COMIC BOOK IDOL Returns to CBR September 4th

[Jonah Weiland]

The first press release about the return of the contest can be found here:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11507

More details to come throughout the month.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Get your drawing boards ready.

Good luck to all who enter.

[prismablue]

What are the sample requirements?

Are the applicants working from the same sample script or do we develop our own?

[Brandon Hanvey]

The rules and requirements for this year's CBI will be posted on September 4 when the call for submission starts.

It is best to look at the previous requirements for CBI to get an idea of what is needed.

[Super Samurai]

Yay, it's been a long wait, but I'm glad CBI is returning. Can't wait to see the challenges.

[Jonah Weiland]

We'll have more updates about the contest in the coming weeks. Details on submissions will be included.

To be kept up to date on all things Comic Book Idol related, be sure to subscribe to the mailing list, located midway down on the left hand side of the front page of the Web site: http://www.comicbookresources.com/

[kamgates]

It is best to look at the previous requirements for CBI to get an idea of what is needed.

Anyone know where find the previous requirements? -Thanks

[escapegoat]

Huzzah!!! Great news.

Time for me to stop playing video games and get myself chained down to the ol' drawing board.

[escapegoat]

Anyone know where find the previous requirements? -Thanks

I remember that all interested participants were required to post up samples of their sequential chops either on a website or image hosting service - something like 5 pages (though more obviously wouldn't hurt)

[Brandon Hanvey]

Anyone know where find the previous requirements? -Thanks

Here are the requirements from 2004.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=15

Note this year's requirements may be different.

[kalorama]

Good news, long overdue.

[Gonzogoose]

Sweet! This was always fun to watch develop and it certainly has been a long time!

[BADunn]

It's been too long a wait! I can't wait to see who enters and gets chosen to compete. I'm telling all of my friends.

[Kholdhearted]

Sounds interesting, are non-Americans eligible?

[GV70]

It would be great if it were a little more open to artist who have been paid and published but still don't have a lot of experience in the field. I've had two comics published by a very small publisher but I don't consider myself a comic book pro. When I did those I don't think they were good enough to be published by one of the big companies. I guess I would be considered a "Artist from other fields ".

Maybe if it was no more than five published comics for small publishers or something like that.

I would like to play too:D

[Gonzogoose]

Sounds interesting, are non-Americans eligible?

In past years there have been contestants from other countries.

[Brandon Hanvey]

It would be great if it were a little more open to artist who have been paid and published but still don't have a lot of experience in the field. I've had two comics published by a very small publisher but I don't consider myself a comic book pro. When I did those I don't think they were good enough to be published by one of the big companies. I guess I would be considered a "Artist from other fields ".

Maybe if it was no more than five published comics for small publishers or something like that.

I would like to play too:D

When it comes to "pro" status, it depends on the companies and projects that the person worked on. You can always apply and leave it up to the judges to decide whether your credits disqualify you are not. Just be honest and open about your work history and you should be fine.

[Jonah Weiland]

Sounds interesting, are non-Americans eligible?Absolutely. This is an international event.

[Jonah Weiland]

It would be great if it were a little more open to artist who have been paid and published but still don't have a lot of experience in the field. I've had two comics published by a very small publisher but I don't consider myself a comic book pro. When I did those I don't think they were good enough to be published by one of the big companies. I guess I would be considered a "Artist from other fields ".

Maybe if it was no more than five published comics for small publishers or something like that.

I would like to play too:DWe're discussing that and will consider it when we post the final requirements for contestants.

[testudo]

Is there any kind of age limit/requirement?

[Brandon Hanvey]

Is there any kind of age limit/requirement?

For the past two CBI's you have to be at least 18.

[urbanrevolution]

for the first qualifying round
is this a free for all as far as characters and story?
is it better to do creator owned work or batman / spiderman pages?

[Brandon Hanvey]

for the first qualifying round
is this a free for all as far as characters and story?
is it better to do creator owned work or batman / spiderman pages?

For the last two CBI's submission rounds, people posted samples of his/her work. It was up to them to choose what they best thought represented their work. There was no script given before hand, most people already had samples ready to show before the contest started.

A nice range of work is good to show the judges. Since this is a comics art contest, sequential work would be best to showcase, but cover, character design, and illustration pieces would also be fine to include.

It is also best to cherry pick the stuff you show and not show too much. Overwhelming the judges with too many portfolio pieces, may cause them to just skip you by since they will be looking at a lot of submissions.

The full rules and requirements for CBI 3 will be posted on 09.04.

[Deathstroke]

I'm not an artist so obviously I won't be entering this contest.

