CLLENN Launches 2nd Otherworld Mangaka Audition Without Requiring Works

Publisher CLLENN opened applications on October 5 for its 2nd Otherworld Mangaka Audition, a contest that breaks with the classic format: it doesn't ask for a finished work, but evaluates the artist themselves. Applications will be accepted until November 6 at 11:59 p.m. Japan time.

The contest is a joint project between two of the company's labels: Comic REBEL, focused on shōnen and isekai titles, and Koipare, aimed at a female audience. Both are looking for mangaka to produce otherworld stories, whether with original works, novel adaptations, or participating only as an artist or storyboard creator.

The first edition was held in April of this year and, according to the publisher, the idea is to discover new talent regardless of whether they are professional or amateur. That's why age and experience are not requirements. What is required is demonstrating skill: any work published in magazines, uploaded to the internet, self-published, or even submitted to other awards at the same time is valid.

What the selected mangaka wins

The main prize is what draws the most attention: a guaranteed series and a 300,000 yen contract as an advance for project preparation. There are two awards, one per label, and both offer the same conditions.

• Comic REBEL Award: guaranteed series + 300,000 yen contract.
• Koipare Award: guaranteed series + 300,000 yen contract.

The selection process is also different from a traditional award. In the first phase, you only need to fill out a form with samples of your work and answer questions about your creative process. Those who pass that filter will have an online or phone interview with an editor between November 24 and December 4.

Final results will be announced in late December. The publisher warns that the schedule may shift if the number of applications is very high.

A bet on talent, not on the manuscript

This model is reminiscent of voice actor auditions or idol contests: it doesn't matter so much what project you bring, but what you can contribute to a production. CLLENN wants to find people who fit into its isekai catalog, one of the most saturated genres in the market, and give them a direct path to serialization.

The company was born in September 2023 from the merger of three digital publishers in the DMM group and today has over 6,000 titles in its catalog. It's not a minor player in Japanese digital manga, and this audition is its way of feeding its two main magazines with new creators.

For now, it has not been confirmed whether the contest accepts applications from outside Japan or whether the resulting works will reach Latin America in Spanish. There are also no details on what type of stories each label will seek in this second edition.