Junior Manga Challenge 2008!

My Manga is now available at Animetech!

2009-04-02T14:30:00.001+08:00

My Manga is now distributed at Animetech across PJ and Kuala Lumpur!

Minna, konnichiwa!

Good news and that is you can now get copies of My Manga at all branches Animetech! (except for the branch in Ipoh Parade)

Here are the following

Anime Tech - Centrepoint Bandar Utama

F34A, 1st Floor, CentrePoint,

No. 3 Lebuh Bandar Utama,Bandar Utama,

47800 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor,Malaysia.

Tel : 603-7491 0890

Anime Tech - Sunway Pyramid

L-1.23, Level 1, Sunway Pyramid,

No. 3, Jalan PJ 11/15, 46150

Petaling Jaya,Selangor,

Malaysia.

Tel No: 603-7494 0389

Anime Tech - Mid Valley

T036A, 3rd Floor, Mid Valley Megamall,

Lingkaran Syed Putra,

59200 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

Tel : 603-2283 2628

Anime Tech - Time Square

05-94, 5th Floor, Berjaya Times Square,

No 1, Jalan Imbi,

52200 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

Tel : 603-2141 2623

Anime Tech - 1 Utama Lot

S22, 2nd Floor,

Jusco 1-Utama Shopping Centre,

Bandar Utama Damansara,47800 Bandar Utama,Selangor,

Malaysia.

Tel : 603-7722 5361

Ok, now the not-so-good news is, the Animetech store is only available in KL and PJ for now. (Don't worry, they are working hard at this to go nationwide! Ganbatte Animetech!!!! >_<)

So, if you are in some other parts of Malaysia, you can still get your copy of My Manga by emailing a request and your contact details to us, and we will mail it straight to you! Not for free of course! ^^;

mymanga@transtel.com.my

It is RM1.00 for postage and RM8.50 for My Manga, so do the maths and Wang Pos Laju it to us or bank-in at our account. (Its the same one as JMC)

^_^

Oh and those of you who want to submit to the My Section, send it to

mmmsection@transtel.com.my

with the section title, (i.e. My Creation/My Fan Haven) followed by the TITLE of your artwork.

Looking forward to more of your artwork and stay tune!

Ja!

What's Rei been up to lately...

2009-04-02T13:32:00.007+08:00

Uryaaa! JMC Mangaka from Penang!

No, contrary to popular believes...I'm NOT getting married (yet) and not in the throes of being in love or something (which some said are one of the more popular notions of disappearing momentarily...)

I DID took a break for a while and was up in Penang for an early Qing Ming. The best part is, I get to meet one of the JMC mangaka from Penang!

Penang in many ways can be considered my second "childhood" home as my sister and I used to stay at our grandparent's during the school holidays.

She's a great lass, well articulated with a competitive and genuine "samurai" spirit to match and YES, she's gearing up for the international Kodansha Manga competition as well, so watch out minna! Like all aspiring junior creators, she's passionate, dedicated and constantly looking out for ways to improve her techniques and art.

We shared about our anime/manga interest, our ideas, dreams etc and found out that we shared some quirks in common. At least, I don't know anyone else who actually buys Makoto Shinkai's Voices of the Distant Star MANGA version! >_<

What I really was inspired (and reminded about), is her views about manga as it is. She sees manga as the medium for expressing and bringing together all her interests her in art which includes architecture, story, anime, nature, to a single, unifying platform.

Kinda like what I see in animation...a medium that enables me to marry great character design, great art, good story and cinematography, music, etc.

Its always nice to know that you're not quite so alone in this. ^_^

As far as related news goes, in our upcoming issues of My Manga, we will be featuring the JMC Mangaka winner's as a cover story. So stay tune!

Rei

News about My MANGA~!!!!

2009-03-13T09:25:00.009+08:00

Konnichiwa minnasan! What is (It's) MY MANGA all about, where to get it and HOW does the whole MY SECTION thing actually works!

And of course, there's quite a number still in the dark about My Manga...like...I can't find it anywhere! Where do you buy it and why do only SOME people get it??

The answer is, this limited edition My Manga - JMC Souvenir Programme, was only available during the official JMC Awards Ceremony held 2 weeks ago on the 21st of February 2009. Only the lucky participants of the ceremony actually have this very special souvenir free copy.

Yeah, I can hear some of you going, "Darn."

BUT minna-san, all isn't lost. (We're not so mean-lah.)

If you want another copy for your friends (because we know that lending them out too many times can be disastrous), you can actually put in a special request and buy a copy by emailing, mymanga@transtel.com.my

If you are a JMC08 "alumni" mangaka, that would be easier.

My Manga will be due for a full release sometime in July 2009 (if all goes as plans)

MY MANGA - MY SECTION is officially open for entries.

Send them to mmmsection@transtel.com.my

Subject Title: My FanHaven / My Creation / etc _ (title of artwork)

HINT: My Section features works on a first come first serve basis, and the early birds are at a huge advantage, for they have already reserved a space for themselves in the July issue! Yep, that's correct. Omedetouu for those who took the first step!

The My Section of My Manga contains a number of different creative stages for you to debut and showcase your work. Whether it be anime/game/movie fanart, your own original artwork, interesting photos, quirky hobbies, etc!

We have been receiving suggestions here to add a comment or two on the artwork, and the good news is, yes...it has been considered, so keep your fingers crossed! Uryaaa!

More NEWS!

(It's) My Manga Blog is in the works, and will house all news, info and answers to your enquiries pertaining to My Manga while My Manga Online Beta and is currently being developed.

Those who can't wait to see My Manga hitting the shelves and becoming available, well, guess what, but that's where YOU can come in to make a difference.

Ok, so how?

By sharing your thoughts, ideas, suggestions and criticism, you can actually help US to move and grow in the direction of your ideals.

All good and constructive ideas are valued and recognised here at My Manga.

Occassionally the "Hey, you suk." comes in, so here's a note about those kind of comments.

That's fine with us...but you have to let us know, WHY in your opinion do we suk, where specifically do we suk and HOW you can help us suck out the sukkiness and become less sukky and if possible, WHAT are the specific suk-proof steps that we can take to prevent the sukkies from making our mag suk.

Because "Hey, you suk" sounds very vague, and that's where we need your input! We are human too, ne!

And of course, the BEST ONES (which is practical) will be selected and featured in our incoming issue or in our brand new online website currently in the work.

So how can you reach us?

You can email them directly to the team through mymanga@transtel.com.my , preferably a pseudoname if you would like to remain anonymous.

Of course, for the JMC08 mangakas alumni group, as you know, you have the privilege to reach Rei through her rei_international@yahoo.com email or her SMS....by stray from spamming yah....or she will ban you. >_< (Don't say that I didn't warn you minna...)

OTHER NEWS

I'm still gettting requests for comments on your JMC MANGA. For those who did not get their comments yet, you can shoot me a txt just to remind me. ^^;;; Gomen-ne!

Perhaps I shall just tone down my inner perfectionism mechanism to enable me not to be so critical (or long winded) in my comments while reading minnasan no manga.....yeah...I might just do that....

Striving to be perfect HAS its diadvantages in speed....don't you all agree, minna... T_T

There are also requests to post up the JMC Winners Trailer as well...don't worry minna, it will be up soon enough. Patience will pay off!

More to come soon....stay tune!

Uryaaaaa~!
REI

JMC Awards Ceremony is on STAR METRO!

2009-03-10T13:37:00.004+08:00

STAR Metro - Events Section - P37

My Moment, My Turn? NO, its OUR TURN!!!

The GANBARIMASU Group Shot at the JMC Awards Ceremony 2009

Heys junior mangakas, go grab yourself the STAR Newspaper TODAY, (Tuesday 10th of March 2009) and turn to the METRO Section, Page 37 because The JMC Awards Ceremony is ON!

All of happened because of minnasan no presence at the event, so domo domo domo arigatougozaimashita! ^_^

*bow bow bow* m_( )_m Much obliged!

Rain...drought....rain...drought...that has been the weather pattern for the past 2 weeks and that took a toll on me. I can't believe that anyone is capable of getting the flu the second time, and that's precisely what happened to me...not the most fatal but definitely the longest. Mom tied me down to the bed and literally forced me to SLEEP just for a day and this time I had to oblige because it was coming to the fourth day of flu....

Anyhow, its been a good 2 weeks and everyone seems to be in exam mode for now. Either before or after the school hols as it seems. Incoming event is the ACGC, held at Tropicana City Mall. Matt..matt...matte...GACC or ACGC....oh....nevermind...I keep getting confuse over the two names....#_#

The first anime/games/comics event for year 2009. I've not been to Tropicana Mall before, so expect to see me there roaming and probably picking up some crafts and doujins on the way too...and I KNOW WHAT I WANT....HAHAH! VOCALOID...HERE I COME!!! >_<

More JMC and My Manga Related News

The My Manga protosite has been delayed due to the internet slow-down lately so JMC will be housing all news and announcements in the JMC blog for the time being.

The blog version of My Manga is also in the works as a temporary checkpoint for all My Manga related contents. So stay tune! ^^

My Manga is now officially open for submissions for the MY SECTION,

The MY SECTION on page of My Manga, has 5 areas in which you send your stuff to be published including,

My Fan Haven - Anime/Games/Manga fanart (Please state the original manga/anime) title

My Creation - Original pieces of work, not copied from anywhere.

My Quil - Short stories/ poems / translated lyrics (word limit 200 - 350 words only)

My Specialty - Quirks and hobbies.

My Shotboard - Cool photographs of you cosplaying, your manga/anime collection, etc.

You can either email or snailmail them to the following;

Email : mmmsection@transtel.com.my

NOTE: There's a printing error stated...its not TRANSTERD but TRANSTEL... >.<

Everyone errs...including me...>.< ...hazukashii naaaaaaaaa..

Address:

Transtel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.

My Manga - My Section

No. 4A-D, Jalan SS25/35

Taman Mayang, 47301

Petaling Jaya

Selangor Darul Ehsan

For those who didn't get pick for the JMC Random Pick, don't be too disappointed as everyone stands a fighting chance to get published in the My Section, so GANBARE!

^_^

BTW...we are always open to feedback and like all good print, we have a Letters to the Editor section which you can email directly to the editor for feedback and that's....

mymanga@transtel.com.my

Other stuff?

Rumours have it that JMC2009 is on the discussion board at headquarters. So keep your fingers crossed!

REI

Oh...and for those asking for feedback on your mangas, one at a time! And please be patient, I will get to you.

I actually broght some home to read as bedtime manga stories... > . <

News News News!

2009-02-27T17:58:00.005+08:00

The JMC Opening Trailer

Chance to Shine

Composer: Yoko Kanno and Yuko Iwasato Sung by: AKINO

Well, junior mangakas...its been about a week since the JMC Awards Ceremony! Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement, feedback and honest suggestions! For those who even contacted me and talk to me to share, it was a real pleasure! (*bows bows bows)

I'm glad to hear that most of you are further spurred to want to do better in your manga and art. Everyone's learning here at JMC, including yours truly. So be positive, be humble and for some of you, learn to reposition your expectations...myself included actually. T_T

I had my share of the bitter medicine too. ^_^

I don't know about you guys, but JMC was an incredible learning experience personally and professionally. So thanks to you guys, I'm definitely a better person...still insane in some spots, but definitely an improvement. Domooo~! (*bows bows bows)

They were most helpful to us but enough of all that formality...I suppose the main question everyone have in mind is,

(inhale)

WILL THERE BE A JMC 2009???

There's plenty of you requesting for COMMENTS and feedback on improvement about your manga, and that's really great! However, do be informed that I can provide feedback based on my own personal opinion and they do NOT represent the insights of the Judges. Also, do be patient about me replying...I need to go through your manga and pick the creams and fluff. Being a very thorough person, it will take time, so do be patient, ok?

BTW fellows, a majority of you have NOT collected your Certificate of Participation, we will be calling you to come collect your certs!

News Updates!

Do you remember (It's) MY MANGA? That little preview come souvenir programme in your goodie bags?

The most frequent question I receive is, where can I buy My Manga?

Ok...the answer is, My Manga will only be officially released sometime in July if all goes well. It will not be made available in bookstores YET.

What I can do is to include you in my mailing list to email the latest news and developments on My Manga. And of course to check the newly developed My Manga website for news!

The good news is, we are now open to your contributions and feedback rrrrrright now!

mmmavericks@transtel.com.my - Interested in writing articles, anime/manga reviews and other topics of interest? Then you can join KASHA in her Ouren Mavericks team!

mmmsection@transtel.com.my - Fanarts, stories, poems, photos of cosplay are all welcome here! (I think there was a MISPRINT, its not transterd...but TRANSTEL...so, yes, humans do err...like...kyaaaaaaaaa~!!!! XD)

mymanga@transtel.com.my - Suggestions, ideas and comments goes to the creative team of My Manga in here! ^_^ Keep it constructive, ne!

