The Comic Creator Championship, a key event under the WAVES summit, is set to redefine India’s comic book industry. Divided into Amateur and Professional categories, the competition will unfold across three stages, offering a platform for both emerging and established creators to showcase their talent globally. In a historic move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), marking the most significant collaboration among Indian comic book publishers in over three decades.

The championship is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has attracted over 70,000 registrations and launched 31 competitions to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. These challenges are a highlight of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a premier forum for industry leaders and innovators to shape the future of India’s Media and Entertainment sector, drive collaboration, promote trade, and position India as a global creative hub.

Key Milestones in the Championship  

On 29 January 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), in collaboration with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), announced the 76 semi-finalists of the WAVES Comics Creator Championship. Spanning 50 cities across 20 states and the National Capital Region, the selected creators reflect India's diverse and thriving comic book culture. Among them, 40 are amateurs and 30 are professionals, with participants ranging from 10 to 49 years old. Additionally, six young artists received special mentions, underscoring the championship’s dedication to fostering talent at every level.  

Comic Creator Championship – Overview

The Comic Creator Championship will take participants through three phases, each designed to test their storytelling, artistic skills, and ability to reflect Indian themes and sensibilities. While the themes are diverse, every story must have an inherently Indian context. Participants can create their comics in either Hindi or English, with no language preference in the judging process. They can apply individually or in teams of up to two members.

Phase 1: Foundation

• Open to all entrants.
• Create two mandatory pages based on one of the eight themes.
• An optional cover page can be submitted but will not impact selection.

Phase 2: Development

• 100 participants from Phase 1 will advance.
• Expand the story by adding three to four more pages.
• Further develop characters, narrative, and artwork.

Phase 3: Conclusion

• 25 finalists from Phase 2 will proceed.
• Complete the story with three to four final pages.
• Refine artwork for a polished, engaging comic.

By the end of the competition, each finalist will have a coherent 8–10 page comic, with or without a cover page. This process will highlight creators who can craft compelling narratives and high-quality artwork within the given themes and guidelines.

Themes

Participants, whether competing individually or as a team of two, must choose one of the following themes:

1. Horror Comedy: Blend humour and horror to create a uniquely engaging comic.
2. Era of Gen-Z India: Capture the lives, struggles, and aspirations of India’s Gen-Z through relatable storytelling.
3. India in Space: Craft a thrilling narrative inspired by India’s space programme and the mysteries of the cosmos.
4. Folktales Reimagined: Give a modern twist to ancient Indian folktales, merging tradition with innovation.
5. Sport Legends: Celebrate India’s sporting icons and unforgettable moments through dynamic storytelling.
6. Science Fiction: Take readers on a journey into speculative and futuristic worlds filled with adventure and discovery.
7. Indian Tourism: Showcase India’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and heritage through visually compelling narratives.
8. Indian Armed Forces: Honour the courage and sacrifices of India’s armed forces with powerful and respectful storytelling.

Eligibility and Guidelines

Category Definitions

The Comics Creator Championship is open to both amateur and professional participants, with no age restrictions in either category.

• Amateur – Individuals who have never published a comic (digitally or physically) through self-publishing or a third party. Posting a few comic strips or pages on social media as a hobby does not count as professional work unless it has a substantial following. Amateurs are typically those who do not earn a living from creating comics or artwork.
• Professional – Individuals with at least one published comic, whether digital or physical, through any means. Artists who take commissions, have significant social media followings, or generate income from their artwork fall under this category.

Art Style Guidelines

AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. The competition is designed to celebrate original creativity, encouraging participants to experiment and express their artistic vision.

The Comics Creator Championship welcomes diverse artistic expressions, including:

• Colour and black-and-white (B&W) artwork
• Manga and non-manga styles
• Inked and non-inked illustrations
• Digital artwork created using any software
• Traditional hand-drawn artwork

Judging Criteria

Entries for the Comics Creator Championship will be evaluated based on five key aspects:

• Originality: Fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and innovative concepts that bring something new to the table.

• Creativity: Imaginative storytelling, engaging plot twists, and artistic expression that set the comic apart.

• Writing: Engaging dialogue, well-developed characters, and a coherent narrative that captivates the reader.

• Art: Technical skill, visual appeal, and effective storytelling through illustrations.

• Impact: The ability to evoke emotions, resonate with readers, and leave a lasting impression.

Awards and Recognition

Professional Category

Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology. Each winning participant/team will receive:

• ₹1,00,000 cash prize
• Opportunity to represent India at a prestigious event (subject to WAVES’ discretion).

Amateur Category

• Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology.
• Each winning participant/team will receive a ₹60,000 cash prize.

Additional Prizes

• Top 100 participants (Phase 2) – Digital Certificate of Appreciation.
• Top 25 participants (Phase 3) – Exclusive Goodie Bag.

By Santosh Kumar / Sarla Meena / Saurabh Kalia