Mad Cave Studios Opens Submissions for 2025 Talent Search, Empowering Emerging Voices in Comics

A Gateway for Fresh Talent. A Launchpad for Lasting Careers. Your Shot in Comics Starts Now!

JUNE 6, 2025, (PORTLAND, OR) — Submissions are officially open for Mad Cave Studios’ 8th Annual Talent Search! Built to spotlight bold, original voices who haven’t yet broken into the industry, the Mad Cave StudiosTalent Search continues to serve as a direct path to publication for aspiring comic creators around the globe.

“Mad Cave understands how difficult it can be to break into the comic book industry. That’s why we’re giving aspiring creators their best chance at success—by providing a direct link to one of the industry’s hottest publishers,” said Mike Marts, Editor-in-Chief of Mad Cave Studios. “The Talent Search isn’t just a contest—it’s our commitment to discovering fresh voices and helping them take their first professional step in the industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of making comics, this is your shot.”Mad Cave Studios is seeking two creators in each of the following categories: writers, illustrators, colorists, and letterers. All submissions must take place within one of four eligible Mad Cave universes—Exit City, Dark Pyramid, Endless Night, or Sanction—though selected creators may be placed on projects that differ in style or continuity. Submissions open on June 6, 2025, at 12:00 AM EST and close on August 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST, with winners announced in October 2025. The Talent Search is open worldwide to those 18 or older. Each creator may submit only one entry, though those skilled in multiple disciplines may apply to more than one category.
Submission Requirements:

• Writers must submit five pages of comic script (PDF or Word) set in one of the four eligible worlds.
• Artists must submit the three sequential art pages (JPG or PDF) based on one of those same worlds.
• Colorists must color the three provided inked pages from the resource kit and submit them as JPG or PDF files.
• Letterers must use the three provided colored pages, plus script, and submit lettered pages in JPG or PDF format.

Only complete entries submitted through the official form will be reviewed by Mad Cave’s editorial team.Every year, the Mad Cave Studios Talent Searchhelps emerging creators leap into professional comics. The 2024 winners are already deep in production on upcoming licensed projects at Mad Cave—set to be revealed later this year. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

“Being selected taught me to put myself out there. My advice to the 2025 talent: Be brave and just create. There’s a story in everyone that deserves to be told. I believe in you—and I’m so, so proud of you. I was in the middle of a tabletop roleplaying game (terribly cool, I know) when I saw the announcement—and my poor friends got five minutes of excited nonsense before I could explain!” — Molly Jones (writer) “It’s always a great opportunity when a publisher actually asks for submissions. I even landed another illustration gig based on the work I did for the Talent Search.” — Alden Kaye (artist) “Winning was a childhood dream come true. I could feel my 15-year-old self jumping for joy. There are two things that I have learned from my experience. The first is never to give up and keep trying. This was my second time submitting, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. The second is to have fun and be the person you want to work with. Enjoy the creative process and keep learning from others.” — Jacqueline Glatz (colorist) “To be working with such talented people has been a comic fan’s dream come true.” — Victor Medina (colorist)In 2023, a full winning team—Sarah Cooke (writer), Leo Chiola (artist), Maksim Streklov (colorist), and Adel E. Talemi (letterer)—was tapped to bring a multiversal Flash Gordon story to life, officially licensed by King Features. Their tale will appear in Flash Gordon Quarterly, hitting shelves in July 2025. The 2019 winner,  David Hazan (writer), broke out with the bestselling Nottingham—now a multi-volume franchise with spin-offs. Since then, he’s written for BOOM!, Titan, and more, with accolades that include New York Times features and a question on Jeopardy!Create boldly and pitch with confidence! Full guidelines, sample materials, and the official entry form are available at madcavestudios.com/talent-search. About Author First Comics News Your First Place For Comics News since October 18, 1998 See author's posts