The My Manga website is currently being finalised and we target it to be officially accessible online in about a week! So its COUNT DOWN (again) to the official soft unvealing of the My Manga website!

Stay tune here to know when, ne!

Signing out

Rei

Awards Afterthoughts!

2009-02-25T15:18:00.011+08:00

Everyone go GANBARIMASU!!!!

JMC Awards Ceremony

(Ack...do I look fat.... XD)

Congratulations to all the winners!

Well, junior mangakas, 4 days have past...it has been an interesting award ceremony, ne. I hope most of you enjoyed the event and had a good tuck-in with the refreshments.

As for me....whew. I actually fell ill for 2 days with a fever (and sorethroat) immediately afterwards.

Was the food really good? (*drools)

To be honest, I didn't had anything for the whole day and if you're going to have to suck up and put on a costume like that, walk all day in killer boots with an hat AND be the emcee at the same time....gee...I can't even BEND properly that day...if you (ahem) get what i mean.

Yes, my stomach was in knots all day. You have absolutely no idea of the tremendous effort and hardwork it took to organise this event and all this we thank Flora Tan, our key organising chairperson for the ceremony.

Thank you for all the encouraging text messages I have been receiving as well. I will definitely ganbarimasu!

Overall, most of us are happy and many of you walked away with either a goodie bag or a lucky draw prize. Omedetou gozaimasu! ^_^

No doubt, there was a mix of disappointment and jubilation in the air that day.

Overcome the hurdle and continue to create mangas really....for the passion and love of it.

If you didn't win this round, never mind. Daijoubu! There's always a next time.

So take JMC with a little grain of salt. Most importantly, learn to improve your skills and prepare yourself for bigger ones to come!

Actually, all of you are winners but if everyone were to receive a PS3, the organisers will personally go bankrupt. XD

Remember that it is the journey and the process of creating a manga that's the fun part. I hope you all agree with that, ne.

Most importantly, you learn along the way whether its putting a story together, learning how to go digital, drawing or just plain meeting the deadline and submitting in time.

Dear junior mangakas, you have all been great participants in the competition. The level of commitment and dedication you have all shown in your work were astounding as I've kept repeating and repeating and repeating.

However, don't let one small competition like this get you down especially for those who believe that they deserve better.

Till then, all you have a brand spanking new copy of MY MANGA, ne?

You can always send in your feedbacks, suggestions and ideas to My Manga. Any contributions in the form of art, stories, fan art are welcome and the good ones will be publish to!

So stay tune to more incoming news!

(AT~CHOOOOOOOO~) Still sick...

Rei!

3 More Days!!!!

2009-02-18T12:15:00.007+08:00

JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE AWARDS CEREMONY

Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya

21st February 2009

2:00pm - 5:30pm

Map to Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya attached for minnasan no benefit!

Its coming, its coming!!!!

3 more days left!!! KYAAAAA~!!!!! Kincho suru daaaa~!!!!

I can't wait to meet all the junior mangakas! Finally, we can meet! ^_^

I'm just as nervous as all of you minna-san! I wish you GANBATTE and wish myself...GAMANSHINASAI!!!! >_<

According to Flora, the crowd is going to be BIG! Not massive, but BIG! Bazaar no hito tachi are all present so, check out their goodies up for sale!

There's going to be anime art books, cool merchandises and a spot of doujin stuff here and there. (or so I heard)

Not quite Comic Fiesta (yet..ahem) but enough to feast your eyes on, ne! So please show your support and check out their cool wares. ^_^ Yoroshiku!

Tickets are selling out FAST! So minna, quickly reserve yours and PAY ON THE DAY! There will be a special counter to those who reserved but still yet to pay!

Person to Contact to DOUBLE CONFIRM your tickets reservation:

FLORA TAN - 019 3360 983

Rei is doing other stuff (like painting my nails :D) but she can kacau Flora as well. So feel free to contact,

REI - 012 290 2272 / rei_international@yahoo.com

Otanoshimi-ni!

Rei!

KYAAAA...5 more days!!!!

2009-02-16T23:22:00.005+08:00

Dreaming by Freetempo starring Nami Miyahara.

"And I fly...."

Hold your breath junior mangakas...5 more days to the BIG DAY!!!! >_<

OH my goodness...there's plenty to be done...all the disaster contingency plans better be in full proof! Flora's reported that her registered and reserved list is BURSTING! We are running out of space junior mangakas...(or so I was warned) so RESERVE YOUR TICKETS FAST!!! HAYAKUU~!!!!

Yes, just a friendly reminder, but you REALLY need to let us know how many adults or children are coming to support you and seriously, its also a good idea to bring them along! Especially for the (ahem) winners....you will know what I mean on Saturday. Like...bring them. Bring them along!!! You will need them!

How's minna no Valentine's Day?

Just to share...personally, I celebrate V-Day the Japanese way (being a self proclaimed Wapanese myself hehe) so, there I was at Megamall scouring around for some giri choccons that I can get for my male platonic buddies. Well...I supposedly DID had a "sort" of date with one of my designers.

Actually....its more along the lines of a business meeting like...(WAKATTA-LAH...URUSAI-NAAAA you sniggering babboons...) but anyway, since he is MALE...I thought I'd get him a giri choccon just for the sake of being nice and well...its BA-REN-TINE DAY deshou?

But unfortunately, as fate would have had it, he has a big surprise for me too. He brought along a stand-a-lone TIANG with him.(Tiang = Pole or in other words, a lamp post) and since that came in so unexpectedly, I was unprepared to get the tiang a giri choccon as well and...in the end...I ended up having those giri choccons for my lunch. XD

Being a half-believer in "the way things JUST happen to happen", I just thought..."Oh well...I guess the almighty kami-sama believes that you don't deserve a giri choccon from me just yet."

As usual, my cellphone was bombarded with Valentine text messages. The amusing thing was...they seem to come mainly from the anti-valentine ones, namely from single friends. The paired up ones conveniently forgotten...lost in their world of twosome but oh well.

And the weirdest thing was...the only sweet valentine or at least a decent one that doesn't echo commercial cynism was from my music sensei. XD

"Ok. (sigh) You get a giri choccon from me." I texted back. =_= I bet he thought I must be making up some weird Rei ritual being accustomed to my random eccentricity. At least he's sweet enough to remember me.

. . . never mind. T_T~iyaaaaa...

Signing out!

Rei

Happy Valentines Day! n_n

2009-02-13T17:46:00.006+08:00

Chocolate Disco - By Perfume -

Really makes you wanna get up and dance! This is probably the most adorably kawaii dance I've come across! In the mood for a Chocolate Disco anyone? Check out 2:45... n____n

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! Love (and obligation) fills the air and cupid is aiming at lonely hearts and us girlies, SCRAMBLE to get our guys, fathers,brothers, teachers, masters etc. CHOCOLATES! n_<

Oh...that is, if you are like yours truly who celebrate V-Day, the Japanese way. Its a lot more fun I reckon, and takes the pressure off the guys!

Have fun minna-san!

Rei

-Ureshii ureshii ureshiikatta zooo ohhh~!

One More Week to JMC Awards Ceremony! URYAAA~!

2009-02-11T21:47:00.007+08:00

(Pic Above: Ryutarou the Gen-Ed pianist of La Corda D Oro) Yeah, like sure....I WISH...but unfortunately not... *sigh ... so much for my Valentine's Day shoujo-fantasy... XD .... scroll down more to know what's he doing up here. ^^

Minna-san konnichiwa! ^^

Looks like its one more week left to the official JMC Awards Ceremony!

And that explains why yours truly was more preoccupied than usual.

Its important to me, that everyone has a great time at the Awards Ceremony, and events organising is simply NOT a sanpo or walk in the park.

CNY has been really quiet and gomen ne if you have been waiting for an update. My priority is to ensure that everything goes smoothly during the event, because its the SEPPUKU for me if it doesnt! (Jyodan, jyodan!)

There are still a lot of JMC-mangaka tachi that did NOT read the bit on the Awards, hence its important for me to keep it exposed for quite a while...at least 3 - 4 weeks.

Safe to say that most of you have already seen it and its only a week left to the ultimate Awards!!!

I totally understand that some of you are *really really really* nervous about (COUGH) winning.

But the entire point of the ceremony, is really to let loose, have fun and meet some new friends. For some whose already acquainted before probably on Deviantart, CF or any other local anime/manga expos...its reunion time!

Of course, I wouldn't be game to attend if I'm not confident, but dear mangaka juniors, as a little encouragement, I would humbly like to (ahem) bocorkan to you that...

All JMC Contestants will be receiving an official JMC Certificate of Participation.

That's correct. As long as you know that you have submitted your manga, and its confirmed to be safe with us, you will walk away with a certificate that recognises your efforts and dedication in taking part in this contest.

We understand that it is only fair, that everyone who joined JMC walks away with something to remember how much hard work and time they have invested.

But you will only get it, IF you register and attend the Awards Ceremony, and that means, you will have to buy an entry ticket.

And comon fellas...its high-tea and you guys are going to STARVE by the time 3pm comes around.

One week left, minna-san! COUNTDOWN and keep your fingers crossed for who are the lucky winners...there's 13 winners....3 Winners and 10 Consolation for each category...Primary and Secondary.

And there's A LOT of entries....

It was challenging for me to but you guys did an amazing job! n_n

Oh yes...

You can call or email, to RESERVE your tickets. Please provide your NAME, CONTACT DETAILS and NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING.

There will be a special counter provided for you to pay and collect your tickets.

The Not-so-Glamourous Side of Rei's life....I myself made my debut performing in public for the first time on the piano during mom's friend's wedding.

So...if you're wondering where Rei disappeared to....lets just say that she's been practising like NUTS, as I only had like 3 weeks to do it.

But I wasn't alone as my sensei was there as my accompanist on the keyboards. (I think the word is LIFEGUARD...he throws a lifeline whenever I "drown") Hold it, hold it...when we think of accompanist...ideas of Ryutarou or those gorgeous music students of Seisou Academy comes to mind but since this is reality... so, I don't think so.

How did it go? For a person with really high expectations, I would give myself a C- for performance and at least a B- for just plain insanity....like what was I thinking when I agreed to do it... X_X

I'm no Kahoko with Lili the Music Fairy!!! Like where's a music fairy and magic portable piano when I need one!!!?!

But you see junior mangaka-tachis, the whole lesson behind this episode is, most importantly, I DID IT! ^^ YATTA!!!!!

Just like in JMC. It doesn't matter whether HOW you perform (well it does to some degree) but for first-timers (or not) its really about JUST DOING IT. And getting that experience and for the challenge. And the thrill of meeting the deadline. Deshou? n_n

The best part? Well, its was really fun. And I gotta admit, sensei wa("sorta") kakkoi...like...ok-lah... umai umai umai.
(その時顔はちょっと赤くになったかな? *^^*)

Sorry minna-san... but there's absolutely ZERO resemblance to Ryutarou, Len (La Corda D Oro ) or even Chiaki (Nodame Cantabile) T_T~uuuuu.... (oh well...at least he has some good fashion sense lah) Jyodan jyodan!

Still, I had a lot of fun and thrill performing live with sensei and that's my message for minna-san.

I hope you had a lot of fun in creating your manga during JMC. So, come celebrate at the JMC Awards Ceremony, ne!

^_^

Until then...hmm....Valentines Day is coming....^_^...giri choko...honmei choko...chokkon chokkon chokkon!!!!

DAREKA giri chokkon ageru tsumori desuuuuuuuuuuu~!!!! >___<
うふふふふ~

The JMC Awards Ceremony and Mini Bazaar!

2009-01-06T18:17:00.010+08:00

JMC Awards Ceremony and Mini Bazaar Official Invitation Card

Minna-san konnichiwa! n_n

By now, you would have already of NOT receive this invitation card to the Official Junior Manga Challenge Awards Ceremony (and Mini Bazaar n_n) by EMAIL!

Domo arigatou for informing me on the email corrections!

The details of the JMC Awards Ceremony are as follows;

DATE: 21st of February 2009 (SATURDAY)
TIME: 2.00 - 5.30pm
VENUE: Level 3, Nakhoda Room, Hotel Armada, Petaling Jaya, SELANGOR

High-tea is provided:
Price (Adults: RM30 Children below 12 years: RM20)

RSVP: Flora Tan / Maria / Rei

Phone: 019 3360 983 (Flora) 03 7803 1336 (Transtel-Maria)

To make your payment, we recommend you to bank into our account with the details as follows,

Transtel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.Bank:

Maybank Bhd.Account Number: 512 4911 280 10
(Please fax a copy deposit slip for our record)

Please refer to the Payment Methods on this blog.

