Industry Elites Added As Judges for Webcomic Contest

[Stickguy259]

What about using some box art in the comic? For comedic effect I would like to use the boxart of the upcoming game "Naughty Bear", but if I'm not allowed I'll gladly draw up some faux box art with a similar name in order to get the point across.

 

[pooryohei]

I am interested in entering for a bit of a laugh - is there any artist out there who is willing to collaborate with a writer; I'm a scientist by trade with a pretty acerbic sense of humour. My ideas have no story line so each comic would be stand alone.

Also I have no interest in being employed to write web-comics, so if I somehow was part of the winning team I would decline the contract...(bet your all jumping to work with me now!)

If there are any of you artists who are interested gimme a shout!

If you don't want to make webcomics then you probably shouldn't enter a webcomic contest. Why would you want to waste the time of the escapist employees and possibly screw over both the other contestants and the poor artist you got to draw for you?

 

[Ivankov]

Hey, I'm also interested in this contest, but I have one question. When you say no copyrighted material, I know I can't take someone else's work that's already online and submit it, obviously. However, does it also mean that I won't be able to submit a comic making a reference to something that has a copyright? Like if I were to metion zelda in it, or draw a spoof of an existing character, is that a no-no?

 

[Ivankov]

Also, the one-fram logo that's not actually a comic, is it basically just like a banner, like you would see on penny-arcade or other sites? Please let me know, thanks.

 

[SergeXIII]

"Webcomics submitted to The Escapist Webcomic Contest must be the exclusive property of the contest entrant and have never before appeared or been broadcast in any form anywhere"

Can I take this to mean that we cannot use comics that we have published on the web for this? If so, does this apply for new instalments to our established series and reoccuring characters?

 

[CK76]

Damn I would enter but:

1: I lack a scanner and proper software.

2: I can draw but I cant write.

Still, good luck to all the participants.

I had this issue before with the scanner. Way I got around it? Took a picture of drawing with digital camera and uploaded into laptop. On software I guess you mean Photoshop as it is what I use. Can get student versions (assuming your a student) for much cheaper (around 200-250 for latest version if memory serves).

 

[rampantcreature]

If it is a parody or satire of a game and everything it encompasses, it's probably okay. Sending Link out on another adventure will send Nintendo your way in a hurry but if you are using a likeness of Link and creating a funny adventure, there is a possibility it may be okay.

To stay with Zelda, if you are poking fun at something in Zelda and using a likeness of Link, again probably as well.

Taking specific items out of any game or storyline and generating more content based on that becomes fan fiction, which will most certainly bring Nintendo's lawyers sending over a cease and desist order.

What about repurposing existing iconic characters and giving them new plots in different worlds, à la There Will Be Brawl?

 

[Pagz]

Okay, there's just too much thread to go through, so my apologies if this has already been answered. I have a web comic I've been doing for a number of years now. My collaborator and I would love to have our comic hosted on the escapist. Now in the rules it says:

Webcomics submitted to The Escapist Webcomic Contest must be the exclusive property of the contest entrant and have never before appeared or been broadcast in any form anywhere.

Does this mean that the comic as a whole can not have appeared anywhere before, or merely the specific comic strips I would create as entries to this contest? I would be perfectly happy to make 4 comics specifically for the contest that wouldn't appear on my comic's site. Would that meet the criteria set forth in the contest rules? Or will I have to create a brand new idea for a comic, with a different title and new characters?

 

[jimothy_]

"Webcomics submitted to The Escapist Webcomic Contest must be the exclusive property of the contest entrant and have never before appeared or been broadcast in any form anywhere"

Can I take this to mean that we cannot use comics that we have published on the web for this? If so, does this apply for new instalments to our established series and reoccuring characters?

Okay, there's just too much thread to go through, so my apologies if this has already been answered. I have a web comic I've been doing for a number of years now. My collaborator and I would love to have our comic hosted on the escapist. Now in the rules it says:

Webcomics submitted to The Escapist Webcomic Contest must be the exclusive property of the contest entrant and have never before appeared or been broadcast in any form anywhere.

