WHO WANTS TO CREATE A SUPER-HEROINE?

[MattBrady]

Most contests in the comic book business are geared toward artists. Shadowline is bucking the tide and creating a contest geared toward writers!

According to Shadowline editor, Kristen Simon, “I’d been hoping to see a super-hero book with a strong female lead to act as a counter-point to our popular Bomb Queen series, but none were forthcoming. So I decided to come up with a contest to create a super-heroine for the 21st Century.”

The character will be 100% creator-owned as all Image and Shadowline books are (Trademark and copyright to be shared by writer and artist). The winning entry will be featured in their own self-titled three issue mini-series to be drawn by fan-favorite artist, Franchesco! (She-Dragon, Green Lantern Corps Quarterly) and back-end profits will be split between the creators.

Contest regulations are listed below. Neither Image nor Shadowline can or will be responsible for synchronicity (similar ideas appearing at the same time).

No feedback will be provided on submissions, just a confirmation of receipt.

Contest will be divided into three parts as outlined below, deviation will result in immediate disqualification:

Round One:
Contestants e-mail a BRIEF one paragraph story synopsis by January 31, 2008 to: superheroinecontest@gmail.com. Stories/concept must be original with original characters. No pre-existing characters may be used unless owned by contestant.

Round Two:
Ten semi-finalists will be chosen from all entries received by the above date and notified by e-mail. They will then be required to turn in 5 (five) fully scripted pages by February 29, 2008.

Round Three:
The five finalists will be announced and their synopses published on March 10. Readers will be encouraged to vote on their favorite.* (Writers are strongly advised to direct traffic to the contest via message boards, myspace, etc…every vote counts!) Polls will close on April 4, 2008.

The winner will be announced April 28 with initial concept art/character design by Franchesco. First issue will be solicited with a cover date of November, 2008.

* This contest is run by Shadowline. Newsarama in no way influences the outcome.

[avengingtitan]

Holy Awesome Idea!!!!!!!


Thats genius.

This totally gives me something to do this weekend.

First post.

[brawl2099]

I am so there!

[Kris Simon]

Yes, multiple entries will be accepted.

I knew there was something I forgot to address.

[ComicBooker]

I have questions. Like is there an age limit? Does my nationality matter? Is this contest opened to Canadians or just Americans and also what else should I include in my e-mail regarding my synopsis? Obviously my name and since this is being done through e-mail my mailing address would be useless but is there any other information I should add?

I am truly excited about this and do not want to be left out because of stupid little problems.

[R.McKegan]

Originally Posted by Kris Simon

Yes, multiple entries will be accepted.

I knew there was something I forgot to address.

You mean it's okay to submit more than one proposal?

Very cool. I'll have to give this a shot.

[MKF]

Oh my god, huge kudos to Kristen Simon and Shadowline and Image for doing this - while it's true that most every writer has to start by just writing, regardless of who's reading, there's no denying that 'must have prior experience' is a recurring theme in a lot of areas. For a publisher to even look at a newbie's work - never mind doing anything with it, just being willing to extend the invitation - is a huge boost, and I shouldn't be surprised if several talented would-be writers start putting pen to paper regularly as a result of this opportunity being offered, even if they don't make the cut this time round.

Needless to say, I'll be making my bid for the elusive three-issue mini (And thanks for clarification on multiple submissions - I've got one idea in mind, but it'll be an odd thing if another couple don't pop up in the next month.)

[theNameless]

You's gonna get flooded.

Neat idea though. I'm looking forward to reading the finalists.

[Kris Simon]

Originally Posted by ComicBooker

I have questions. Like is there an age limit? Does my nationality matter? Is this contest opened to Canadians or just Americans and also what else should I include in my e-mail regarding my synopsis? Obviously my name and since this is being done through e-mail my mailing address would be useless but is there any other information I should add?

I am truly excited about this and do not want to be left out because of stupid little problems.

Ok, note to ALL: Do not over-think this. Please. All the info you need is listed.

ComicBooker: There is no age limit, if there was, we would have said so. Nationality does not matter either. Otherwise we have said so. This is open to all. We work with artists and writers from all over the world...the beauty of the internet.

All you need is your name and e-mail address included in your submission. If we want or need more...we will ask for it.

Ok, I'm ready for more questions.

[Blackbeard]

Brilliant idea, Kris!

Have fun with the thousands of entries.

I kid.

[Fresco]

Originally Posted by Kris Simon

Ok, I'm ready for more questions.

If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is around to hear it... does it make a sound?

[Mundungus]

I'm totally up for this.

[Kris Simon]

Originally Posted by Blackbeard

Brilliant idea, Kris!

Have fun with the thousands of entries.

I kid.

Hey, you gotta figure...if I get thousands of entries, I should have no problem getting TEN good ones to choose from, right?

My fondest hope is to have a hard time choosing only ten. That would be glorious.

[The_Adventurer]

I have the perfect story for this (fits a 3 issue mini fairly well) but I'm not sure if having Franchesco drawing a 900 year old grizzled badass who dresses as a bag lady plays to his strengths...

[alschroeder]

I think...you may have quite a few to choose from. ---Al, who just sent you an email about my pre-existing but creator-owned character.

[Kris Simon]

Did I mention that Jimmie Robinson has graciously allowed the use of BOMB QUEEN as the first villain the super-heroine can go up against?


Well, he has. So hopefully that will sweeten the pot for a lot of you.

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by Kris Simon

Did I mention that Jimmie Robinson has graciously allowed the use of BOMB QUEEN as the first villain the super-heroine can go up against?


Well, he has. So hopefully that will sweeten the pot for a lot of you.

So it must take place in the "Imageverse" ?

[AbacusComics]

That's cool. Franchesco is awesome!

[ArchonComics]

Sounds like fun! I'm all over this. Thanks, Jimmy and Kristen, for thinking about us writer types. I'm a big fan of Franchesco's work. Very cool.

[J.D. Lombardi]

Couldn't I just pay Franchesco to draw my book?

[Fresco]

Originally Posted by J.D. Lombardi

Couldn't I just pay Franchesco to draw my book?

I hear he is really expensive, J.D. LOMBARDI--
you be better off getting someone who doesn't draw Veggie Tales from time to time, and likes it more that he probably should...
(yeah, I love veggie tales, so sue me)

Thanks ABACUS COMICS... I appreciate the compliment.

Hey, The Adventurer: drawing comics... fun
getting paid for doing something I love... awesome
Drawing a 900 year old grizzly bag lady... priceless

[Blackbeard]

I may have to enter just for a chance to work with Fresco.

[Fresco]

Originally Posted by ArchonComics

I'm a big fan of Franchesco's work.

You're much too kind, ARCHON COMICS ... thank you.
(btw: the check is in the mail for the kind words, much appreciated)

Heh heh... You so crazy, BLACKBEARD
I look forward to the chance of working with you, man!

[Kris Simon]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

So it must take place in the "Imageverse" ?

No, I didn't say that.

I was going to try to explain this, but I'm just going to quote Erik Larsen instead, it's easier:

"The Image Universe is somewhat flexible in that every book is essentially its own universe but it contains the same characters from the other books and when they crossover, events in different books coincide."

Since there are no previous issues for the book that will win this contest, it doesn't matter. And Bomb Queen resides in New Port City, so it won't affect her series either if she makes an appearance.

[cafeman]

OK, I have a question:

Should the paragraph be a true synopsis, meaning that it should reveal the end as well as all possible twists and reveals within, or should it be more of a teaser/trailer/preview/whet your appetite type thing?

Also, should it be a whole miniseries synopsis, or a first issue synopsis?