Ok, so what's to expect during the awards?

Well...its the day to celebrate your hardwork and dedication in creating a manga masterpiece! So this event is in fact organise in your honour! There's going to be a bazaar selling anime merchandises and other cool anime artwork, dance performance and announcement of LIFE AFTER JMC!

You will also get to meet the JMC Panel of Judges in person during the event.

If you want to know who is going to win, then you will simply have to attend the ceremony! If you can't, then you might want to send a representative in your place.

Speaking of Judging, the official JMC Judging event takes place NEXT WEDNESDAY! Yes, its SHOWTIME!

So GOOD LUCK, GANBATTE GANBATTE TO ALL YOUR MANGAS! Stay tune for news on the Judging session!

As usual, free free to ask me questions till then!

Rei
JMC08

Minna Kochira-E!

2008-12-30T08:51:00.004+08:00

みんな聞いて下さい!!!
Minna~!!! Kiite kudasai!
Source:
えっと...I know its not mine... ^^;

JM-chans, I've been receiving some annoying email bounces, so please check whether your email accounts are active.

Please email rei_international@yahoo.com or sms at 012 290 2272 should not receive a notification from us.

Domo arigatou gozaimashita~!

JMC Rei

News Update!! Your Mangas are IN~! :3

2008-12-24T09:26:00.014+08:00

Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings from the VOCALOIDS!!!

News Update, JM-Chan-tachi, :3

This week, this special email was sent out to all participants who have submitted their manga!

Email contains the following message...

Minnasan hi from Rei of JMC08!

This email is to inform you of the GOOD NEWS that your manga is safely with US and is already OR on its way to the PRE-QUALIFYING ROUND (aka Pre-Q Stage) of the Competition! >_<

Yes, our Pre-Q Manga team has already scanned and evaluated at least half of the pile and once its all down, your manga will move on the Advance Judging Stage, by our official JMC Panel of Judges.

Stay tune to the JMC Blog for more information on the Pre-Q Team and our JMC Panel of Judges. Coming Soon in due time! >_<

If you will be changing your contacts (i.e. Email / Handphone number / Address / country etc) in the course of 2 months, please inform us immediately!

As a friendly reminder to all JM-chan-tachi, our main form of communication with you will be via EMAIL, SMS and SNAIL MAIL

You can still SMS/Email me questions in the meantime but remember, I cannot comment much about your manga evaluation as I'm part of the Pre-Q Team. ^^;

News about the JMC Awards Ceremony will be out very soon and you will all be receiving the official invitation to attend the Ceremony.

Till then, IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE, so do enjoy your Christmas and New Year holidays with your friends and family! Yours truly will be singing carols with MIKU and Friends~!!!! (You can probably tell that I'm hooked on MIKU XD )

Ja ne, and ganbatte kudasai! URYAAAAA~!!!!

Rei

JMC

JMC Updates! About the Submission XD

2008-12-22T17:00:00.005+08:00

Since this is taking quite a while, let's take a moment to listen to Miku and the Kagamine Twins singing in Acapella Pachabel's Canon in D! DOZO~!

Right, minnasan! This is taking longer than usual...with about more than 60 extraordinary entries to go process, record, organise and awe at! Hopefully we can get them all done and we can hit everyone with their confirmation emails~! XD

Please be patience onegaishimasu as your mangas are now are currently being sorted according to genres, age group, cds or not, etc. PLUS we need to get those contact details correct as well or we are not able to shoot you with the invitation to the JMC Awards Ceremony 2009!

Rumours has it that the JMC Awards Ceremony will also be hosting a Chibi Marketplace hosting a variety of guest professional cartoonists, mangakas and little budding craftsmasters selling their merchandises and wares!

Rei

JMC08 - Currently a Vocaloid fanatic...I know I'm kinda late...wah~!!!! :3

JMC08 News Alert DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 8th of DECEMBER 2008

2008-11-25T00:02:00.002+08:00

News just in Junior Mangakas!

The Junior Manga Challenge 2008 Submission Deadline has been extended to the 8th of December 2008, no later than 12pm!

This is mainly for the benefit of SPM exam candidates as we understand that SPM only ends around the 28th of November.

For those who submitted early, very well done on your side! You will go far in life! XD

Some entries are turning out to look simply amazing and dazzling! This is going to be a tough competition. Many of your illustrations has already inspired much awe among our committee.

It also does me great joy and delight to see your masterpieces which are result of your determination and passion! BTW I have received many questions as into whether I'm one of the JMC Judge.

Well, the answer is simply NO. As the field person, I'm in charge of most things BUT the judging! The judges have been carefully selected by our committee of partners to bring in creative professionals of various visual artistic areas to bring a well-rounded, fair and just evaluation to your amazing works of art!

Remember, you can still email me for some last minute questions, ne!

And finally, some last minute reminders!

Make sure that your Submission and Creator's Details form is completed!
(Remember to sign off at the end of the form.)

PRINT OUT your MANGA if you have touched it up digitally!
Loose pages are preferred.

To prevent your pages from getting crushed, insert a hard cardboard into the envelop to support the pages.

DATE your envelopes and include your JMC08 Registration numbers as well.

Last but not least, ganbatte kudasai!

Rei
JMC08

The Clock is Ticking...less than 2 weeks to SUBMISSION TIME!

2008-11-19T15:19:00.006+08:00

Alright, Junior Mangakas! KIITE KUDASAI! It's time to turn up the heat, get frantic, or just start PANICKING because DEADLINE is looming around the corner! Its less than a week to Submission Time!

*ducks from a flying wooden cabinet at supersonic speed

I have already received some early submissions and some are already looking SASUGAAAA UMAAAAII FANTABULOUS!!! Are you sure you did that yourself??? HONTOU-NI~!!!??? XD

And here are some quick questions that have been repeated to me for the past few weeks, here they are!

1) Are photocopied mangas allowed?

Answer: NOPE. Photocopied version degrades the overall quality and impression of your manga artwork.

2) Co-creators! What about them?? They deserve the credit too...

Answer: If you have collaborated with another creator in this, you both have to decide whose to be the LEAD creator. Even with dancing partners, one will have to lead, deshou? In music, one is the lead soloist, while the other the accompanist, ne? Figures, I watch too much Cantabile and La Corda...

Now pay attention! The LEAD Creator will have to fill up the Submission Form and his/her own Creator's Details form while the co-creator, need only fill in another Creator's Details form. Therefore, there will be 2 Creator's Details form and just 1 Submission Form. If possible, just scribble at the top of the Submission Form, including co-creator.

You will both have to split the prizes later, afterwards though.

3) Do I need to do an illustrated cover?

Answer: This isn't compulsary, but then again an illustrated cover will make your manga feel more complete!

4) Can the illustrated cover be in colour and the rest in black and white?

Answer: Again, there is no hard and fast requirement for this, so yes, we are fine with that.

5) Do I need to bind the pages of my manga?

Answer: Nope. You are not required to. We understand that some of you already went ahead and made an actual manga graphic novel and we are fine with that although we prefer it in loose pages format.

6) I heard that a story synopsis is necessary...? But it isn't stated in the Submission Form. HOW?

Answer: A story synopsis will be very helpful to our judges as a quick reference. Hence, we still do highly recommend you to include it in. Some of you will NOT be submitting the entire story and this is where your synopsis will be crucial for the judges to get the gist of your story. If you did not include a story synopsis, no worries. You won't be disqualified for it as we did not make it a requirement.

6) How do I prevent the postman from damaging my envelope like crushing and all of that?

Answer: We advise you to slip a hard cardboard into your envelope to support your A4 size loose pages. Some of you just sent us an entire soft folder containing the pages which is also a brilliant idea!

7) What does the last bit of the Submission Form means? The one where I have to tick YES or NO and sign for it?

Answer: We organisers are also taking on the role of PUBLISHERS on behalf of all of you potential creators. With your permission, we will publish your work FREE OF CHARGE on any platform online or offline, for the public to appreciate your manga. Take it as free publicity and promotion, without the hefty fee that a regular advertising agency will charge you!

This is highly recommended especially for young uprising creators like yourself, as this will be your first step in making an official public debut (that is NOT Deviantart) and having your works recognised by the public eye and who knows, maybe someone famous will pick it up. This is how it all begin for most successful creators.

What's even more worse than being a failed creator, is in fact, an undiscovered one.

Don't be a paranoid about the whole copying thing because there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY anyone can truly copy your ideas unless they are a clone or a doppleganger of you. Been there, done that..take it from me Juniors!

8) Where's your place? Can I hand deliver my stuff?

Answer: Sure. Refer to the Map below. I hope its not too small..and don't turn into Dataran Prima, we are at SS25!

9)How fast can my package reach you?

Answer: We suggest that you write down the DATE of WHEN you actually sent your manga. Entries that arrived after 6pm on the 1st of December 2008 will be disqualified, BUT if the date is stated when you actually sent your package, high chances are that your entry won't be disqualified!

10) Why aren't you responding to my email or txts as fast as you should?? TELL ME WHY!

Answer: Etto ne....gomen...mou isogashiisugi desu! It's been rather hectic lately. I will get back to you though!

11) This blog isn't updating as often as it should...

Answer: Please refer to the above and have a heart.... T_T

12) Do you draw Rei?

Answer: Yes.

JMC Countdown to Submission, 1st of Dec 2008

2008-11-04T22:12:00.013+08:00

Heya, Junior mangakas! Yes, I’m back again! (Gomen nasai if I've been away for too long for some!)

The clock is ticking and time isn't waiting for any of us! Its just about 4 weeks left before the Submission date! So, lets get this Submission jazz RIGHT, once and for all! URYYAAA~!!!!

What to Submit??

Your Submission Checklist

1) COMPLETED Submission Form & Creator's Details Form.

2) Your Manga (In loose pages (recommended) or book form (for some of you...)

3) Additional attachments ( Story synopsis, character profile, etc)

4) CD-R containing your manga. Accepted formats are .PDF / .PSD / .AI / .JPEG (hi-resolution) or .BMP

And here are the details...

The Forms

There are 2 forms; The Submission Form and Creator's Details Form. (they come together)

Please complete and SIGN at the bottom of the Creator's Details form.

IF you are submitting 2 completely different stories, you have to complete and submit 2 separate Submission forms to accompany each manga. Only one Creator's Details form is required.

WARNING: Your entry will be considered SPOILT and disqualified if your forms are incomplete in terms of the required information.

Your Manga

You are required to PRINT out your manga pages, if you have created it digitally. This is compulsary.

Please do not expect us to print out your manga for you. There is no escape from this digital mangakas, you have to suck it up and ganbatte on this!

Unfortunately, we are not in favour of uploads or email either.

The accepted manga page size is no bigger than A4. Anything smaller than A4 is accepted.
You can present your manga in the form of loose pages that are numbered, or in book form. (Just don't COMB BIND IT!!!!)

We highly recommend LOOSE PAGES more so than BOOKS, but if you have already done it in book form, please submit it anyway. If time is running out, don't reprint or remove the binding and hurt yourself. We are fine with the book. We can cope with that!

You are allowed to draw on both sides (front and back) of the paper. We trust that you are wise enough not to let inks soak through and ruining the other half of your art...

Mangas can be in black and white only, in colour or BOTH.

You are allowed to submit the entire story or a chapter of your manga. Page number here can vary from 1 to 100 depending on how much you drew.

CD-R / DVD-R

This applies for those who created their manga digitally using Photoshop, Illustrator or Manga Studio.

For those who drew by manual means, there is no need for you to submit a CD-R, although we do recommend you highly to scan it into digital format with the highest resolution setting possible! Output them at 150 - 300dpi.

These are the recommended file formats

.PSD (this is Photoshop's native file format)

.AI (this is Illustrator's native file format)

.PDF (hi-resolution setting please)

.JPEG (hi-resolution setting please)

.BMP

Choose one or two of the formats above and not all of them! Thanks MH for raising this question, whew!(NEW)

If you are confused as in to which one, we recommend .PSD / .JPEG / .AI depending on which software you worked with.

Additional Attachments

These includes any separate illustration art, synopsis, character model sheets, bookmarks, photos, teabags, complimentary packet of kuachies and any other attachments that supports your manga.

Are they worth the effort? Well, we fans always love a good omake here and there don't we? (I was just kidding about the kuachies by the way. )

Mailing Tips!!!

