THIS IS VERY SERIOUS
Call for Submissions: This is VERY Serious
Attention Comic creators across Canada! After a few years of pause the project for extra planning, we are thrilled to re-open our doors to submissions for Original Canadian Comics, inviting artists, writers, and storytellers of all kinds to contribute their unique voices and vision to a new and exciting project. Studiocomix Press Ltd, as a leading publishing company, primarily known for its work in the comic book and graphic novel industry with a focus on producing and distributing a range of comic-related content, including graphic novels, webcomics, and indie comix . The company has built a reputation of over 20 years for publishing high-quality, engaging stories across various genres, typically with an emphasis on independent and niche works, since 2001 Studiocomix Press stablishes a service office in Kitchener Waterloo after a long publishing career on Mexico City.
Canada is a nation rich in cultural diversity, history, and untold stories. We can identify that Canada's comic scene is bursting with creative potential. Whether you're an established /published pro or an up-and-coming emerging talent, this is a great opportunity to share your work with an enthusiastic and supportive audience that values the art of storytelling through comics. For this reason we open our very own Anthology style publication named : This is VERY Serious, We have selected this title and format in a way of strength the legacy of the previous published works that have already established the comic book industry and proactively contribute to commemorate the comic art proposals available to a new generation of readers with a "catchy" title.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We’re looking for original, high-quality, and thought-provoking comics that push the boundaries of the medium and reflect the diverse and multifaceted nature of Canadian storytelling. Whether your comic book project is deeply heartfelt, explores fantastical realms, challenges norms through experimental art, or brings laughter through humor, we want to see unique stories. We believe that each comic has a potential to spark meaningful conversations, inspire creativity, and provide new perspectives.
This is not just an open call for submissions it’s an invitation to contribute to something truly special. Studiocomix Press invites you to take this opportunity to join a collective effort that celebrates the vibrancy, richness, and depth of Canadian comic book culture, and to have your voice heard alongside some of the most exciting and innovative comics being created today. By submitting, you’re not only adding to the growing market but your participation will be now a real entry to a larger catalog of published Canadian comics, you become a part of a movement that values diversity, creativity, and the art of storytelling in all its forms.
Fresh Ideas & Unique Perspectives
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Diverse Topics & Genres
Comics that explore all genres, in a sense universal in their appeal. From the fantastical to the deeply grounded in reality, we welcome all genres, including (but not limited to) drama, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, memoir, and social commentary.
inclusive voices
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Submission Guidelines (with Exceptions):
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Open to all Canadian comic creators, including writers, artists, and creative teams, the submitted art work to be published in this Anthology has to have at least 1 participant with a Candian Citizenship, if any of the participants is between 16 and 17 years of age you will need a written permission of a parent or a guardian. At the moment any submissions from participants of 15 years of age or younger are not currently being included for this project but consider for future projects later on this year.
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Submissions for this Anthology must be original, unpublished work, but we will consider previously published work if it has not been widely distributed or if it was released in a limited-run format (e.g., zines, personal websites, or small press publications).
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We are accepting short-form comics with a minimum of 4 to 8 pages. If your work is longer, please send a brief synopsis along with sample pages (at least 10). We will also accept serialized stories, provided that the first installment can stand alone as a cohesive entry.
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Submissions are welcome in both English and French, but we will also accept comics in Indigenous languages or bilingual formats. If your comic includes a mix of languages or dialects, please include a translation or summary for non-speakers.
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We’re open to a wide range of stories, styles, and themes, and we value the richness that diverse voices bring to the world of comics. Whether you’re exploring personal experiences, cultural heritage, or universal themes, we encourage you to submit work that speaks to you and to the world around you. We believe comics are a powerful medium for addressing complex topics in ways that resonate with readers on a deep level. While we welcome comics with humor, fantasy, and light-heartedness, we are equally interested in work that tackles serious, poignant, and sometimes difficult subjects. Whether your comic delves into identity, mental health, social justice, environmental issues, or political commentary, we recognize the value in using art to start important conversations. However, we ask that all content remains respectful and constructive in its portrayal of sensitive subjects. We encourage personal stories that reflect your unique experience or identity, and we are particularly interested in comics that offer new perspectives on life in Canada. Whether your comic takes place in an urban setting, explores life in rural communities, or reflects the experiences of Indigenous peoples, immigrants, or marginalized groups, we want to hear your voice.
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Item If your comic deals with mature themes, we ask that you provide appropriate content warnings for readers, so that they can engage with your work thoughtfully and responsibly. These could include warnings for things like violence, trauma, grief, substance use, or any other content that might be triggering or unsettling for some audiences. At the same time, we encourage creators to tackle challenging themes in ways that are thoughtful, empowering, and respectful to all individuals and communities. While we are open to a broad variety of content, and we welcome diverse content and perspectives, we cannot accept work that includes explicit hate speech, discriminatory language, graphic depictions of harm, or content promoting violence against individuals or groups. We strive to foster a safe, respectful space for all creators and readers, and all submissions will be reviewed for alignment with these values. Inclusivity, empathy, and respect are at the heart of what we want to promote.
