VIZ MEDIA One-Shot Program: The Future For Manga Artists Living Outside Of Japan?

[@MonitorComics]

Submit Your One-Shot To VIZ MEDIA: www.viz.com/submissions Read The 4 Viz Media One-Shots www.viz.com/vizmanga/one-shots

[@Kromiball]

For me, the first link leads to a 404 and the second one leads to New volumes, is it region locked?

[@azariahspence8551]

I agree with the 1st reply, the first link's broken

[@MonitorComics]

@@Kromiball I do believe Viz Media is Region locked in some areas, I tried to show the one shots to Thirdphp the other day, he's in france and couldnt open the links. The first link has been fixed though! I tested the second link and it worked for me!

[@MonitorComics]

@@azariahspence8551 Just fixed it! Thanks for letting me know!

[@azariahspence8551]

@@MonitorComics It worked! Thanks!

[@shiver_me_timberz]

I was recently researching about Viz Media Originals. I’m so glad to see this.

[@MonitorComics]

I tried to get it out as quickly as I could!! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@coolberry3928]

This is very promising!

[@MonitorComics]

Agreed! Definitely worth keeping an eye on at the very least!

[@m.comicman243]

I've known about this since the beginning. It was kinda hard to ignore that big "Create" button on Viz's site. It took a bit longer than I expected for something to finally come of this program, but I'm glad to see things are finally kicking off. I do think we should be cautiously optimistic, though. There's no telling how this is gonna go, but I hope it goes well.

[@MonitorComics]

Cautiously Optimistic is a great wait to put it! I also really hope this program goes well!!!

[@ProfesorJoan]

I almost cried, just yesterday i started my own manga and ive been wiriting and daydreamimg of it for at least 2 years, and it's a long runner seinen, future is clear for me now, thanks for the news 🥺

[@MonitorComics]

Of course! Glad to hear you started your manga project! Best of luck and hope you have lots of fun!

[@bourne8636]

What’s it called? Wanna support.

[@allenwalker5940]

After I do some more research on it, I might try it seems like a good opportunity. Hope it goes well.

[@MonitorComics]

Sounds good!! Best of luck!!

[@paradakx5792]

this is definitely something i would be interested in.

[@MonitorComics]

Definitely worth checking out!

[@looniemoonie5955]

One thing I don't like it about contests such as SMA: they basically own your idea, your characters and stuff EVEN if you don't win. So it'a huge gamble: use some cheap mediocre idea you are not afraid to lose? Then you won't win, competing with ideas much greater than your own. Use something you're proud of and wants to be turned into series? Then you will lose it and can't develop in the future. I remember Jump having the same terms and conditions you must agree to. Wonder if that's the case here as well?

[@MonitorComics]

First thing, your statement about SMA is incorrect. That exclusivity clause only applies to the winners, NOT everyone who submits. That clause is also pretty common in publishing, they need that right to upload your work on their platforms, print it, merchandise it etc. Without it they couldn't really do anything The contract is also temporary, meaning your rights return to you after an agreed period I could be wrong, it's been a while since I've read the fine print, but I had this conversation with another published artist not too long ago so I think this is the case For competing, you can still use a good idea, but don't use something you can't give up. Like don't send in an idea you've developed for ten years. Nobody said you had to send in a mediocre idea ya know As far as the contracts go for VIZ, I personally have not read one so I cannot comment there

[@kingj9664]

Wow this is a way more positive video than what coffee comics made about this whole situation. I look forward to see what happens next I really do hope this does go somewhere for many artists.

[@devinagonistes]

This looks like an excellent opportunity!! Thank you for sharing it and raising awareness of it!

[@nactrumofficial5450]

The downside to this is giving your story synopsis, character sheets, etc., they have the ability for others to steal your work, which has happened with other companies. If you have everything under legal and registered copyright, you might be safe.

[@MonitorComics]

That is literally how most companies work. It's called submitting a Pitch Packet, it's the same in the animation field. There is always the option to stay indie if working with publishers doesn't appeal to you

[@illuminated_crown]

Which is why I would never trust this. Remain independent.

[@dark_nightwing_xl2797]

@@illuminated_crownthx

[@YumegakaMurakumo]

Exactly.

[@Hiryustudio]

thank you for sharing. I've actually finished to pencil my one shot one week ago and started inking but was unsure where to submit. Than considering this VIZ campain is gaijin oriented I'll sure submit to them. Just it time!!!

[@SammyRobinson62232]

It’s look very promising as it’ll allow upcoming manga/comic artist to get a wider audience. I’m also excited since it might allow us to get more diverse stories from a genre and demographic perspective. From a manga that’s a Shoujo mystery or a African fanasty and many more. One thing I hope for is that they treat their artist right and don’t try to take advantage of them. Cause at the end of the days Viz is still a company that end goal is money

[@MonitorComics]

Completely agree! Hoping this program turns out well!