Does this mean that the comic as a whole can not have appeared anywhere before, or merely the specific comic strips I would create as entries to this contest? I would be perfectly happy to make 4 comics specifically for the contest that wouldn't appear on my comic's site. Would that meet the criteria set forth in the contest rules? Or will I have to create a brand new idea for a comic, with a different title and new characters?

From earlier in the thread:

If you have posted the work you are submitting ANYWHERE, you cannot enter it into this contest[...] we want your NEW ideas, not stuff you have been working on. We want to show the world for the first time, right here on The Escapist and let everyone we know to come check it out.

The spirit of this event is for new art, which shows us what you are capable of putting together within a month but also shows us if you are able to draw up 2 comics per week and if we can rely on you.

We know there are a ton of great writers and artists out there but bring us the new and awesome from your arsenal. If others have already seen it published anywhere, it's not new enough.

It was appended that the same applies to sketches and proofs, not just for functional comics. It was also noted that it applies to personal display forums like Deviantart.

But the deadline isn't until the end of the month. You've got weeks to get something new rolling, if you're motivated.

 

[Mr.Mattress]

Say, I have a hypothetical. Say the comic is extremely good, and people really love it, and they want to see it animated. 1) Could you turn it from a comic to a cartoon? 2) Would you need the consent of the creator of the comic? 3) Could you make anyone be a voice actor in it, or would the creator pick the voice actors?

 

[Ciicru]

Hi,

Can the comics be part of a larger story, so its split into 2-page bursts each week, or are you wanting them to start with a topic and end on the next page?

 

[pooryohei]

Say, I have a hypothetical. Say the comic is extremely good, and people really love it, and they want to see it animated. 1) Could you turn it from a comic to a cartoon? 2) Would you need the consent of the creator of the comic? 3) Could you make anyone be a voice actor in it, or would the creator pick the voice actors?

So are you asking if the escapist would force the comic creator to have his comic animated?

 

[megalomania]

I am interested in entering for a bit of a laugh - is there any artist out there who is willing to collaborate with a writer; I'm a scientist by trade with a pretty acerbic sense of humour. My ideas have no story line so each comic would be stand alone.

Also I have no interest in being employed to write web-comics, so if I somehow was part of the winning team I would decline the contract...(bet your all jumping to work with me now!)

If there are any of you artists who are interested gimme a shout!

If you don't want to make webcomics then you probably shouldn't enter a webcomic contest. Why would you want to waste the time of the escapist employees and possibly screw over both the other contestants and the poor artist you got to draw for you?

I'm sorry but I am denied the right to compete simply because I have a decent job that I like already? As far as I am concerned it is a contest to see who can be a funny writer and artist, not an extended job interview for a web-comic writer.

Also as I made it clear in my post that I have no interest in taking the job, I think any artists who decide to they would like to work with me can figure that out.

As for screwing over other contestants... if you all can't beat a rank amateur like me maybe you aren't good enough to get paid to write/draw a webcomic.

Edit - Although I may not have made it very clear in my first post, I am interested in writing web comics, just not interested in getting paid to do so.

 

[Mr.Mattress]

Say, I have a hypothetical. Say the comic is extremely good, and people really love it, and they want to see it animated. 1) Could you turn it from a comic to a cartoon? 2) Would you need the consent of the creator of the comic? 3) Could you make anyone be a voice actor in it, or would the creator pick the voice actors?

So are you asking if the escapist would force the comic creator to have his comic animated?

Maybe I am...

 

[pooryohei]

I am interested in entering for a bit of a laugh - is there any artist out there who is willing to collaborate with a writer; I'm a scientist by trade with a pretty acerbic sense of humour. My ideas have no story line so each comic would be stand alone.

Also I have no interest in being employed to write web-comics, so if I somehow was part of the winning team I would decline the contract...(bet your all jumping to work with me now!)