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Digital submissions are preferred. We will also accept traditional artwork, such as inked pages or sketches, if you are unable to submit digitally. For either digital or traditional submissions please understand that we will not return any submissions to the sender, either digital or traditional, so if you decide to send traditional work via mail, we recommend you to send HI quality scans instead of the original work. Take a minute to read and understand how to submit down below.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Email
Send your submission to : submissions@studiocomix.com
Mail
If you decide to submit in the traditional artwork , you can mail it to:
Studiocomix Press Ltd. c/o SCPress
Frederick Mall
385 Frederick St. Unit #12
Kitchener, Ontario Canada
N2H 2P2
All Submissions Must Include:
Include a brief cover letter, your name, contact information, and a short biography, you and/or your team will have to send a copy of any Photo ID (Driver's License/ Passport). Attach your comic or provide a link to your web comic. If sending multiple submissions via email, please send them in separate emails.
Include a brief description of your comic, its themes, and your inspiration.
For web comics, provide a direct link to your work along with a selection of at least five pages or a specific story arc.
Deadline for Submissions:
The deadline for all submissions is June 30, 2025. Be sure to submit before this date to be considered.
what's IN IT FOR YOU?
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Once the Anthology get published will be shared with a broader audience through our social Media platforms and website, which is dedicated to servicing the Canadian comic industry and the unique voices within them. We are committed to highlighting both emerging and established creators, and your work will be part of a wider celebration of Canadian talent. Our publications tend to lead to greater visibility within the comics community and among readers, and potentially attract new fans, collaborators, or professional opportunities.
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Being featured in our publication will give you the opportunity to grow your portfolio and gain professional experience in the world of comic publishing. Whether you’re looking to build your resume, transition to full-time comic creation, or simply gain more exposure for your work, this is a valuable stepping stone. We believe in empowering creators, offering constructive feedback to help you continue growing and developing as an artist and storyteller.
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While this call focuses on our upcoming publication, we are always on the lookout for ongoing collaborations and future projects. If your work is selected, there may be future opportunities for you to be part of larger initiatives, sequels, or specialized collections. This could lead to paid opportunities for additional publications, merchandise, or digital projects. We also welcome creators who may want to continue or expand their stories, whether through future issues, graphic novels, or other formats. There is potential for selected work to move beyond this one-time collection and grow into something much larger.
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By submitting your work, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of creators who share a passion for comics and storytelling. Connecting with fellow artists, writers, and comic enthusiasts will allow you to share ideas, learn from one another, and collaborate on future projects. You will have the chance to interact with other Canadian creators from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration that helps strengthen the Canadian comic scene as a whole. This can open the door to future collaborations, whether in terms of creative partnerships or shared projects.
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Having your work published in our Canadian comics anthology can provide you with a stronger platform to build your personal brand as a creator. It’s an excellent way to gain recognition within the comics industry, whether you’re an independent creator, a self-publisher, or someone hoping to break into larger publishing houses. Through this opportunity, you may gain access to media interviews, social media promotion, and other forms of recognition that help raise your profile as a creator. Our platform will amplify your work, helping you grow your presence in both the Canadian and global comic scenes.
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Each creator will receive five free complimentary copies of the anthology or collection in the format of their choice. Depending on the availability and production logistics, you can choose between a digital copy or a physical copy. A Printed copy also gives you the freedom to use the publication as a promotional tool. You can sell, trade, or distribute copies at events, share them on social media, or use them in your portfolio. This also can help you increase your visibility, attract new fans, or serve as a conversation starter with industry professionals.
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If you like to order additional copies beyond the complimentary copies, we offer discounted rates for creators, allowing you to purchase extra copies at a reduced price. This is ideal if you want to retail the anthology to organizations, bookstores, libraries, schools, and individuals where the anthology can be sold by you or your group. The recommended retail price (RRP) will be decided close to the production stage, most likely the bulk price might be set close to the cost of production in large quantities vs. ordering on demand (one at a time).
WHY SUBMIT?
This is more than just an open call—it's a celebration of Canadian creativity. Your voice, your story, and your art matter. Whether you're telling stories from the heart of a small town, the diversity of a big city, or the remote beauty of the Canadian wilderness, your comic will help showcase the wide range of experiences and perspectives that make our nation so unique.
We believe in the power of comics to spark conversation, challenge ideas, and bring people together. So, if you're ready to share your vision, your story, and your craft, we invite you to submit your work and be part of this exciting journey!
For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out at info@studiocomix.com