Here are some tips to get you by.

It takes about 2 - 3 days or more to deliver something by mail, (referring to Pos Laju. But don't trust me on this one, I remember seeing an illustration made by veteren cartoonist Reggie Lee depicting a snail in place of the O, in the word Pos Laju. :P Go figure what that means!!!!)

Delivering by COURIER is often more costly but it gets your manga delivered on time and safely at our doorstep.

If you are concern that your manga will arrive later than the stipulated date, then DO write the DATE of when you send your envelope. This will give us an indication that you DID made an effort to submit it early!

If you dread having your envelope and manga getting CRUMPLED and RUINED and OH THE HORROR....ahem... then insert a HARD CARDBOARD inside to keep your pages firm, flat and pressed.

Last but not least, here is the ADDRESS to our place;

JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE 2008

No.4-AD, Jalan SS25/35,

Taman Mayang, 47301

Petaling Jaya

Selangor Darul Ehsan

West Malaysia

For those who want to hand deliver to our place, if you have trouble finding our area, here's a tip.

Its the junction BEFORE the St. Ignatius's church. The one AFTER, can also take you to our company, but you have to keep an eye out for a tiny junction to the left and OHHH...just email/sms me and I will email a MAP to you!

So, all right guys...I know its EXAMS MONTH, GOOD LUCK and GANBATTE KUDASAI in your SPM examinations and I look forward to your mangas! I will be back!

Rei

JMC08

Part 4 - Day 1 - The Manga Factory

2008-09-23T14:53:00.003+08:00

Note: You are reading Kengaku no Nikki - Part 4 - Day 1: The Manga Factory. Please scroll down to read the earlier parts.

Rei no Kengaku no Nikki is a mini report on Rei's short animation-study tour to Japan with the Singapore Poly Digital Media Group earlier in September 2008.
Click on the links to the left to access other sections of the Junior Manga Challenge!

The Manga Factory

One floor down and we arrive at the Manga Factory! A real course at college dedicated to teaching the art of manga, at Nippon Kogakuin Creator's College.

Shhh....mangaka-tachi in training at work! There were at least 40-50 mangaka students in this classroom, each working on their own original work. You can put half of the JMC participants in here! :P

They don't call this floor the Manga Factory for nothing!

Unlike the Animation Factory on the previous floor, it is really really quiet in here! At the back on the shelves are published manga stories all created by the students used to promote the Manga Creators course offered here.

100% concentration! He didn't really mind me snapping photos of him...

Close up shot of a mangaka sketching.

Here's an interesting girl mangaka whose all dressed in a Gothic inspired costume. The guy in white behind is the manga sensei.

Manga page shot

Some Manga-art work

The cubicle.

Here's how the cubicle for the mangaka students look like. Just a single working desk and no workstation. Manga is done traditionally with manual tools in here. Erm...this cubicle is a little bit special. Looks like an Xbox 360 set up here! LOL

Its not very big and in one aisle, there are at least 7 of these little cubicles where the students sit and work on their manga.

Outside the classroom, there's a display cabinet containing a compilation of original manga work done by the students. These bibles are published by the college on behalf of the students and used mainly to promote the manga creator's course.

Unfortunately these books aren't for sale outside of the college and according to sensei, the printing cost have been taken into account when the students paid their college semester and enrollment fees. The college does have affliates with some major publishing companies in Japan and the good students are hired immediately out of graduation to work there.

And More Student-Made Manga!

Up next, the digital art and VFX department, so stay tune!

Part 3 - Day 1: The Animation Factory

2008-09-23T11:31:00.006+08:00

Note: You are reading Part 3 of Kengaku no Nikki, please scroll down to read the earlier parts of the story!

Please click on the links on the left to access other sections of the Junior Manga Challenge blog.

The Animation Factory, located on the 6th floor of the Creator's College.

Presenting Japan's new generation of aspiring anime creators! There easily about more than 40 budding 2nd year junior animators housed in this class alone!

Hard at work, full concentration, dedication and passion!

Nippon Kogakuin's students are required to come up with their own anime short or even mini series as a final year project! There are no computers in this particular room, meaning all animation taught and applied here, are strictly traditional as in manual!

Example of model sheets. The college also liases closely with reputed anime studios in Japan such as Gonzo and JC Studio to give their students additional exposure to the animation industry in Japan. Animators here are hired right after graduation and are highly in demand for the local industry...or so they say...

The sensei who teaches animation! (I forgot what his name is lol)

Sensei here is a part-time lecturer and also works as a professional animator in another studio. He's rather shy and declined to have his photo taken...so I sneakshot one from behind one of the aisle, much to the amusement of his students. They teased him quite a bit...especially the girls. ;)

Still, that did not stop one of our tenacious SingPoly girls to insist a shot of just him and her anyway and guess who was the photographer... XD

The class admitedlly was a lot more distracted and become livelier with our presence too.

Sensei showing how its done.

Our translator was unable to specifically translate the specialty of this gadget being unfamiliar with the animation production process. Since I trained a little on animation before at work, I was able to roughly comprehend what it does.

This is a special photo capture come scanner device, that snaps a shot of the storyboards or animation drawings directly into computer. Once that's done, sensei can playback the drawings to test and check the animation fluidity, or just playback a storyboard in animatic style! Cool!

And finally, me having a quick group photo shot with the fun and bubbly bunch of animator students of Nippon Kogakuin! Here's to Japan's anime industry!!! We looked forward to seeing new anime! URYAAAAA~!!!!
日本のアニメタア!!!!

Part 2 - Day 1: Visit to Nippon Engineering College

2008-09-20T23:05:00.007+08:00

Note: You are reading Kengaku no Nikki - Part 2 - Day 1: Visit to Nippon Technical College. Please scroll down to read the earlier parts.

Our first stop on the programme was the Nippon Technical College in another area of Tokyo called Komata, which was about 40 minutes away from Shinjuku.

Yeah, sounds kind of boring at first but our real intention really,is to check out the Animation and Manga faculty in there! Yep, this college offers real professional courses in Japanese animation and creating manga. This should be interesting to see how its actually conducted here in Japan.

Sign that says Katayanagi Institute - Tokyo University of Technology Graduate School.

Katayanagi had several sister or subsidiary training colleges under its hat. Nippon Graduate school is one of them. I'm a little confuse as into whether Nippon Kogakuin is a graduate school, technical college or a junior college...all I do know is they offer courses for Japanese animation, manga, music and other creative production oriented subjects.

The coolest thing is about the design and art related fields here, is that they are grouped under one name called CREATORS or Ku-rie-ta-su. (クリエイタズ ) So if you are enrolled in manga or anime school here, you are known as a creator!

Our first stop, the creator's college building, located about 2 minutes away from the main campus. This is the building housing all the budding Japanese creators!

Also known as the Nippon Kogakuin Creator's College
(日本工学院クリエイタズカレッジ)

Entrance to the Creator's Building showcasing some of the student's work. Now we know we are at the right place! Inside the building, there's also a mini gallery housing all the student's work, mostly anime and manga-inspired illustrations.

A close-up shot of one of the posters, protected and cared for inside a well-polished a glass cabinet. Yep, they take their IP pretty seriously around here lol

Rei having a quick pose. Everything here is 100% original stuff lol

The mini-gallery giving out hints of the future potential animes that will be hit our screens!

We are still at the ground floor by the way! Next on our tour, is the ANIMATION FACTORY! So stay tune!

Kengaku no Nikki Part 2 - Day 1 -

2008-09-20T22:17:00.003+08:00

Note: You are reading Part 2 of Kengaku no Nikki. Please scroll down for Part 1. ^_^

View of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, on the 25th Floor.

At the Shinjuku Washington hotel, all guests have 5 choices of restaurants to choose from, each serving a different choice of cuisine to suit your liking. Yeah, there's like Chinese, Western, French, authetic Japanese but sorry, no Malaysian nasi lemak, roti canai or mee goreng.

On the first day, I had my breakfast at the Manhattan Restaurant which had a buffet spread of both Japanese and Western cuisine. Being on the 25th floor, this restaurant undoubtedly the most popular choice among the hotel guests as it offers the best (partial) views of Shinjuku city.

View from top-down

Breakfast on the first day.

My stomach had trouble processing all that meat I had from the previous Korean BBQ dinner, so this morning I had some veggies to help with ease the protein. The baby tomatoes (not seen in picture) and corn were supreme in taste and sweetness.

Meiji Takanashi Yogurt

This is my favourite food in the whole of my Japan trip. Meiji yogurt...unflavoured. Absolutely the best yogurt I've ever tasted! The consistency and creamy texture, makes this yogurt a truly delicious and healthy treat especially for the health conscious. This would make ice-cream go out of business if only yogurts are in trend and fashion! After tasting this yogurt, I felt so cheated by the ones made locally back home, like what are they feeding us!?! lol

Kengaku Nikki-Part 1- Tokyo 1st Night-

2008-09-20T20:49:00.003+08:00

Note: Due to the nature of blog postings, you will have to scroll down to read the earlier parts of the story.

Me and my SingPoly-Digital Creative Media friends.I'm the one in black on the right.

We arrived at Tokyo and headed straight for a Korean BBQ dinner at a restaurant in Ginza. Oh yeah, so it seemed a little disconcerting for me that on the first night in Japan, we had Korean food but we were all so hungry that it didn't bother us a bit. My friends from SingPoly college, turned out to be budding, aspiring computer graphics (CG) programmers, 3D animators/modellers, character designers; who are also aficionados of all things Japanese including anime and manga! Really a cool bunch!

It's smaller than it looks.

My room at the Shinjuku, Washington hotel. Small and comfy for one person and the bed is mine, ALL MINE! >_<

My little coffee set-up. I'm quite proud of it lol

I was warned that unlike the hotels here in Malaysia, Japanese hotels generally do not provide instant coffee in the hotel rooms. Being a coffee person, it was essential for me to bring the entire packet of Indocafe 3-in-1 instant coffee (some recommended Ipoh Kemaman) to ensure my survival for the next 5 early mornings here.

The Kawaii Otearai

No doubt, what I thought was the coolest feature in the whole hotel room was the toilet facilities. Compact, fully equipped and just enough room for a small, single person like myself. It also came with the famous only-in-Japan, sophisticated Japanese toilet seat complete with butt rinsing features.

The bath tub was somewhat square in shape and deep, specially designed with the o-furo, (Japaense style-bath) in mind for the locals.

Rei No Kengaku Nikki Special Report

2008-09-17T21:00:00.007+08:00

Hi there junior mangakas! In case you have been wondering where did I disappeared to for the whole of last week, I was on a study trip or kengaku as the Japanese call it. So, firstly, my most sincere apologies for those who has been trying to grab hold of me and couldn't respond to your queries as I was away!

Anyway, this has been an enriching trip for me and for that I would like to share it with all of you through the JMC blog. This special feature will be called, Rei No Kengaku Nikki (レイの見学日記) of Rei's Field Trip Diary.

FIRST THINGS FIRST, just to assure everyone, that I'm safe back home, so feel free to shoot me your questions again. Some friendly reminders, for those who have not received your JMC Registration Confirmation form, do let us know immediately as well.

Till then, try to guess through these photos, where I had my kengaku during the last week.

Can you make a guess?

Looks familiar?

Getting obvious?

I was in TOKYO, Japan!

I was invited to participate in this special kengaku ANIMATION study-tour, organised by Sing Poly and made possible by my company Transtel Technology Sdn. Bhd. and Tabco Limited, Singapore.

Stay tune to learn about the crazy stuff I did in the Land of the Rising Sun of sushi, manga and anime!

JMC08 Judging Criteria

2008-09-05T14:51:00.006+08:00

Now that you are all geared up to unleash your creative soul, here are some guidelines about exactly what our Judges will be looking for, in your manga.

STORY AND PLOT DEVELOPMENT (30%)

This is where the main focus will be; YOUR STORY and STORY TELLING SKILLS! If Aesop can do it without manga and not ramble his audience to tears, then so can you!

When the judges flipped through your manga, they will be asking things like, what’s the story about, where its heading to and what are you trying to tell at the end of the day. Don’t forget the title of the story by the way.

CHARACTER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (15%)

The stars of your story! The Judges will want to know your characters well and be able to associate with their fictional lives.. From your character personalities, little quirks, costume design, poses, expressions, right down to the words they say, these elements are priceless for creating a great memorable character. So portray them well

ARTWORK, STYLE AND DESIGN (20%)

Ok, wow us with your skills! Layout, paneling, art, style, composition, colouring and digital finishes and all aesthetics are all graded in here!

Remember juniors, a fully coloured manga does not necessarily means its better than a black and white one.

