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It's only natural to read the daily newspaper, glance at the comics section, and think, "I can do that." The void left by Calvin and Hobbes' departure has long been lamented (see this October's Looking for Calvin and Hobbes), and aside from a few veteran staples and fun newcomers, the Comics section is in dire need of fresh blood (or, rather, ink).
Andrews McMeel Publishing, the publisher behind many of our favorite collections, including Calvin and Hobbes, The Far Side, Zits, Foxtrot, and more, is prepared to offer an unprecedented prize to one talented artist: a publishing contract and the opportunity for comic strip syndication with Universal Press Syndicate. Behold, Comic Strip Superstar!
Aspiring cartoonists will submit their work for the chance to be critiqued not only by Amazon customers, but by professionals in the field. Several top names have offered their experience in laughs and storytelling to help narrow the talent pool.
Topping the list of celebrity judges is Garry Trudeau, renowned creator of Doonesbury, and he is joined by daily strip stalwart Lynn Johnston, whose For Better of Worse series has captured readers' attention for nearly 30 years (and recently celebrated a milestone event in Just a Simple Wedding, a collection of what may be the last of entirely new strips).
Alongside these veterans are Mark Tatulli (Heart of the City and Lio) and Scott Hilburn, up-and-coming creator behind The Argyle Sweater. Of course, someone has to keep all of these creative minds in check, and Lee Salem, President and Editor of Universal Press Syndicate, and John Glynn, V.P. of Rights & Acquisitions of Universal Press Syndicate, round out our judging panel.
So what does it take to be the next Comic Strip Superstar? Your entry will need:
- 10 daily comic strips
- 2 Sunday comics
- A title
- A brief synopsis
And it will have to be submitted by the deadline of Saturday, September 12, 2009. More details and official rules can be found here, including videos from the judges and more.
Sharpen those pencils and spark those creative synapses. For all you budding cartoonists waiting for a big break, the time is now.
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