However, I have enjoyed the past CBI stuff so I can't wait to check it all out again this time around.

Good luck everyone!

[sidkumar]

Is there a link for previous Comic Book Idols in progress so that we get an idea of the kind of topics that are given,the quality of work that goes into this and what a voting audience is looking for?

[CBrown]

Are the past two Idol contests archived somewhere?

[Brandon Hanvey]

It seems the past two contest (2004,2005) threads have been deleted in the yearly prune of old threads.

And the blog that updated the contest does not seem to be active. Though Jonah may have it archived somewhere.

[mgs]

this is awesome! :) last one I participated in was very fun. an early, Good Luck! to everyone!!

[sidkumar]

Here's a gallery of artwork from Idol 1:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=oym&article=1739

And here's a discussion with Torres and the contestants of that same contest:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?article=1740

[Brandon Hanvey]

Here's a gallery of artwork from Idol 1:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=oym&article=1739

And here's a discussion with Torres and the contestants of that same contest:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?article=1740

Nice finds. Thanks for the links.

[CBrown]

Thanks for those links.

[gmsalpha]

Yes, thanks for the links. I think in CBI1, Patrick was head and shoulders better than the rest, although I think Nightly News from Jonathan looks really cool.

Question: Who chooses the final 10? Is that a popularity contest or do professionals sort through them and decide? I'm halfway done with page 1 of my submission.

By the way, I'm just excited beyond excited that Comic Book Idol is coming back after a 2 year hiatus. I thought surely it was over and done with and that broke my heart. :( I love being a spectator regardless of whether I crack "the big show" or not. Thank you guys so much for doing CBI again.

[Brandon Hanvey]

Question: Who chooses the final 10? Is that a popularity contest or do professionals sort through them and decide? I'm halfway done with page 1 of my submission.


A panel of judges chooses the final ten to compete in the contest, and then each round is voted on by the public.

[dancj]

Yes, thanks for the links. I think in CBI1, Patrick was head and shoulders better than the rest.
Pah - he was good, but I still think L Frank Webber was robbed.

Jonathan Hickman showed a lot of potential too. He could be a great cover artist.

[dancj]

A panel of judges chooses the final ten to compete in the contest, and then each round is voted on by the public.
In the second year the had the first year's contestants be the judges - which I think of a mistake, and I never thought the level of talent was as high the second time around.

[sidkumar]

In the second year the had the first year's contestants be the judges - which I think of a mistake, and I never thought the level of talent was as high the second time around.

I wonder what the effect of a two year gap is going to have on the talent.

Will there be a big rush of talented people who've been waiting two years? Or is CBI kinda forgotten already?

I honestly just randomly remembered about CBI and decided to do a google search and "Whaddaya know? It's back!"

Hope they get some good judges too.

[gmsalpha]

I think the level of talent will be better than in 2004 for CBI2 since 2004 was better than 2003. That of course, is my personal opinion.

I think the artists who missed cracking the top 10 of either year will be back, stronger than before, as they've continued to improve over the past couple of years. Myself included.

And remember, it's for amateurs only so it's quite possible that in this 2 year hiatus, some of the folks who missed making the grade last time have gotten work and therefore are ineligible.

Thanks for answering my question about who selects the Final 10. I don't think you'll have any trouble finding applicants and entries, as you guys will undoubtedly have a big CBI logo on the front page of CBR as I remember you having had last time. It'll be big news. Afterall, it's not just publicity to get artists, but it's publicity to make sure there's a high turnout for voting.

[kalorama]

In the second year the had the first year's contestants be the judges - which I think of a mistake, and I never thought the level of talent was as high the second time around.

Have to disagree. As best I can recall, I thought the overall talent level was much higher in Round 2.

[TroyCarlson]

Here's a gallery of artwork from Idol 1:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?column=oym&article=1739

And here's a discussion with Torres and the contestants of that same contest:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/index.cgi?article=1740

Wow! I had forgotten how GOOD those guys were!

I can't wait to see this fire back up. One of my favorite "Net events" anywhere!

Thank you so much for the new round!

[sidkumar]

More links from CBI 1:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/month.cgi?column=oym&year=2003&month=8

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/month.cgi?column=oym&year=2003&month=9

[Lexs]

Hi to all, i'm new to the forum, and i've just heard the news about the upcomming contest, so I have one little question :D
When the requirements and rules are posted, and we submit our work,
should we also submit somekind of portfolio along with our entries?
and another one :D
coz i'm not an american, is there a problem for me to participate
in the contest? I mean, are the finals going to be on american soil?