CREATIVITY & ORIGINALITY (25%)

The whole point of this competition is not only to show off your art skill and inner otakuness but also to show us how creative and original you are! I bet you are all sick of clichés and predictability, aren’t we? So show us something FRESH!

OVERALL PRESENTATION and Feel Good factor (10%)

The last and final criteria! When our judges read the last of your manga page (IF they get there) and put it down, do they go, “AH! That was refreshing!” or “ZZZZZ”

This is all about leaving a good impression, taste and feeling after reading your manga. If you want to win, take this into consideration.

Minna, ganbatte kudasai-ne! Looking forward to your manga! >_<

Rei
Junior Manga Challenge 2008

JMC08 Registration Officially Close

2008-09-05T14:35:00.001+08:00

Junior Manga Challenge 2008 is finally, officially CLOSED! Yokatta!

For those who have not received your JMC08 Confirmation Form, please contact us immediately! Oh and Rei will be away for the next week, but she will be back as soon as next week is over.

Logging in problems and more questions

2008-08-28T09:53:00.006+08:00

AH-HAH...a lot of last minute applicants!

We understand that lately, there has been some problems with the internet. Some of you or most of you are unable to log into the Junior Manga Challenge blog and we have been experiencing some odd technical issues here too.

If you are having trouble downloading the JMC08 Registration Forms, shoot me an email quickly at rei_international@yahoo.com / rei@transtel.com.my QUICKLY before time runs out!

Although the circumstances was out of our control, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused! Moshiwakearimasen! *bow bow bow bow

We have been receiving a lot of enquiries about what to submit for JMC 08

Is it an ARTWORK or MANGA?

Now, this is Junior MANGA Challenge not Junior Manga-Artwork Challenge.

So the answer is, MANGA of course! We are expecting pages of comics with a STORY in it and not just an artwork. We don't want just pretty pictures but a good story as well!

There are no maximum number of pages, that's right! You can submit a minimum of 1 page or go nuts to as many as you can possibly muster before the deadline strikes!

I have been receiving sample story synopsis from some of you lately and they are all turning out GREAT!

Remember, you can ask me questions, send me stuff for checking and evaluation should you be unsure of anything. I will try my best to provide some guidance, but that's the best I can do!

This is going to be a exciting competition! URYAAAAA~!!!

How do I send in my manga?

You send in your manga by post or mail. We do not accept manga coming from emails or fax. Definitely NOT FAX!

If possible, insert a hard cardboard into the envelope to prevent your manga pages from getting bent and damaged.

If you have more questions, Rei can be contacted at the following and she will try her best to help you out! My sincere apologies if I sound a little erm... "gruff" on the phone sometimes...^^;;;

rei_international@yahoo.com
rei@transtel.com.my

Ganbatte kudasai!!!

Rei
Junior Manga Challenge 2008

By the way, for those who already registered and have NOT receive their JMC08 Registration Confirmation Form, please let me know as well!

ANNOUNCEMENT - Free Registration now CLOSE!

2008-08-26T10:24:00.005+08:00

The Free Registration is now OFFICIALLY CLOSE on the 26th of August 2008, 10am.

Any JMC08 Registration Form received after the stated time and date must now pay RM10 to register for the competition.

REI

JMC08

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

2008-08-22T13:40:00.004+08:00

皆, いそいで! 早く!!!

SPACES ARE FILLING UP FAST!!!

For those who want to qualify in the FREE REGISTRATION, download your JMC08 Registration Forms and send it in to us NOW!

Click HERE to Download your Forms!

If you are experiencing problems, quickly contact

REI

rei_international@yahoo.com / rei@transtel.com.my

012 290 2272 (Shoot SMS! Subject TASUKETE JMCFORMS PLS!!! )

The Gem of Animax Youth Festival

2008-08-19T17:41:00.003+08:00

The Gem of Animax Youth Festival, 10th of August 2008

Nantoka, whenever I'm in a foul mood or just having a nasty day at work, I will just tune into this.

The Malaysian Happy People Society will be calling him really soon! Thanks pal! We need more people like you in this world! ^_^v

Rei

Junior Manga Challenge 2008

JMC08 Manga Judging Criteria

2008-08-19T16:17:00.004+08:00

That’s right junior mangakas…this is not just a competition! Its WAR!!!!

So what will your respective manga be judged on?

STORY AND PLOT DEVELOPMENT (30%)

CHARACTER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (15%)

ARTWORK, STYLE AND DESIGN (20%)

CREATIVITY & ORIGINALITY (25%)

OVERALL PRESENTATION and FEEL GOOD FACTOR (10%)

Descriptions of each criteria will be coming right up, so stay tune! ^_^

Signing out
Rei, Junior Manga Challenge 2008

We are on OTAKUZONE the STAR _

2008-08-19T11:24:00.009+08:00

But yeah, we were on OTAKUZONE the STAR, last Sunday!

It is still open FREE for the first 100 Registrants!

Download your Registration Forms for JMC08, fill them and stop sitting on your rumps and send/email.fax them in!

Alright now Juniors...but is it just me or is my net connection caught the flu bug? Sorry fellas but I've declared war on our Internet Service Provider...

News Questions ADDED!

2008-07-29T13:08:00.006+08:00

Yes, more questions and they just keep coming!
Some are commonly tackled questions while others are just plain freaky. There's nothing that we at JMC08 (or one of us) can handle! ORZ! >_< 1 ) I'm living in the East Malaysia and paid my Registration Fee, yet you said that I'm entitled for refund. How am I suppose to get my refund back at your company assuming that there's no way I can get there?

1 ) Do I draw from left to right or right to left?

2 ) Do I submit my manga ON the 1st of December 2008?

3) I am legally 12 years old and I haven't got my MyKad yet. But I'm studying in secondary school. So, which category do I fall in?
I'm HOME SCHOOLED, so I have no school to fall back on! Am I disqualified from joining this competition?

And the grand GRAND STAR Questions! (no kidding!) OO;

1) I checked the dictionary for EXPATRIATES and it says, EXILED people. Your rules and regulations stated that children of expatriates are welcome to join this competition. Does it mean that children of EXILED people are allowed to participate?

2) What if I'm currently studying in a Malaysian international school but a citizen of the Czech Republic, yet my dad is Malaysian and my mom a Hungarian mixed Polish? Can I still take part in JMC08?

3) Rei, are you japanese?

Find out the answers in Questions From You!

NEWS!
Ambassador Alea has a new role to fill in MTV Asia, so congratulations to her! So our little Questions from You video will be...pending for a while, at least till I photoshop that last bit of zit off my face.

Ganbatte!

JMC08 Rei

Change of JMC08 REG ID Numbers!

2008-07-25T10:58:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone,

for those who have already registered with us, there has been a slight change in some of your JMC08 Reg ID numbers Please check if yours is listed here!

Blue - Old Number
Red - New Number

202307 212207

212307 222307

222307 232307

232307 242307

242307 252307

Thank you for your patience! ^^;

JMC08 Rei

Newly added QUESTIONS FROM YOU!

2008-07-24T18:12:00.004+08:00

Something's up with the local servers and I've been rewriting this piece of snippet for the 5th time!! +_+ もう~!!!!! 苦しい!!!!

We have added a new section to the blog called QUESTIONS FROM YOU! It's a compilation of all the common questions that we have been receiving from all of you enthusiastic lot and we (or at least one of us =_= ) have been tied-up just answering them all.

Still, we appreciate the feedback and questions as we learn quite a bit too! So keep them coming!

Our office is flooded with JMC08 Registration appplication forms and most of you early birdies got in free! Congratulations! ^_^

For those who are yet to sign up and still tethering at the edge of the cliff, well...MAKE THAT JUMP! >_< The free spaces are filling up really quickly so register TODAY!

Download your forms at the JMC08 Downloads PDF section. Some of you have experienced some download issues but not to worry. Just shoot Rei an email and she will email you all the forms you need rei@transtel.com.my

Ok, what's up with Rei having 2 emails?

Well, rei@transtel.com.my (Official work email) rei_international@yahoo.com (Work at Home and after work hours email.) Hope that clears things up!

COMING UP NEXT!

Our lovely ambassador was kind enough to put all the Questions from You in a nice little youtube video and will be up next week so stay tune!

Taylor's College is having their Anime Festival in Subang and if you are lucky, you might catch me there arms loaded with doujinshis! *_*

Ganbatte kudasai in your manga and stay creative! ~うりゃああ!!!

JMC08 REI -

Currently reading Penguin Revolution, Honey and Clover & Le Gardenie...

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - NEW Section!

2008-07-24T16:16:00.002+08:00

Hi there Junior mangakas! Since JMC08 was first announced, we (at least one of us =_=) received a lot of questions from all you eager wannabe creators about the competition!

Don't worry because we are here to help you of course. So us here at JMC08 decided to compile them together and included the special Questions from You section featuring the most common questions that were asked.

The questions are group accordingly;

Registration - For those wondering if they got in free or not...
Digitally Related Questions - For those planning to scan and go fully digital.
Manga Content - What's acceptable and what's NOT. READ if you fear disqualification!
About the Submission - What the BLAZES am I suppose to submit at the end of the day, SIMPLIFIED!
Life After JMC08 - What's next?

The more questions we receive from you, the more frequent this section will be updated.

So, stay tune!

JMC08 Rei

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - Registration (NEW)

2008-07-24T16:08:00.005+08:00

Here are some common questions related to Registration from you.

1) How do I register? (NEW!)

You can register yourself into the competition by logging on to http://juniormangachallenge.blogspot.com/ and downloading the JMC08 REGISTRATION FORM.

Fill in the form and send it back to us by FAX,EMAIL or SNAIL MAIL before the 31st of August 2008.

You can also scan your form into JPEG format and email it to rei@transtel.com.my

2) Is it true that for the first 100 to register is FREE? (NEW!)

YES, the first 100 to register with us is FREE! This is on a first come first serve basis, so HURRY!

3) How do I know if I am entitled to a FREE registration? (NEW!)
Do I have to proceed with the payment of RM10 first then?

You can call us directly to enquire but once all 100 places are filled, we will promptly remove the notice from our blog first.

The moment we receive your Registration forms by fax, email or snailmail, we will number them accordingly and assign you with a unique JMC08REG ID Number.

You will also receive an official JMC08 Registration Confirmation letter by email. It is stated on the letter, that you are entitled to a free registration should you be the first 100.

4) If we do qualify for the free registration but already proceeded with the payment, do we get a refund? (NEW!)

Yes, we will refund your money. You can collect your refund at our company (refer to Contact Us for the address) and collect you refund anytime during working hours.

5) How much is the Registration Fee for the competition? (NEW!)

The Registration Fee is RM10 and is non-refundable. You only need to register once. Then, you can submit as many mangas as you want at no additional charge.

6) So you're telling me that there's no charge per additional manga anymore?

YES! You can submit as many mangas as you like.

7) How to pay?

You can pay by enclosing a cheque with the correct amount, and addressed to TRANSTEL TECHNOLOGY (M) SDN. BHD.

Click on Payment Methods to read more.

8) If I come all the way from East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) how am I suppose to get back my refund if I don't have friends or relatives in the peninsular? (NEW!)

For those who do not live in the Klang Valley area and have issues coming to our office to collect your refund, we can arrange to send the refund to you by post, in the form of a cheque. Alternatively, there is always the JMC08 Awards Ceremony next year where we can all meet and refund you there and then. Do let us know if the matter is urgent and we will act immediately! Don't worry as we do take note of those who are entitled to a refund.

9) I am legally 12 years old and I haven't got my MyKad yet. But I'm studying in secondary school. So, which category do I fall in? I'm HOME SCHOOLED, so I have no school to fall back on! Am I disqualified from joining this competition? (NEW!)

If you are 12 years old according to your birth certificate and haven't got your MyKad yet, then you are in the Primary Category. People like me will be so envious that you can reverse your age by a year.

If you are home schooled and have no school to fall back on, we don't see that as a problem at all. You are still entitled to join JMC08. We still advise you not to skip "school" to work on your manga though.

10) I checked the dictionary for EXPATRIATES and it says, EXILED people. Your rules and regulations stated that children of expatriates are welcome to join this competition. Does it mean that children of EXILED people are allowed to participate? (Award winning question)

The term expatriates that we use refers to skilled people from abroad and not Malaysian citizens but currently stationed to work in Malaysia on a temporary basis. NOT the exiled..
If your parents belong in this group and are currently residing in Malaysia for work purposes, then you are entitled to join JMC08.

11) What if I'm currently studying in a Malaysian international school but a citizen of the Czech Republic, yet my dad is Malaysian and my mom a Hungarian mixed Polish? Can I still take part in JMC08?

