten pacing and page composition
Make every panel count. Effective page layout and pacing help non-native readers follow the story without losing engagement. Use clear panel transitions, readable lettering, and expressive character acting to convey beats even across language barriers.
3. Showcase distinctive art and consistent skill
Editors look for creators with a recognizable visual voice and consistent ability to execute. Include a short sample of the creator’s best work: a one-shot chapter or a tightly-paced teaser that demonstrates plotting, characterization, and panel craft.
4. Prepare a bilingual pitch (if possible)
If you can, prepare both an English and a French pitch or synopsis. Even if you submit in only one language, providing a translated synopsis can make it easier for judges from different regions to appreciate your concept quickly.
5. Follow technical and submission guidelines
Once guidelines are posted, adhere strictly to file formats, page counts, and naming conventions. Submissions that fail to meet stated requirements may be disqualified without review.
Judging, exposure, and next steps if you’re selected
While judging criteria have not yet been disclosed, contests run by major publishers typically evaluate originality, storytelling, art quality, and commercial potential. Winners and finalists may receive editorial feedback, publication opportunities on MANGA Plus, festival showcases at Japan Expo, or other forms of exposure. Even non-winning entries can attract attention if shared properly, so prepare a professional submission package that doubles as a portfolio piece.
Tips for networking and maximizing contest exposure
- Build an online presence: maintain a website or social media portfolio so interested editors or fans can find more of your work.
- Engage with festival communities: if you can attend Japan Expo, plan networking materials like business cards, sample prints, and a concise pitch.
- Be open to editorial guidance: publishers often seek creators who can collaborate and refine concepts for broader audiences.
Resources to help you prepare
Use tutorials, online communities, and craft books to sharpen scriptwriting, page layout, and inking. Online platforms and manga creation forums can provide critique and iterative feedback before you send your final entry.
Final thoughts
The MANGA Plus x Japan Expo contest is a promising new route for creators aiming for international recognition. Its bilingual format and partnership with a major festival create unique opportunities for exposure to editors and fans across continents. Start preparing now: hone your concept, polish pages, and follow the official channels for the full submission rules when they arrive in February. Whether you’re a seasoned mangaka or an ambitious newcomer, this contest could be the breakthrough moment that connects your work with a global audience.