[@dark_nightwing_xl2797]

Its likemangaplus nothing special

[@MonitorComics]

@@dark_nightwing_xl2797 I mean if you consider having books in stores "nothing special" Then I guess

[@dark_nightwing_xl2797]

@@MonitorComics doesnt mean it Will sell

[@MonitorComics]

@@dark_nightwing_xl2797 Is there a reason you moved your goalpost? So what you are arguing is "The Viz Program is like MangaPlus Creators, it's nothing special bc it doesn't mean your work will sell if it is turned into a book" By your logic you shouldn't apply ANYWHERE then, just because you get a book with Marvel doesn't guarantee you will sell. I don't see the point you're trying to make

[@ObscruosDD]

Dose viz media allow colored page submissions?

[@Vor567tez]

Is it's only for Americans? I am from India. Does the manga need to be in Japanese too?

[@SuspiciousMoon007]

Anyone can apply, doesn’t need to be in Japanese

[@luisB_OG]

This manga stuff sounding more and more promising! 💪💪💪

[@MonitorComics]

A few years ago I never would've believed some of this stuff coming out LOL

[@bennymameshiro]

Thanks for the heads up, I’ll remember you if I make it!

[@credoLight]

That's a really great new 🔥✨ Otherwise, Is it possible for the same person to submit 2 different one shots at the same time?

[@ahmedsallam1426]

So I need to create a thumbnail, character designs, synopsis, along with finished pages only for oneshots no series can you please clarify more

[@MonitorComics]

The submission guidelines are on their website! They explain it better than I could!

[@imhunniebee]

Great video and explanation! This is honestly a good step for manga creators worldwide. I'm a hobby manga creator but this gives me sense of wanting to do more and push harder in my work. Looking forward to seeing more aspiring mangaka applying for this! 🤗

[@MonitorComics]

Thank you so much!! I am very excited to see how it turns out too!!

[@DRPArtistry]

This is great! I want to do this.

[@MonitorComics]

Best of luck with your submission!

[@zoddai5950]

I knew this would be a vid👍🏾

[@MonitorComics]

You could sense it!!

[@zoddai5950]

@@MonitorComics when I heard about the one shot program I knew this would be a video 😁

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

I guess cause i'm pass this, I'm ok with just working and making my stuff. The only reason I'd submit is for editing feedback and maybe hope for an anime. There's so much manga I've read that don't get much anime adoption, most so in shoujo stuff. Just keep making your comics, no need to worry about it being real manga.

[@MonitorComics]

Valid points!!

[@illuminated_crown]

Facts. Independent is the best

[@nonoart-s9e]

I love your videos

[@MonitorComics]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch! I appreciate it!

[@_KRYMZN_]

I’m 100% applying for this when my art is good enough

[@t.i.o.l.u]

I can help out with a story, but i can't draw goodluck with it

[@_KRYMZN_]

@@t.i.o.l.u if you have story ideas let me know I need something to practise drawing 😅

[@t.i.o.l.u]

@@_KRYMZN_ Ooh i do have ideas, what genre are you interested in

[@_KRYMZN_]

@@t.i.o.l.u the main ones I want to try are sci-fi and horror, but honestly I wanna give everything a go so whatever your ideas are I bet we can work with it

[@t.i.o.l.u]

@@_KRYMZN_ Okie should i drop the idea here. I was thinking about an Alien cartel, making a deal with the earth to control a portion of the earth, in a wish to reduce tension with the world powers and complete control over thier dominion, wherefore barring communnication with thier province and the rest of the world.

[@azariahspence8551]

This could be huge! I wanna try❤❤

[@MonitorComics]

Best of luck!!

[@nathanhill8827]

would love to join but really need to work on my drawing skills lol

[@MonitorComics]

You got this!!!

[@nathanhill8827]

@@MonitorComics thank you! Do you have anywhere to talk. I’d love to get some feedback if your ever free :)

[@MonitorComics]

@@nathanhill8827 My discord server is open for KZbin Members! Other than that I have a few paid services: 1 on 1 consultations or I can give a google doc page of feedback after reading what you have. If you dm me on Instagram or Twitter I can send over my price sheet!

[@Kromiball]

1:54 From how you described them all, they all seem to be shonen action.