Under the rules and regulations of JMC08, yes you are entitled to take part in JMC08.

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - Digitally Related Questions(NEW!)

2008-07-24T15:25:00.004+08:00

You have got your scanner and know how it works, and all set to go digital.
Here are some common questions for those who are creating their mangas digitally.

1) If I do want to print out my manga, what is the recommended resolution setting?

We recommend that you set the resolution to 200 dpi or 300 dpi.

2) Can I draw direct to computer or must I do it traditionally with a pencil and scan it in? (NEW!)

By all means go ahead and draw directly into the computer if you have the means to do so.

3) What file format should I use to print out the manga?

We recommend TIF / PDF /PSD /JPG/BMP
Generally we do not encourage you to use JPG unless you have no other way. If you have to use JPG, set the resolution to the highest.

4) What file format should I save inside the CD-ROM?

The same file formats recommended in Question 22.

5) What's a softcopy?

A softcopy is a digital, electronic version of your file that is created, stored and edited in the computer.

For example:
When you write a letter using Microsoft Words, you save it as a word document. The saved copy is known as a softcopy. When you print out your letter, it becomes a hardcopy.

QUESTIONS FROM YOU -About your Manga Content (NEW)

2008-07-24T14:30:00.007+08:00

Daily, our mailbox...or at least one of our mailboxes are flooded with some eye-opening questions about what content is appropriate for your manga and other questions such as,

How many pages should I submit??
Can I include fighting or death scenes? Or themes like WAR and nuclear holocaust?? Will I be disqualified?
Can I do doujinshi?? Is that the same as fan fiction??
Are dark and angsty themes allowed?
Can I collaborate with another friend for this?
Can I have references to Yaoi or Yuri??
Can I use the original Japanese terms since they can't be translated into English or Bahasa Malaysia?
Must I submit the whole story?
Right to left or left to right??

1) How many pages must I submit? I'm confused!

A minimum of 1 page and no maximum pages.
Our previous flyers and rules stated that the maximum was 6 pages, but THIS RULE HAS BEEN WAIVED.

2) What if I have a really long story that come in multiple chapters? Must I submit everything?

IF possible, we strongly encourage you to send in a complete story. If you are working on a story with multiple chapters and cannot finish it in time, then send us the completed chapters only and leave a good cliffhanger (aka TO BE CONTINUE) at the end.

3) Can I use the original Japanese terms in the story?

Yes, you can use the original terms in its native language, if there's no way that you can translate the terms in its native language to English or Bahasa Malaysia. We advise you to provide a translation guide for the judges.

4) Can I include any violent themes/scenes/elements like war or death?

It is stated in the Rules and Regulations that no violence or graphic and disturbing imagery is allowed in your manga.
We discourage you not to include reference to violence on an explicit and excessive level (to the point where its graphically disturbing).
Do not include too much blood, gore or detailed visual imagery of violent scenes in your manga. No disembodiment, no disembowelment, decapitation or even happytreefriends references.
You were warned...

5) What about dark or angsty themed stories?

You are allowed to include such themes but not at an excessive or explicit level that is disturbing to the general audience.

6) Can I make references to Yaoi or Yuri?

Yaoi and Yuri contain elements that are sensitive to the general public in this country. Even though we at JMC08 are open to all themes and genres, we strongly advised you NOT to include too much of it. Just like violence, dark themes etc keep it at a minimal level.

7) Full colour or black and white?

Both full coloured and black and white manga are accepted in the competition.

8) Must I only write in English and Bahasa Malaysia? What if I am not confident in either languages?

The official language to be used in your manga is English or Bahasa Malaysia only. If you are not confident in the language, try to get assistance from your teacher or friend that is good in the language. Take this opportunity to learn how to improve your language skills too.

9) Can I collaborate with another friend for the competition?

The rule states that it is one creator per manga submission. You are allowed to work in teams but only one person gets the prize at the end of the day. We will leave to you on how you wish to split the prizes...
There is no need to fill in additional forms for your team members. Only the key creator of the manga is required.

10) Am I just limited to the Manga Style of drawing?

You can draw in any style you want. We are open.

11) Must I only write in English and Bahasa Malaysia? What if I am not confident in either languages?

The official language to be used in your manga is English or Bahasa Malaysia only. If you are not confident in the language, try to get assistance from your teacher or friend that is good in the language. Take this opportunity to learn how to improve your language skills and have fun while at it!

12) What is the size ot the manga that I should create?

No larger than A4 size, landscape OR portrait.

13) What tools should I use to create my manga?

You can create your manga manually using pencils, crayons, pastels, ink, paint etc or digitally with the computer and special graphic software such as Flash, Manga Studio, Tab Manga, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Paintshop etc. We are an open based software competition, so feel free to use any of them.

14) Can I do a doujinshi?

Yes, feel free to submit a doujinshi or fan fiction based manga. Just remember to state down clearly the name of the original creator and animation studio.

Example:

Title of Fan Fiction: Ichigo's Pants of Fire
Title of Original Manga: BLEACH
Original Creator: Tite Kubo
Studio: Studio Pierrot

15) Am I suppose to draw my manga from right to left or left to right?

Left to right, or Western-style. I understand that most Manga readers like you and me are perfectly adaptable and comfortable with the original Japanese format of reading right to left. However, as your manga will most likely be read by people who are not accustom to such arrangement, we strongly advise you to do it Left to Right...the conventional way.

If you have already done it from Right to Left, BEFORE this question was raised (moshiwakearimasen~!!!) then just continue what you're doing.

17) Can I include a cover for my manga? Must it be coloured? (NEW!)

If you want to include a nice illustrated cover for your manga, please go ahead! It is up to you if you want to have it coloured or in plain black and white.

18) How do I write a story synopsis? What do I have to write about my character? (NEW!)

A story synopsis is like a summary of what your story is all about. In a way, a synopsis is your manga's selling point that what will entice the judges to want to read your manga.

Go to a bookstore and pick up your favourite graphic novel aka manga. If you look at the back of any graphic novel, you will noticed a brief description about the manga contents. That my friends, is a synopsis!

Writing a story synopsis takes as much time and practice as drawing a manga. A good tip is to pin point all the important points of your story. Introduce the hero character, the goals he/she will have to achieve, the main events that moves the story forward and the obstacles he/she will have to face throughout the series.

If you are still stuck, try referring to story synopsis on existing animes and mangas that you find tons online! Wikipedia, is a good start.

As for the character description, we would like to know who are the main characters, villains, side characters etc that are involved in your story. We would like to know their personalities, backgrounds, temperament etc.

Let's take our favourite, oh-so-popular, anime character NARUTO UZUMAKI. (Taken from Wikipedia btw... ^_^;)

Naruto Uzumaki
In the series, Naruto is a ninja affiliated with the village of Konohagakure, and has ambitions of becoming Hokage, or the leader of the village. Due to being the host for the nine-tailed demon fox, a malevolent creature that attacked Konohagakure, he is ostracized by the other villagers. He makes up for this with his cheerful and boisterous personality. He has established an especially close relationship with Sasuke Uchiha, one of his fellow ninja in Team 7, and treats him as his brother

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - About the Submission (NEW!)

2008-07-24T14:12:00.012+08:00

Stumped about what to submit like everyone else? We hope this will help!

1) What do I have to submit? In simple words please!! (NEW!)

1) Your original manga pages, numbered, in A4 size. (in its original form OR printed form)
2) Completed Submission Form and Creator Details Form, attached to each manga
3) *Any related attachments. (Example: Story synopsis, character profile, artwork, photos of you working in progress etc)

*OPTIONAL and NOT compulsary

2) So do I submit my original manga OR digital manga? (NEW!)

Either one! If you have created your manga with manual tools (colour pencils, paint, ink, etc) and have no way of scanning them in, then just send us the original manga.

If you are working on your manga digitally, remember to print a copy out for our judges AND save the softcopies inside a CD-ROM and send that to us too.

The following recommended formats for your digital mangas are, PDF, TIF, PSD, JPEG or BMP set at the highest resolution.

3) Hmm...lets say that I drew and inked my manga using manual means and plan to scan it into the computer and colour it using Photoshop. Which one do I submit now? The original inked copy or the finished-printed-out version? (NEW!)

Submit the finished and printed out version if that is the case. Save the softcopy of this version inside a CD-ROM and send that to us too, as a backup. Keep your original inked and draft version as well and we may have plans for them should you win. . .

4) If I want to submit more than one manga story, which do I do or need? (NEW)

Firstly, you need to attach a SEPARATE Submission Form for every manga story that you intend to submit. You need only submit ONE Creator's Form. Click on Submission Requirements to read more. Photocopied Submission Forms are allowed.

5) Where can I get those forms?

You can get them in our blog in the Downloads.Pdf link
All forms are in PDF format.

6) I am experiencing a technical error and unable to download the forms! Help!

Don't worry, you can always email/contact us, rei@transtel.com.my an request for the forms. We will send it by email or fax it to you directly if required.

7) What am I suppose to do if I want to submit it through my school?

You will have to find out who your teacher-in-charge is. He/she will act as the main contact between the organisers and the school. Get your teacher to fill in an additional form called the SCHOOL INFORMATION FORM.

This teacher will be responsible for compiling all the entries and submitting them on your behalf.
Click on Submission Guidelines to read more.

8) Where do I send in my entries? Can I send in by email?

JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE 2008
TRANSTEL TECHNOLOGY (M) SDN. BHD.
No. 4A-D, Jalan SS25/35,
Taman Mayang, 47301,
Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
West Malaysia

Sorry, but you cannot send your entries by email. Send in your entries before the 1st of December 2008.
The official deadline for submission is 1st December 2008, no later than 6pm.

9) How many mangas can I submit? Is there an additional charge? (NEW!)

As many as time permits you and as much as your creative juices can flow!
NO, there is no more charge for every additional manga that you submit.

10) Erm...submit ON the 1st of December 2008? What do you mean by that? (NEW!)

It's not on but BY 1st of December 2008. Your mangas have gotta arrive right here on our doorstep by the 1st of December 2008, no later than 6pm. If it comes after 6pm, you will be disqualified!

However, we might consider if we see a nice little anime souvenir/merchandise inside the package and...wait, pretend that you didn't hear that from me... OO;

11) How do I arrange my forms and manga? (NEW!)

Before sending in your manga, you can arrange your forms in this way,

Submission Form
Creator Detail’s Form
Story Synopsis (if any)
Manga Cover
Manga Pages
Appendix containing notes, sketches, photographs etc.

12) What sort of photos can I include? Photos of the manga in progress or me working on it? (NEW!)

You can include any photo of yourself that is related to the Junior Manga Challenge. These can be photos of you working on your manga in progress or photos of your unfinished manga such as drafts, sketches and yes, even doodles on toilet paper. Feel free to add a sense of humour like a photo of you reading manga while you soak away in the bath tub.

The photos are not compulsory. However, they are there to prove to the judges that you were the original creator of the manga and not anyone else. Besides, behind-the-scene photos are fun (kinda like DVD extras) and it delights the judges to learn more about you, as the creator and the pains you went through to create your manga.

13) How do I fax in my manga? (NEW!)

Do NOT fax in your manga! Faxing is evil! The pages will be jumbled up and it will greatly deteriorate and downgrade the quality.
Please send in your manga to us by snail mail in an envelop that is slightly bigger than your manga pages. We appreciate if your manga pages arrived safely, in one piece, UNBEND to us!

14) Must I print OUT the manga? Can I just submit it in softcopy form and send it in a CD to you? (NEW!)

The answer to this is YES, you absolutely MUST print out your manga! Our judges will not entertain any manga that have to be read off the computer screens.

If you have no access to a printer, you have to motto motto GANBATTE to find a way of printing your manga out.

There are places that offer printing facilities such as the following,

- Your school library
- Internet Cafe (for those under 18 and primary schoolers, make sure you have your parents with you or at least a supervisor.)
-Public library
-Friends and neighbours

15) Can I just submit the original manga pages without going through all that digital c%&# hassle? Not all of us kids have access to printers, scanners and computers you know! Have a heart, Rei! (NEW!)

Yes my dears, if you really do not have access to the facilities to go digital, then just submit your original manga pages already. It's ok with us. We won't become beserkers and come rushing to eat you if you can't go digital but we discourage you from testing us all the same...

For those who are submitting your manga in its original form, make sure that your drawings are fully INKED or the lines DARKENED. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Submit more than one manga at no additional charge!

2008-07-18T12:03:00.002+08:00

This is especially good news for those who wish to submit more than one manga. We had feedback from most of you who wish to submit 2 or 3 manga stories, each with a different story or genre.