If there are any of you artists who are interested gimme a shout!

If you don't want to make webcomics then you probably shouldn't enter a webcomic contest. Why would you want to waste the time of the escapist employees and possibly screw over both the other contestants and the poor artist you got to draw for you?

I'm sorry but I am denied the right to compete simply because I have a decent job that I like already? As far as I am concerned it is a contest to see who can be a funny writer and artist, not an extended job interview for a web-comic writer.

Also as I made it clear in my post that I have no interest in taking the job, I think any artists who decide to they would like to work with me can figure that out.

As for screwing over other contestants... if you all can't beat a rank amateur like me maybe you aren't good enough to get paid to write/draw a webcomic.

Edit - Although I may not have made it very clear in my first post, I am interested in writing web comics, just not interested in getting paid to do so.

Hey man don't get all bent out of shape. I was just confused about why someone would want to enter a contest knowing form the beginning that they didn't want the prize.

 

[pooryohei]

Say, I have a hypothetical. Say the comic is extremely good, and people really love it, and they want to see it animated. 1) Could you turn it from a comic to a cartoon? 2) Would you need the consent of the creator of the comic? 3) Could you make anyone be a voice actor in it, or would the creator pick the voice actors?

So are you asking if the escapist would force the comic creator to have his comic animated?

Maybe I am...

lol ok just wondering. Somehow I don't think that would happen but you never know.

 

[jimothy_]

I'm sorry but I am denied the right to compete simply because I have a decent job that I like already? As far as I am concerned it is a contest to see who can be a funny writer and artist, not an extended job interview for a web-comic writer.

Also as I made it clear in my post that I have no interest in taking the job, I think any artists who decide to they would like to work with me can figure that out.

As for screwing over other contestants... if you all can't beat a rank amateur like me maybe you aren't good enough to get paid to write/draw a webcomic.

Edit - Although I may not have made it very clear in my first post, I am interested in writing web comics, just not interested in getting paid to do so.

No one said you weren't allowed, it would just be a courtesy to everyone involved if you didn't put something into the system which specifically was not meant to win. This contest is much like a job audition--it's an assessment of skill and capacity to do work, designed to lead the most promising candidate to a paid position. Entering without wanting the position is like sending out a resume without wanting the job. It sends the wrong message, and doesn't make much sense.

As for being able to 'beat a rank amateur,' this entire contest is amateur. Professional projects would already have their own forum. They'd also be disqualified according to the rules. Someone's probably going to win, and that person/group will likely have been a 'rank amateur' before winning the contract.

Not that I mean to discourage you from getting into webcomics. There are a number of artists that have already posted in this thread, all of whom have at least some interest in drawing a webcomic. Only one of them can win. You could collaborate on something, even abiding by the rules of the contest, and post it to show people an example contest entry and earn some bragging rights. Put it in a link and you'd generate some initial traffic if you elected to host your strip elsewhere. Without being in the contest itself, you could profit from it and stimulate the community. Then everybody wins.

 

[aeroz]

Say, I have a hypothetical. Say the comic is extremely good, and people really love it, and they want to see it animated. 1) Could you turn it from a comic to a cartoon? 2) Would you need the consent of the creator of the comic? 3) Could you make anyone be a voice actor in it, or would the creator pick the voice actors?

such a thing is normally talked about during contract, like with merchandicing. though I believe the default is you retain ownership in that instance.

 

[kawaiiamethist]

I'll be entering in about a week. I was going to start a game's related comic, so I may as well see if the Escapist is interested in my idea. But the main characters are three females...so I don't like my chances ^^0 My medium also isn't digital, it's all hand drawn and coloured with copic markers.

Anyway, let's see.

 

[Remy Cambridge]

Soo... what's The Escapist's stance on pen names and pseudonyms?

I work under a few, and not for nefarious reasons. I just enjoy my privacy and general anonymity.