[frbarba]

hi! im interested in joining this wonderful contest
will you guys be posting all the details, contest results, mechanics in this very same forum?

and we can we also have updates about the event via email? thanks!

[gmsalpha]

Hi to all, i'm new to the forum, and i've just heard the news about the upcomming contest, so I have one little question :D
When the requirements and rules are posted, and we submit our work,
should we also submit somekind of portfolio along with our entries?
and another one :D
coz i'm not an american, is there a problem for me to participate
in the contest? I mean, are the finals going to be on american soil?

To answer your first question, the work you submit is your portfolio. No extra work would be required. The pro judges will be able to determine if an artist has the chops or not from a couple pages.

To answer the second question, there is no problem with you not being American. Afterall, it's not "American Comic Book Idol", is it? :D

Good luck to you. I look forward to seeing all the submissions and hoping I'm as good as the best of 'em.

[sidkumar]

coz i'm not an american, is there a problem for me to participate
in the contest? I mean, are the finals going to be on american soil?

And if you win they'll fly you down to American Soil!!! :D

[sidkumar]

hi! im interested in joining this wonderful contest
will you guys be posting all the details, contest results, mechanics in this very same forum?

and we can we also have updates about the event via email? thanks!

Well we're waiting just like you for the full details and rules of the contest but you can sign up for the CBR newsletter on:

http://www.comicbookresources.com

[Brandon Hanvey]

Hi to all, i'm new to the forum, and i've just heard the news about the upcomming contest, so I have one little question :D
When the requirements and rules are posted, and we submit our work,
should we also submit somekind of portfolio along with our entries?
and another one :D
coz i'm not an american, is there a problem for me to participate
in the contest? I mean, are the finals going to be on american soil?

As stated before, the full rules and requirements will be posted on September 4th.

When the call for submissions begin, people post a link to an online portfolio of their work. It should include what the artist thinks best represents their talent. It can include whatever pieces you think will show off your talent, but keep in mind that this is a comics art contest so having sequential pages would be good.

We have had international finalists before. And CBI 2 was won by a person outside of the U.S. All work is submitted over the web so you do not have to be in the US.

hi! im interested in joining this wonderful contest
will you guys be posting all the details, contest results, mechanics in this very same forum?

and we can we also have updates about the event via email? thanks!

More details will be soon. But September 4th is when full details will be released and the contest starts.

[frbarba]

And if you win they'll fly you down to American Soil!!! :D

would that also include board and lodging...with pocket money? :rolleyes:

[Butch Mapa]

Excellent! I wasn't even in the industry during the first and second runs... hope I'm eligible.

Lotsa talk about CBI1... what about CBI2? Who won that? Any links to galleries?

[gmsalpha]

When it comes to "pro" status, it depends on the companies and projects that the person worked on. You can always apply and leave it up to the judges to decide whether your credits disqualify you are not. Just be honest and open about your work history and you should be fine.

That would be from page 2 of the forum thread. I don't know if it answers your question but it's about as close as you'll get to what you're looking for. Stay tuned. September 4th will bring you all the details you've been waiting for.

[frbarba]

Excellent! I wasn't even in the industry during the first and second runs... hope I'm eligible.

Lotsa talk about CBI1... what about CBI2? Who won that? Any links to galleries?

wow, just visited your webpage on your siggy, you have amazing talent
i think its gonna be one tough competition :D

[W.Blankenship]

I'm throwing my hat in. Hope I'm up to snuff for the contest.

3!LL

[Citizen V]

When i first saw this thread,i thought there would be a writing contest.But im now getting the impression from the replies,that this is a artist/drawing contest.Is this true?

[frbarba]

When i first saw this thread,i thought there would be a writing contest.But im now getting the impression from the replies,that this is a artist/drawing contest.Is this true?

trulily :D

[Gonzogoose]

When i first saw this thread,i thought there would be a writing contest.But im now getting the impression from the replies,that this is a artist/drawing contest.Is this true?

Yep, it's definitely an art contest. Check out the links provided above from past contests and you'll see what they entail.

[icarus]

Sounds great! The first two were a lot of fun to watch. Will there be a "play at home" thread?

[Brandon Hanvey]

Sounds great! The first two were a lot of fun to watch. Will there be a "play at home" thread?


There is usually one on the Never Ending Forum.

[davechisholm]

i am excited for this! i hope my work is up to snuff.
can't wait!
:)

[frbarba]

uhm...lets me get this straight, is this contest open ONLY to those who does not work or currenty in works with comicbooks? or those aspiring artists with no existing contract on other publishers (big or small)? meaning those who totally have not worked in the industry?