This time, there is no charge per additional manga. So go ahead and submit as many as you want before the deadline!

From the JMC08 Team

NEW Submission Requirements for JMC08

2008-07-18T12:02:00.004+08:00

Konnichiwa minna! ^_^We have been receiving feedback about this and hence as organisers, we have implemented slight changes to our Submission Requirements, for the better!
Here they are;

NEW Submission Requirements

1) ORIGINAL copy for your manga pages

2) Completed Submission Form & Creator's Details Form

3) *Any related document to make you stand out! (Example: Story Synopsis, Character Profile, poster, photos of you working in progress)

4) * CD-ROM that contained the scanned, digital copies of your manga. (.TIF/.PDF/.PSD/.JPEG/.BMP format)

*This is optional and not compulsary to submit.

NOTE: Digital copies of your manga is not required anymore but we still are accepting digital mangas.

Ganbatte Kudasai~!

>_<

THE JMC08 TEAM

Scanning is NO MORE REQUIRED

2008-07-18T12:01:00.001+08:00

We have been receiving some helpful feedbacks from all the uprising junior mangakas about scanning. Fear not, we heard you and are here to help!

From now onwards, you do not need to scan in your mangas.

Yes, you heard us. NO NEED TO SCAN!

Just send in the original copy of your manga in physical and solid form!

It is now NOT COMPULSARY to scan and send us a CD-ROM containing a digital copy of your manga, unless you want to.

So, now that the scanning and digital copies requirement removed, we wish you all the best, GANBATTE KUDASAI in the one and only Junior Manga Challenge 2008!

The JMC08 Team!

Join JMC Now!

2008-06-27T16:37:00.017+08:00

Move over big brothers and sisters, now its OUR TURN!

This is a manga competition for all Primary & Secondary schools in Malaysia.

THE FIRST 100 PARTICIPANTS TO REGISTER IS FREE OF CHARGE!

Click Here to Register!

Organised by Transtel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd. and Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE 2008

2008-06-26T17:22:00.010+08:00

What is Junior Manga Challenge 2008?
The Objective of Junior Manga Challenge
Who are the Organisers

What is Junior Manga Challenge 2008?

The Junior Manga Challenge 2008 (JMC08) is a manga creation competition aimed at 7 to 17 year olds. It is now common to find children as young as 5 capable of creating their own stories in the form of manga.

Manga drawing competitions are common both locally and overseas, many of which are organised typically for the tertiary students and professional artists who wish to pursue a career as a manga creator, or “mangaka”.

But then, with manga and anime being more available locally on television, bookstores and the internet, the young ones now too are just as inspired and not to mention creatively driven like their older siblings.

Therefore, we decided to organise a special manga competition just for the young ones called the Junior Manga Challenge 2008 and enable them to show off their raw imaginations to the world, just like the adults.

The Objective of Junior Manga Challenge 2008

The objective of the Junior Manga Challenge 2008 is to enable young Malaysian students to express their creativity by creating a manga, based on their own original stories or a pre-existing animation, manga, movie etc.

As organisers, we believe that manga is a great medium for the young to tap into their potential talents, cultivate and nurture creative thinking. Manga is observed to be very popular among the young for its unique art style and enriching stories. A competition of this kind compels the young to create characters with emotions and conflicts that are wrapped within their own universe be it in reality or in a fantasy realm. This spurs imaginative thought that it then channeled from the heart and mind and expressed in the form of drawings and stories.

Who are the Organisers?

The Junior Manga Challenge 2008 is co-organized between Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MDeC), Transtel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd. and MRCB-Technologies Sdn. Bhd. as part of the MSC Multimedia Creative Content Initiative. The initiative is to cultivate and encourage creativity and storytelling in students in primary and secondary schools in preparation for a more challenging and dynamic future. MDeC has been long championing the nurturing of such creative talents in the Malaysian local market through its multimedia creative content initiative.

In 2007, Transtel Technology, co-organized with MDeC, a similar digital creative competition aimed for schools known as the Junior Animation Challenge 2007 (JAC07).

Transtel came in with the tools and provided technology to organise animation workshops for all participating schools.

Print this page!

Who Are The Judges

2008-06-26T17:20:00.001+08:00

Coming Soon!

Who Are The Sponsor

2008-06-26T17:19:00.000+08:00

Coming Soon

WHAT IS MANGA?

2008-06-23T11:24:00.040+08:00

Well, if you want to join this competition, you need to know what manga is all about first.

But don’t worry, newbies! We got your backs covered with this quick brief about what manga is all about!

What is Manga and Mangaka?
Drawing in Manga Style
Samples of Manga

What is Manga and Mangaka?

Manga (pronounced MAHN-gah or MANG-ah) is the Japanese equivalent to Western comics. Mangaka refers to the author or creator of the manga. Many popular Japanese animation series seen on television today, originated from mangas.

Manga has gained much popularity in and outside Japan. They are also known as graphic novels, manga has been translated into many different languages and enjoyed by both male and female readers of all ages with its many subgenres.

Drawing in manga art style and creating manga stories has also become a popular hobby among the young and amateur crowd. Many amateurs do aspire to become a professional mangaka in the future too!

Drawing in Manga Style

Since this is the Junior Manga Challenge 2008, it is essential that you have a good understanding on what drawing in “manga style” or manga art is all about.

The manga art style of drawing has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from Western Comics. Below are the common traits found in manga:

1. Large Eyes

Large, saucer-sized eyes are the most recogniseable feature in manga characters. One of the reasons for the large eyes came from Osamu Tezuka who is also known as Japan’s Father of Manga. Osamu Tezuka’s style was influenced by Western comics which exaggerated the eyes slightly.

2. Cinematic Techniques

Manga uses dynamic camera angles and other elements of film language or cinematic techniques to enrich the story telling experience to its readers.

3. Exaggerated Expression

The other typical traits of manga are the exaggerated expressions often depicted in characters.

4. Black and White

Manga is done completely in black and white. One of the reasons is for efficiency and the second is because the drawings in manga are already quite detailed. Hence, adding colors are not a necessity but this is really up to the mangaka’s preference.

5. Super deformed

Also a unique trait found in manga is a specific style of Japanese caricature known as Super Deformed or SD. Super deformed characters are typically drawn to look small, chubby, with stubby limbs and overblown heads that are bigger in proportions to their bodies. This style is also known as chibi by fans.

6. Visual gags

Similar to the western style of drawing cartoons and comics, manga has its own distinct visual gags and devices to depict specific emotions and actions exhibited by the character. Below are some other visual gags that can only be found in manga and anime.

Samples of Manga

If you are still uncertain about what you can or cannot submit for the competition, here are some samples to help you out!

4 Panel Manga (Comic strips)

Original Manga

Fan Fiction Manga

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METHOD OF PAYMENT

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The Registration Fee is RM10 (NON-REFUNDABLE!!!)

Registration Forms must be submitted, and fee paid by the 31st of August 2008, no later than 6pm.
If you are submitting more than one manga, each additional manga is RM5 per submission.

To make your payment, you can either bank-in direct OR made cheque payable to:

Transtel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Bank: Maybank Bhd.
Account Number: 512 4911 280 10

(Please fax a copy deposit slip for our record)

You will be notified by email / phone once you have registered or submitted your manga.

For any help please contact the following people:

REI : 6012 290 2272 / rei@transtel.com.my / rei_international@yahoo.com

FLORA : 6019 3360 983 / flora@transtel.com.my

IMPORTANT DATES!

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Look out for these important dates! Print them out and stick it on your fridge or computer monitor! ^_^

Competition officially opens in - MID JULY 2008
Registration officially Closes - 31st of August 2008, NO LATER THAN 6pm
Production Period -SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2008
*Submission Deadline - 1ST of DECEMBER 2008, NO LATER 6pm
Official Judging – DECEMBER 2008
Announcement of Winners - END OF DECEMBER 2008
*JMC 2008 Awards Ceremony – JANUARY 2008

Note:

*Dates are subjected to change. Please check at http://juniormangachallenge .blogspot.com under the News and Announcement section for information. We mean CHECK IT! There will always be updates!

All participants will be informed by email or text message should changes occur in the dates stated above.

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WHO CAN JOIN?

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This is the JUNIOR Manga Challenge 2008! This is one competition for the young ones!

For those 18 and above, sorry but you’re probably overqualified for this, so give your little siblings and cousins a chance too!

Primary and Secondary

The Junior Manga Challenge 2008 has 2 main categories which are:

Primary Category

For ages 7 – 12 years old

Secondary Category

For ages 13 – 17 years old
(*Those in "remove class" and are 18 years old will fall under the secondary category.)

While filling up your submission forms, please select the correct age group that you belong to.

Note
Only primary and secondary school students who are Malaysian citizens, permanent residents and children of expatriates that are currently residing in Malaysia are permitted to participate in the competition.

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PRIZES! WHAT DO I WIN??!

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Yes, yes we know. What will you get from JMC08? It’s all about the prizes as usual!

First, before that here's a thank you note to our sponsors for making this happen,

TABCO Incorporated Limited SINGAPORE for sponsoring the SONY PSP!

TABCO LIMITED of Singapore - Makers of the Toonz Animation Board & TAB Manga

www.the-tab.com

Visit www.the-tab.com to learn more about Tab Manga!

For all participants of JMC08, don't worry for your hardwork will definitely be paid off!

PRIMARY CATEGORY (7 - 12 years old)

1st Prize Winner :
SONY PS3, WACOM BAMBOO FUN digital drawing tablet, JMC08 Trophy, Certificate of Excellence and goodie bag

2nd Prize Winner:
NINTENDO DS LITE, JMC08 Trophy, Certificate of Excellence and goodie bag.

3rd Prize Winner:
JMC08 Trophy, Certificate of Excellence and goodie bag.

SECONDARY CATEGORY (13 - 17 years old)

1st Prize Winner :
SONY PS3, WACOM BAMBOO FUN digital drawing tablet, JMC08 Trophy, Certificate of Excellence and goodie bag

2nd Prize Winner:
SONY PSP, JMC08 Trophy, Certificate of Excellence and goodie bag.

3rd Prize Winner:
JMC08 Trophy, Certificate of Excellence and goodie bag.

Consolation Prize Winner x10 (for both categories) :
Certificate of Participation and goodie bag.

Stay tune for the latest updates!

You mean there's more?
Well...wait and see!

COMPETITION THEME

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JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE 2008 COMPETITION THEME

Original Manga

OR/AND

Fan Fiction manga

Alright, so the next question is, what sort of manga or story can you create?

In Junior Manga Challenge, you can choose to create a full-fledge original manga or a 4-panel comic strip. Its entirely up to you!

So, what theme? Here they are!

Original Manga – Open theme

For the Junior Manga Challenge 2008, participants can push their creativities to the limit and create a manga based on an original story they have been dreaming of.

There are many genres that you can choose from for your original manga story.

Available Genres:

1. Action/Adventure
2. Science fiction/fantasy
3. Mystery/Crime
4. Horror
5. Romance
6. Comedy
7. Parody
8. Shoujo/Shounen

IMPORTANT! Contents that are regarded as inappropriate, offensive and contain disturbing graphic imagery depicting violence, porn, politics or racially sensitive issues are strictly prohibited for this competition. Any manga content to found any of these elements will be immediately disqualified.

Fan Fiction Manga – Theme based on a pre-existing story.

Alternatively, they can create a manga based on an existing story from a manga, film, anime, drama, novel etc. This is perfect for those who wish to write original stories that feature their favourite characters from pre-created stories.

However, please note the original source of the existing work including the title, name of the original creator, publisher, (if it’s from an existing novel, manga or comic) or production studio (if it’s from an existing film, cartoon, anime or drama)

All mangas that are submitted must include the following,

-Front cover containing title of manga and name of creator. (Please refer to the sample)
-Pages containing your manga NUMBERED accordingly.

More details are described below;

-Number of pages for your manga is limited from 1 to 5 pages. There no maximum limit of pages. Go nuts!

- You do not have to staple your manga pages together.

-Pages must be no larger than an A4 sheet.

-For all dialogues, please make sure that your handwritings are clear and readable.

- You are also allowed to submit short comic strips in 3 – 4 panels. (Comic strips) However, the minimum is 3 panels.

-Although manga is primarily done in black and white, you can also choose to submit it in color.

-If you want to submit more than one manga story, please attached a separate submission form.

-All manga done by manual means it MUST be digitally scanned into computer. The organisers will only accept mangas that have been printed out and not original drawings. We want you to keep your original drawings.

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SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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Updated since 18th of July 2008

Note:

We require your original manga pages to be submitted. You do not have to scan in your manga.