[@MonitorComics]

Shonen is a demographic not a genre. Shonen Jump has manga from all sorts of genres (action, fantasy, romance, comedy, slice of life, drama etc). For these Viz One-Shots specifically I would say Skin & Bones is the closest to classic action adventure shonen manga. The Stranger is more like a slice of life mystery with some action scenes. Cinematic Certitude honestly feels like it belongs in a seinen magazine, it's more of a sci-fi supernatural story. And Ancient Melody feels like it'd fit more in Shojo or a kids magazine. I'd describe it as being in the adventure and music genres. I definitely simplified them in my one sentence descriptions in the video

[@go-at7783]

It’s time for me to lock in

[@xavierlimon2151]

Can submission be in color (have color pages) because I believe my comic/manga I'm working on is better for Viz rather than image

[@animanco6833]

Funny thing, I created the story board of my one shot after I created one of my actual main series. The One shot was just to help me get an idea of what the world building for my main series is going to be like. It worked and I was able to revise my storyboards. I might need to look back and not only re-edit some scenes but also search for and work with an editor and artist. Once I complete it I might give this viz media one shot program a try.

[@MonitorComics]

You seem like you are ahead of the curve! Storyboards are actually recommended for the application process because if you are picked up, you most likely will need to make revisions before inking the actual pages! I personally know someone who needed to redo their storyboards 5 times while working with an editor!

[@animanco6833]

@@MonitorComics I did have make revisions to the storyboard of my first chapter like 5 times by myself. I think it's a lot better than how I initially wrote it, but working with an editor can be helpful. Do you recommend anyone? And where can my storyboards be picked up? Still viz media somewhere?

[@MonitorComics]

@@animanco6833 Viz Media is one option! There are also contests like SMA, Kyoto International, etc. As far as publishers go I'd say just try to do your research and find one you like, there are many so it's hard to point you towards one. Many manga style artists shoot for Dark Horse, Image, Seven Seas, Atlantic Press etc

[@animanco6833]

@@MonitorComics thank you. As usual your input helps

[@Ayzay1717]

Thanks for the info, gambatte.

[@MonitorComics]

Of course! Thanks for watching!

[@diegodeleon2003]

is it necessary to make it in the eastern way for it to be nominated in viz? i have plans to start my manga/comic but i would like to illustrate it in the western way for reading (left to right i mean)

[@Greg12839]

you can do it left to right if you want

[@hafizmazuki2443]

This a good opportunity for me as a manga writer. I already published a one-shot at mangaplus.

[@MonitorComics]

You got this!! Good luck!

[@tigerking8165]

Cinematic Certitude is ok. Skin and Bone has paneling issues. The other 2 has art so bad it would make Cal Arts students blush. The fact Viz has accepted to publish these one shots, used Sasaki as the face of this program, and bought ADs on Twitter to advertise them are all shameful. Just because Viz has no magazine and nothing on the line doesn’t mean we as manga readers will just eat up any trash they put out. And you, shame on you to omit the quality of the one shots. Skin and Bone doesn’t cut it as one shot, if Sasaki had reviewed it he would’ve advised revisions before any consideration of publishing it. Ancient Melody couldn’t even get the basics of drawings from How to Draw Manga right, Stranger is not far off from it either. It felt like these 2 started drawing last month. I get it, you’re excited about the potential of the program itself, not whether this round of one shots are any good, but damn, shame on you for not covering it. Of the nearly 3000 published manga I’ve read, many one shots, I’ve never read anything as bad as Ancient Melody or Stranger. I have read amateur work by untrained unschool artists drawn better than these 2. You, Viz, and if Sasaki is hands on, then he too, dropped the ball.

[@SamuelAdedayo1_]

Can i go to viz originals and put out a ongoing manga with 59 pages of the manga ang get paid if published

[@uCaioken]

Are people who do not live in the US avaliable to publish on the contest too?

[@SuspiciousMoon007]

Yes, a friend of mine in Ireland published the stranger

[@uCaioken]

@@SuspiciousMoon007 Thanks mate

[@Rain0015]

The website is poop. Coudn't figure out how to read these one-shots. Or do I have to pay to read them or something ?

[@RodneyKing-kz3ym]

I think this is super cool, I think this is super exciting-first and foremost. PERSONALLY, due to the work conditions and expectations placed on manga artists in Japan, versus what they get paid on average, this wouldn’t give me too much high hopes at the current moment. American comic artists, specifically at the big 2, probably get paid more on average than your average published manga artist. Also, there is a chance to become an editor, a board member or even chief officer of some kind with American comic companies. Would an international manga artist be able to achieve the same over the long term? 🤔 HOWEVER, I’m super interested and I support the artists. I sincerely hope they achieve their goals and we see their work in the future. Good luck to everyone going for their dreams. 😊

[@MonitorComics]

I think something important to remember is Viz Media is based in America (specifically San Francisco, CA), not Japan, so the working conditions should be more similar to American standards. I am not sure about their working opportunities to join the staff, but I assume it'd be similar to applying to any other job or staff position. Regardless, I do think the program is a step in the right direction, and they have the former Editor in Chief of Shonen Jump running the show, so they should be set up for success. If the program fails due to public interest, sales, etc then it might just mean manga will never work here like it does in Korea (webtoons) France (Manfra) and Japan

[@RodneyKing-kz3ym]

Very good points. Hopefully the former Editor in Chief of Shonen Jump keeps his flashbacks of working in Japan in a healthy range lol 😂. In all seriousness, you are right and I agree that this is a step in a right direction. I’m excited for it. 👍

[@ahjar570]

One day I'll be a successful mangaka too!

