The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), has officially launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!). This innovative contest is part of the “Create in India Challenge”, aiming to nurture local talent and tap into the growing interest in Japanese manga and anime among Indian audiences.
WAM! offers a unique opportunity for Indian creators to produce localized versions of popular Japanese art styles, catering to both domestic and international audiences. By providing substantial marketing support and opportunities for global recognition, the contest aims to establish a strong platform for creative expression in manga and anime, the Ministry stated.
WAM! features three categories, each offering a unique platform for creative expression:
Participation Verticals
– Manga (Japanese style comics)- Individual Participation for Student and Professional Category
– Webtoon (Vertical comics for digital mediums) – Individual Participation for Student and Professional Category
– Anime (Japanese style animation) – Team (of upto 4 people) Participation for Student and Professional Category
Format & Delivery – script provided on the spot. Participants to generate:
– Manga (Student, Individual) – 2 pages manga with at least 4 panels each, inkand color (physical / digital)
– Manga (Professional, Individual) – 2 pages manga with at least 4 panels each,ink and color (physical / digital)
– Webtoon (Student, Individual): 7 panels with ink and color
– Webtoon (Professional, Individual): 10 panels with ink and color.
– Anime (Student, Teams) – 10 seconds of anime as per the provided script
– Anime (Professional, Teams) – 15 seconds of anime as per the provided script
Competition Structure and Schedule
Participants can compete individually or in teams (of upto 4 people), with separate categories for students and professionals. The event is structured in two levels: state-level competitions across eleven cities and a national-level finale.
The WAM! Finale will take place as part of the WAVES summit from 5 to 9 February 2025, at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi. Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Anime Japan and similar international events, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