[Brandon Hanvey]

uhm...lets me get this straight, is this contest open ONLY to those who does not work or currenty in works with comicbooks? or those aspiring artists with no existing contract on other publishers (big or small)? meaning those who totally have not worked in the industry?

The contest is meant for amateur artist. While they can have some industry experience, it has to be for a small publisher or self-published and not a for a major publisher or project.

[Lexs]

Has someone found some artwork from the second comic book idol?

[Brandon Hanvey]

Has someone found some artwork from the second comic book idol?

I have yet to find any links on CBR to artwork from CBI2. I'll keep looking to see if they are still active in some way.

[Nikita]

I'm looking forward to trying just for the heck of it.

[Dreamer]

i'm going to get so rake over the coals for this....
the bright side is i proabaly won't make it past the submission process.;)

peace out

[Jonathan Hickman]

In the second year the had the first year's contestants be the judges - which I think of a mistake, and I never thought the level of talent was as high the second time around.

Nah. CBI2 talent was much better. Almost even all the way across... 6 people could have won that thing.

We did a great job. (And actually, 2 of the guys I picked weren't allowed in because they were considered 'pros' - one was a concept artist and the other was Dave McKean-ish kind of guy - sick, sick stuff)

Oh well...

[Jonathan Hickman]

Excellent! I wasn't even in the industry during the first and second runs... hope I'm eligible.

Lotsa talk about CBI1... what about CBI2? Who won that? Any links to galleries?

Nice work, but if you don't move your stuff to deviant art or some other place besides geocities, by the time it comes down to decided who to let in, you'll be out of bandwidth and we won't be able to see your art.

Happened to some really good guys last time.

[Butch Mapa]

Deviantart, didn't even think about using that. Thanks, Jonathan.

(PS - While I have you, I show Nightly News to all my graphic designer friends... they all love it, of course)

[frbarba]

Nice work, but if you don't move your stuff to deviant art or some other place besides geocities, by the time it comes down to decided who to let in, you'll be out of bandwidth and we won't be able to see your art.

Happened to some really good guys last time.

uhmmm, but i thought what brandon said is we dont overwhelm judges with so many samples, so i was thinking of selecting only some of my DA drawings and then hosting it to some free hosting websites :confused:

[Brandon Hanvey]

uhmmm, but i thought what brandon said is we dont overwhelm judges with so many samples, so i was thinking of selecting only some of my DA drawings and then hosting it to some free hosting websites :confused:

Yes you do want to pick your best samples to wow the judges. As for free sites, be sure to check the bandwidth they allow so it doesn't go down. Isn't there a feature on DA that lets you make a gallery of select pieces?

[Jonathan Hickman]

(PS - While I have you, I show Nightly News to all my graphic designer friends... they all love it, of course)

Well, Thank you sir. Appreciate it.

[MartinRedmond]

Nah. CBI2 talent was much better. Almost even all the way across.

Well duh, I was part of the selection process.

[frbarba]

Yes you do want to pick your best samples to wow the judges. As for free sites, be sure to check the bandwidth they allow so it doesn't go down. Isn't there a feature on DA that lets you make a gallery of select pieces?

oh, ok, i guess ill use the links on each of my deviation's thumbnail views ;)
but, btw, as you said earlier that this contest is basically for amateur pencillers that has already some small time background in industry or those that have already worked for small publications, i think this rule will play a crucial/critical role for those participants that dont have exposure as yet, as in really "fresh" talents because in any other employment application, an employer would definitely pick those people that have experience than those who dont :( im kinda worried about this as the odds are not equal to those with experience versus to those who doesnt :confused: (pardon my english)

[Brandon Hanvey]

oh, ok, i guess ill use the links on each of my deviation's thumbnail views ;)
but, btw, as you said earlier that this contest is basically for amateur pencillers that has already some small time background in industry or those that have already worked for small publications, i think this rule will play a crucial/critical role for those participants that dont have exposure as yet, as in really "fresh" talents because in any other employment application, an employer would definitely pick those people that have experience than those who dont :( im kinda worried about this as the odds are not equal to those with experience versus to those who doesnt :confused: (pardon my english)

Part of the reason for CBI, is to give those who have the talent, but may not have the connections or industry experience, a chance to show off their skills.

[Phil Clark]

...as you said earlier that this contest is basically for amateur pencillers that has already some small time background in industry or those that have already worked for small publications...

As I understand it, ComicBook Idol is for people who are not established pro's in comics. Small press work may not necessarily disqualify you, but is not a requirement to participate.

Is this correct?