[@MonitorComics]

You got this!!

[@UltimatePerfection]

Look into Japan International Manga Award done by the Japanese ministry of foreign affairs.

[@thecheekychoof]

Back in the 90s there was a company called Viz Comics that did manga and comic distribution, is this the same company? Didn’t find much info about them online hence I ask here 😯

[@MonitorComics]

I am actually not 100% sure, I know Viz Media also refers to themselves as just "VIZ" so it could be

[@Dave102693]

Viz was previously called ShoPro USA aka Shogakukan Productions USA, so idk

[@majinya6199]

Only viz comics I could find is some British adult comic magazine

[@C052-ip9zs]

I heard you know Gakusei Muto (He's my pookie)

[@MonitorComics]

Yes! He is a part of my Discord Server lol. Chill guy!

[@C052-ip9zs]

@@MonitorComics fr

[@GetDownKp]

Interested

[@MonitorComics]

Good luck on your submission!

[@nonoart-s9e]

OMG I’m early

[@MonitorComics]

EARLY GANG

[@xxxnarurto5747]

I find this interesting I’m writing manga is called Frost Azure. Anyway this just proof that anyone can write manga doesn’t have to be Japanese. Is so annoying people are telling anyone who isn’t Japanese can’t make manga. I called b.s and even VIZ saying anyone can publish their manga aren’t even Japanese people 🥰😅

[@MonitorComics]

There are several people in THIS comment section still arguing that it still isn't manga. But yeah I agree with you!! Good luck on Frost Azure!!

[@Userdoesnotexit]

man you need to get a new avatar.. weirdly made

[@vincentflannigan2727]

Hmm. Viz manga eh

[@MonitorComics]

Viz Originals! They've been publishing manga from Shonen Jump and other magazines for years before this!

[@tedmdelacruz]

Since when did you become a VTuber?

[@MonitorComics]

For a few months now!

[@neko9x19mm8]

It sounds good but I am not that good of an artist to draw a full blown manga.

[@MonitorComics]

They have applications for writers I believe!

[@MrAaaaazzzzz00009999]

also wtf is that avatar?

[@SumiHatun-m7b]

Davis Paul Williams Helen Martinez Mary

[@DLAXTOX]

😂More like non japanese comic artists😂

[@MonitorComics]

What more do you need, the literal editor-in-chief at Shonen Jump referred to them as manga artists

[@DLAXTOX]

@@MonitorComics In Nigeria, there is an item called fufu. Nothing like "western/America/Asian fufu" is real. It will remain the same fufu (Fufu means pounded yam 🍠 )

[@DLAXTOX]

Same with comics, manga, or orere. African comics or American mangas are self-bound illusions (ToT).

[@RodneyKing-kz3ym]

So an artist, who is working with a former editor-in-chief from Shonen Jump, needs to seek validation from Nigeria? If not, they risk the dreadful reality of being labeled their local term of “fufu”? 🤔 Yeah, everybody just follow the guidelines from Viz. 😂

[@RodneyKing-kz3ym]

Comic artists are awesome btw. I don’t know where this seemingly condescending attitude towards comic artists came from online in recent years. However, without non Japanese comics, specifically Euro American comics, which were imported and even labeled “American manga” in Japan, the modern manga industry wouldn’t have formed when it did. The concept of audio visual comics and sequential storytelling was a Euro American concept that came around the invention of the phonograph. Thank you non Japanese comic artists who set the foundation for modern manga. Search a comic called “Bringing Up Father” and see the impact it had overseas and in Japan.

[@MCMalikk]

1

[@MonitorComics]

Thanks for watching early!

[@gorequillnachovidal]

we would just call it comics if made in the US. manga is produced in japan.

[@MonitorComics]

I mean, Hisashi Sasaki (Shonen Jump editor) and VIZ are calling it "manga," so that's what I'm going by

[@gorequillnachovidal]

@@MonitorComics so a company determines what is manga and what is not?

[@MonitorComics]

@@gorequillnachovidal I'm more inclined to listen to the dude who literally ran Shonen Jump

[@YumegakaMurakumo]

Lol it's not just Filipinos who can be all elitist about being mangaka now! Before this announcement, us Latinos/Hispanics too! 😂 For example, There's Juan Albarran. A Spaniard who speaks VERY little Japanese (only English and Spanish) living in Japan working on "Matagi Gunner for Kodansha Morning! Which was my dream when I was 18. I'm now happy working on the goal of making a living with my art and stories. ☁️🌌💜🌒🌕🌘💜🌌☁️