FAQ / Contact

Q1. What is the Comics Creator Championship, and how do I participate? Do registration and submission mean the same process or different?

A1: The Comics Creator Championship is a competition for comic creators. Register on the ICA website, submit your work in the required format, and follow the guidelines. By registering, you are just sharing your information with organizers and agreeing to participate in the event. Please note that registration is not participation. When you submit after the registration, that is when you actually participate in the championship. Those who register will receive reminders from us to submit, but we encourage you not to depend on these reminders and to make your submissions well within the deadline.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria, and can I participate if I’m under 18 or an Indian resident abroad? Can an Indian artist team up with a foreign artist?

A2: The championship is open to Indian citizens only. There is no age limit, but minors need a guardian’s permission to participate. Indians residing overseas are eligible. If you are forming a team, then both members should be Indian residents.

Q3. I am not sure whether I should apply as an amateur or professional. My work has not been published, but my debut project will be released soon. Which category should I apply to?

A3: To put it simply, if you have work has been published in any format in the past, you earn substantially from art, or you have a large number of followers on your social channels related to art, you will fall in the professional category. Remember, amateurs and professionals can apply together as part of a team but must apply in the professional category. If your work is going to be published soon, apply in the professional category, or else you may face a disqualification.

Q4. Can I participate solo as a writer if I don’t have an artist partner? Can a writer and an artist participate as a team? Can I submit multiple entries? How will prizes be distributed among team members?

A4: A participant can apply solo, but remember that the submission format is comics, not script. So, unless a writer can reasonably draw, they may collaborate with an artist partner. On the other hand, if you are an artist, you can form a team with a writer or another artist; it is up to you. Prizes will be distributed equally among team members.

Q5. If my idea matches multiple themes, which theme should I choose? Should I submit my mythology-based idea under the folktale category?

A5: You need to choose the theme that best represents your idea. Mythology and folktales are both different themes; however, some mythological stories may be classified as folktales. So, be careful while choosing your theme.

Q6. Should I continue with the same story in all phases? Can I submit a comic that contains mature themes?

A6: Yes, the same story should necessarily be continued in all phases. Comics containing mature themes, violence, or explicit content are not eligible. Read the guidelines to check what is not allowed.

Q7. What are the submission guidelines, and can I submit previously published work? Can I submit work in any language, and what is the preferred format?

A7: Submit original work in the required format. No previously published work or fan-made comics are eligible. Submit work in either Hindi or English or both languages but no other languages. The preferred format is Hi-Res JPG, 9.5 x 6.5 inches.

Q8. Is it necessary for comics to be colored? Which art form is preferred? Can I use AI to make the comics?

A8: Coloring is not mandatory; it depends on your story and art style. In fact, you can adopt any art form, be it traditional, digital, Indian, Manga, or any other art form. Please note that using AI is strictly NOT allowed and will disqualify you.

Q9. I am confused between Phase 1, 2, and 3 Deadlines. What is the deadline for submission?

A9: Phase 1 is open to all artists. The deadline to submit works in phase 1 is 30th November 2024. Only the participants selected for Phase 2 and later those selected for Phase 3 need to plan for further deadlines. So, for all practical purposes, 30th November 2024 is the deadline for all entrants to the championship.

Q10. What is that optional cover in Phase 1? How does that affect the chances of winning?

A10: In phase 2, apart from the mandatory submission of 2 comics pages, there is also an option to submit a cover at this stage. However, the cover submission is optional, and all participants will have equal chances of winning whether or not they decide to submit the cover at this stage.

Q11.I am confused about the total number of pages for the whole comic. Do I need to submit finished comics in Phase 1? Do I need to submit my progress for each phase?

A11: No, you don’t need to submit a finished comic in Phase 1. Phase 1 is open to all entrants, and in this phase, only initial 2 pages of comics (and an optional cover) are expected to be submitted. The submission to the subsequent phases is only for selected participants in Phase 1. The selected participants have to submit their next pages phase-wise. In phase 2, total numbers of pages to be submitted are 3-4, similarly in phase 3 also the total number of pages to be submitted are 3-4. In totality, the final number of comics pages will be 8-10, with or without a cover.

Q12. Can I edit or withdraw my submission after it’s been entered? What are the terms and conditions of participation, including any legal requirements or disclaimers?

A12: No, submissions cannot be edited or withdrawn once entered. Please refer to the terms and conditions on the ICA website for clarity on all legal requirements and disclaimers.

Q13. Will my submission be kept confidential during the judging process? How will my submission be evaluated, and what are the judging criteria? Will my submission be used for any other purpose besides the championship?

A13: Submissions will be kept confidential and shared only with the judges and organizers. They will be evaluated based on originality, creativity, writing, art, and impact. As per the guidelines, submissions will only be used for the championship and related promotions.

Q14. What are the prizes, and how will they be distributed? How will the winners be notified and announced, and what is the timeline? Also, can I participate in future championships if I win this year?

A14: Prizes include cash awards, publication, and participation in international events. Prizes will be distributed via bank transfer or other means. Winners will be notified via email/phone and announced on the WAVES website and social media channels. The timeline will be communicated to Phase 3 participants. Yes, winners can participate in future championships with new and original work.

Q15. Should I receive at least a participation certificate if I’m not a winner?

A15: All 100 participants who will be selected for Phase 2 will be issued a digital certificate. The participants of Phase 1 who are not selected for Phase 2 will not be issued a certificate.

Q16. Can I share my submission on social media or other platforms?

A16: Yes, but please ensure you don’t share your submission until after the championship winners are announced. If you do so, your entries will be disqualified.

Q17. Can I request feedback on my submission, and will I retain the rights to my work?

A17: Feedback on submissions is not guaranteed, but you can request it. Yes you will retain the copyright of the work developed during the competition. However, don’t use it anywhere else till the Waves finale is conducted.

Q18. I registered but didn’t receive a confirmation email. What should I do? What if I encounter technical issues while submitting my work?

A18: Confirmation emails are usually sent after registration. If you have not received one or have any other technical issue, contact the organizers through the ICA website, email, or phone.

Q19. How can I stay updated on the championship’s progress and announcements? What if I have a question or concern that is not covered in these FAQs? How can I contact the organizers or get more information about the championship?

A19: For updates, follow the ICA website, social media, and email newsletters. Contact the organizers through email or phone, or visit the ICA website for more information.

Q20. I am participating in the Comics Creator Championship, so can I also participate in another contest at the Waves Summit?

A20: Yes, you are free to participate in all other contests of the Waves summit. However, you need to keep two things in mind: You will have to meet the eligibility requirements of different contests to apply to them, and if you become a finalist in more than one contest, this could create complications when you have to attend and compete at the Waves event physically.