[Brandon Hanvey]

As I understand it, ComicBook Idol is for people who are not established pro's in comics. Small press work may not necessarily disqualify you, but is not a requirement to participate.

Is this correct?

Correct. Some small press industry work is okay, but it depends on the publisher and the project.

[Maresk]

Ok...so...let's say that I'm already working on a miniseries/GN for a medium-size publisher (not one of the big fishes, but not a little independent one either), but that will only see the light after 2008, so technically, by the date of the contest I'd still be an unpublished amateur...can I still enter the contest or does this rule me out?

[Brandon Hanvey]

Ok...so...let's say that I'm already working on a miniseries/GN for a medium-size publisher (not one of the big fishes, but not a little independent one either), but that will only see the light after 2008, so technically, by the date of the contest I'd still be an unpublished amateur...can I still enter the contest or does this rule me out?

Depending on the project and the publisher, it may disqualify you since you already have a job in the industry.

[Jonathan Hickman]

Depending on the project and the publisher, it may disqualify you since you already have a job in the industry.

You know, I have a question regarding this. Does it matter if one of these guys (a small press creator) hasn't received any money (i.e. it's all backend)?

Seems like that would be a factor.

[Brandon Hanvey]

You know, I have a question regarding this. Does it matter if one of these guys (a small press creator) hasn't received any money (i.e. it's all backend)?

Seems like that would be a factor.

I'm not quite sure about that issue. The final call is up to J. and Jonah.

[Brandon Hanvey]

To me, the spirit of this contest is for undiscovered talent who have not gotten their break yet.

If you already got a "good" industry job, would it be fair to people who have not gotten their break yet? Sure you may have the talent to be in the contest and maybe even win, but wouldn't a project that will see print be enough to show your talent to get even more jobs?

[frbarba]

Correct. Some small press industry work is okay, but it depends on the publisher and the project.

does it mean you guys are gonna post "these selected small time publication press" that are allowed to join and when theyre not in the list theyre not qualified?

[frbarba]

To me, the spirit of this contest is for undiscovered talent who have not gotten their break yet.


pardon me but how the organizers would know if they have not gotten their break yet, would the participants be honest about this?

[Brandon Hanvey]

does it mean you guys are gonna post "these selected small time publication press" that are allowed to join and when theyre not in the list theyre not qualified?

I'm not sure there will be a detailed list of companies that will rule you out. The usually is a list of companies (usually the sponsoring companies) that will disqualify you. But there usually isn't a list of publishers which are ok and which are not.

But if you are considered for the finals, J. and/or Jonah will be interviewing you as to who you have worked for and what projects. If they feel your past work experience is too much, then you will not make it to the finals

[Brandon Hanvey]

pardon me but how the organizers would know if they have not gotten their break yet, would the participants be honest about this?

J. and Jonah make the call as to whether or not the contestant's work experience disqualifies them or not.

We do try to take the contestant's word for their work history, but we also try to check their work history ourselves as well.

[Maresk]

Depending on the project and the publisher, it may disqualify you since you already have a job in the industry.

To me, the spirit of this contest is for undiscovered talent who have not gotten their break yet.

If you already got a "good" industry job, would it be fair to people who have not gotten their break yet? Sure you may have the talent to be in the contest and maybe even win, but wouldn't a project that will see print be enough to show your talent to get even more jobs?

I'm not quite sure about that issue. The final call is up to J. and Jonah.

Ok. I understand all that. Actually, I'd love to be on the contest not for the prizes, but for the fun of it (I never win anything anyway). I've followed the past CBI's and what I enjoyed more was the input of the judges, which is usually pure gold. As for my project, like Jonathan said, it's backend, so I'm not receiving a paycheck anytime soon. I guess I'll just throw my hat and leave it to the judges. Thanks.

[Brandon Hanvey]

There nothing from stopping anyone from posting their samples during the call for submissions. Even if you don't think you have the skills to make the final 10 or are unsure about being qualified.

A lot of people like posting their samples just to have people look at them. Some people even got job offers from just posting their samples during the last two CBI submission rounds.

Only when you are considered for the final 10 is when job history and pay comes into mind.

[Nikita]

There nothing from stopping anyone from posting their samples during the call for submissions. Even if you don't think you have the skills to make the final 10 or are unsure about being qualified.

A lot of people like posting their samples just to have people look at them. Some people even got job offers from just posting their samples during the last two CBI submission rounds.

Only when you are considered for the final 10 is when job history and pay comes into mind.



Think I'll wait till next year after all. My stuff is still too amateur. Looking forward to seeing more work of others who enter.

This is very exciting indeed.