Submission Requirements
Submission Guidelines
Individual Submission
School Submission

Submission Requirements

For the Junior Manga Challenge 2008, you will have to submit the following:

Your original manga pages OR a printed hardcopy of your manga in A4 size.(We recommend to print at 300dpi or 200 dpi for some printers)
Completed Submission Form
Completed Creators's Details Form.
Completed School Information Form (if submitting through school ONLY).
*Other related documents (Example: Story Synopsis, character profile, photos of you working etc)

*Optional and not compulsary

Submission Guidelines

If you are planning to print out your manga, here are some tips!

Make sure you set your resolution at 300 dpi or any reasonable resolution that will ensure that your manga comes out nice to look at.
Print out your manga using .TIF, .PDF, .BMP or .PSD format to obtain the highest quality print. If you have to use .JPG set the resolution to the highest level at 12.

Submission Form:

You can download the Submission Form from this blog. Click on the DOWNLOADS section of this blog.
You are allowed to use photocopied submission and creator's forms for the competition.
Attach the Submission and Creator's Form AT THE FRONT of your Manga entry.

Creator's Details Form (Also for Parent's Reference):

You can obtain the Creator's Detail Form online by Downloading the form from the Download section of the blog.
Remember kids, you must obtain permission from your parents first and get them to sign the form before you can join the competition!
You only have to submit ONE Creator's Details Form.
Please attach this form to your manga as well.

Other Related Attachements: (Optional)

Should you require additional space when writing about your character or story synopsis, write on a separate piece of paper and attach it to your Submission Form.
You can also submit photos of yourself working on your manga.
You can either choose to submit your mangas individually or through your school.

Individual Submission

You can submit your mangas individually to us. To submit individually, just mail your entries to us with all the forms intact, directly to the following address:

Junior Manga Challenge 2008
No. 4A-D, Jalan SS25/35,
Taman Mayang, 47301
Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan

School Submission

You can also choose to submit it through your school. In order to submit by school, please do the following:

Choose a teacher to represent the school for the competition.
This teacher will play the role of the main liaison between the school and organizers. it can be your art teacher, form teacher, favourite teacher etc
The teacher must fill in a separate form called SCHOOL'S INFORMATION FORM.
Compile ALL the manga entries of all your students and attach the School's Information Form.
You only need to fill up ONE School"s Information Form to represent the school.
This teacher is the first point of contact between the school and the organisers, and is responsible for all important information that will be communicated to the competition entrance.
Teachers must have email, phone to enable the organisers to contact him or her for any updates.

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TOOLS YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR MANGA

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Finally, we are ready for action! Here are the tools that you may need for your ultimate manga production.

Software
Art Supplies
Other Tools

Software

There are a wide variety of software applications that you can use to create your manga from scratch or merely to refine it and give it a more polished look. Here’s a list of software that we recommend:

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Corel Painter
Paint Shop Pro
Manga Studio Pro
Tab Manga
openCanvas
The GIMP (free)

Most of these software applications may be quite costly for beginners and hobbyists. Some however, are free like the GIMP. It is not necessary to use these softwares for your manga but it is essential that you scan all manually created mangas into digital format.

Art Supplies

In the age of computers, traditional tools are still not forgotten!

Pencils – Soft 2B pencils are ideal for sketching and roughing out your drawings while mechanicals are great for sharp, consistent lines that are ideal adding the final touches.
Erasers – No mangaka can live without this! Use this to remove any mistakes.
Pens – Pens are used traditionally for inking purposes. If you do use pens, we recommend one that is waterproof, lightfast, smudge-proof and fade-proof.
Sketchbooks – Great for capturing ideas on the go and sketching them out.
Paper – Look for paper that works well with ink, particularly those that has a surface ideally suited for pencil art.
Workplace – You will be spending most of your time here creating your manga, so make sure it’s tidy, neat and has all the tools you need. Have a good office chair that provides a good back support and have sufficient light as well. If you are going to work for long hours on the computer, make sure that your monitor is at least 20-30 inches (or an arm’s length) in front of you. Sometimes playing background music can help you set the right frame or mood to help you focus. Others may find music distracting and prefer silence.

Other Tools

Scanner : Essential in converting your manual manga artwork into digital data. Please read Tips of Going Digital!
Printer: To print out your mangas.
PC Workstation / Mac
Digital drawing tablet : If you are planning to draw directly onto the computer, the digital drawing tablet might be useful to you. Beware for they do not come cheap! The ones you can get from retail computer stores are like WACOM’S Bamboo Fun™ which comes at an affordable price, depending on how far you are willing to stretch your budget!
CD/DVD Writer: Useful for backups and saving your work! Don’t forget that you need to submit all your digital manga files in a form of a CD or DVD for the competition.

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TIPS FOR GOING DIGITAL!

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If you are new to all things digital, here are some tips to help you through the exciting journey of going digital with your manga!

Tips on Scanning
Common questions about Digital Scanning and Printing
Checklist of things to do before scanning
Tips on Digital File Formats
JPG Tips!

In order to submit your creations, it is important that you scan your manga into digital format first. Scanning is the process of transferring an image into a computer. Artists do this to enable them to enhance their drawings with creative image editing applications like photoshop. See List of Softwares.

Tips on scanning

Here are some tips that you can follow to ensure that you get a good quality scan of your manga.

Scanner Type: Flatbed scanners are highly recommended as it allows you to scan images on a single sheet of paper or from a sketchbook.

Scanner Size: There are many different sizes of scanners and these may cost you around a thousand dollars. For the competition or home use, a basic, affordable scanner is good enough and should measure at around 8.5 x 11 inches.

Scanner Capabilities: As a guide, your scanner should be capable of scanning in both color, black and white with a minimum of 300dpi. Read article on dpi. The color depth should be at least 24 bits. However, don’t worry too much about this as most flatbed scanners available in computer retail stores meet the minimum requirements.

Common questions about digital scanning and printing

What is DPI? Is it essential for me to understand it?

DPI is a very common term which you will come across a lot while when you work in the digital environment. Here’s a basic guide to what it is all about and how you can get the best out of it.

DPI stands for DOT PER INCH. DPI determines the level of detail, clarity and crispness of the digital image that is scanned. When working on digital, you are going to come across the term DPI a lot.

DPI is not to be confused with PPI, (Pixels Per Inch) and SPI (Samples per Inch)

In order to print out a clear, crisp and high quality image, (and you will probably want to if you want to win) you will need to set your image resolution to HIGH at 300 dpi before you begin scanning.

DPI and Pixels: What’s the Difference?

DPI is often confused with Pixels. Let’s get over with it once and for all!

If you are going to go digital, 72 dpi is the magic setting. For your information, computer monitors DO NOT display images at 72 dpi. The monitor displays in terms of PIXELS. Therefore, the higher the setting on the monitor that you set for the resolution, the more pixels will appear on the screen and the clearer your image will be. Remember, DPI is NOT to be confused with PIXELS!

Pixels also determine the size of the image. The more pixels in an image, the LARGER the image is. However, the amount of pixels is actually determined by the DPI setting you choose initially when you scan in your image.

What does DPI have to do with Printing and Scanning?

Why all the jazz with DPI? That’s because, DPI is essential when it comes to PRINTING and SCANNING purposes. For SCANNING, it informs the scanner on how many pixels to acquire per inch of an image that is being scanned. However, once translated to computer, these pixels are no longer controlled by the DPI settings. So, be cautious here!

For PRINTING, the DPI number informs the printer how many Dots Per Inch data to represent on an inch of printed paper space.

Ok, I THINK I get it. So, what DPI am I suppose to use??!

Here’s a guideline on what DPI to use

If you are planning to SCAN your manga and edit it DIGITALLY, we recommend you to scan your work at 300 dpi AT LEAST. This will give you a decent size to work on. Don’t worry about the file size as you can later resize it according to your preference. A good size to work on when editing your images digitally is at 2,550 width x 3,300 height. You can also obtain this dimension by scanning at 8.5 x 11 inches scanned at 300 DPI. This is also the ideal size for photographic-quality print.

Remember, you can always decrease the size of the image later. Don’t worry if it will affect the quality of the image. Reducing the image will also reduce the number of pixels by blending them together. The blending of pixels DOES NOT affect the overall image quality.

BUT, before we get excited, here’s a word of warning,

NEVER increase the size of an image AFTER it’s scanned!

When you increase the size, it creates FAKE pixels or fills. These are called “interpolated” pixels. Their main purpose is to fill the larger image area like tooth fillings. This will reduce the quality and clarity of your image so beware!

Checklist of things to do BEFORE you start scanning

Now that you have a basic understanding about flatbed scanners, don’t get too excited yet. Here are some things to bear in mind before you begin scanning your manga artwork.

Draw on smooth, white paper that has no rough, “toothed” textures on the surface. Textured paper can result in graphic “noise” which will appear on your scanned image. These noises can be difficult to remove digitally and can take up a lot of time. The brighter and more opaque the paper, the better your scanned image will turn out.
Before scanning, make sure that your drawing is finished completely. Once the image is scanned, it’s going to be difficult to make changes to it. However, you can also draw digitally directly into computer as well.
Make sure that all your drawing outlines are darkened to ensure that the scanned image is clear and as crisp as possible.
Get rid of unwanted stains, blemishes and smudges before you begin scanning. You can achieve this by using an eraser to erase any stray pencil lines or fingerprint smudges.
Clean your scanner window and make sure that its free from dusts, smudges, fingerprints etc.

Tips On Digital File Formats

You need to be familiar with the various digital file formats in order to work and save digitally. There’s a few formats to select from and each comes with its own pros and cons. Selecting the right one is important to ensure that it is compatible with different software applications and that it is ideally suited for printing, editing or uploading it online. The 2 criteria to consider in selecting the right file format is on the level of detail retained in the image

Which File Format?

Here’s the list of file formats:

.PSD – Adobe Photoshop’s proprietary file format

.AI – Adobe Illustrator’s proprietary file format

.RIF – Painter’s proprietary file format

.TIF

.JPG

.BMP

.GIF

.Psd Adobe Photoshop’s proprietary file format

Robust, widely accepted image format by most applications. Retains all working information (layers, etc). Small in size (15mb – 50mb, depending on detail)

.Ai Adobe Illustrator’s proprietary file format.

Retains all working information. Widely accepted format by printing and publishing houses. May not be compatible with all applications.

.RIF Painter’s proprietary image format.

Stores all information without lost of quality. Can be saved into .PSD for Photoshop editing. Only compatible with Painter.

.TIF

Preserve alpha channel information and can be saved in all color modes. Compressed, flattened, in full quality and also widely accepted by printing and publishing houses. Cannot preserve information or data about layers. Depth of colors determine the file size.

.JPG

Most widely accepted format for web publishing. Small and can be saved in RGB color mode. Best choice for most color images. Utilize lossy image compression. Helps reduce file size but also reduces the quality of the image. The higher the compression, the more higher the drop in quality. Image may get corrupted.

.GIF

Suitable for images with a monochrome, limited color palette or transparent images. Uses lossless compression methods and retains all image data without deteriorating the quality. Limited to 256 colors. Not recommended for images with a wide color palette. Best to go for JPG if that is the case.

Which File Format is best for printing?

We recommend to print out your manga using the .TIF format OR .PDF format as it retains its full quality of your image.

However, even though the .PDF format is able to retain the quality of your image, be mindful that the COLOUR of your image might differ a little from the original, but this is fine. It’s supposed to happen that way, so don’t worry!

Which File Format is best for saving?

During submission, remember we require 2 different file formats of your manga.

.TIF

.PDF

If you have edited or scanned your manga into Adobe Photoshop, please include the .PSD version of it as well. At the end of the day, you should have 2 different file formats as softcopies (.TIF and .PDF) or 3 different file formats (.TIF, .PDF and .PSD) if you did your scanning and editing in Adobe Photoshop.

JPG Tips!

We personally do not recommend JPG as it has the lowest quality of the lot. However, if you have no other choice, here are some tips to ensure that your image quality stays optimum. When you save a file into .JPG, you have options to set a quality scale range from 0-12.

Here’s a rough guideline on the kind of quality you will get with these settings;

12 : Highest-quality but largest file size

0 : Course image, smallest size.If you are new to all things digital, here are some tips to help you through the exciting journey of going digital with your manga!

7 : Good balance, quality and size.

And here’s another tip: Never save a JPG image more than once or it will deteriorate in quality!

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QUESTIONS FROM YOU - Life after JMC08 & Miscellaneous Questions

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After the hard work and mad rush to submit, is that it???
How soon can I know the results, what's gonna happen to my precious manga and who are the judges and who is the egghead responsible for answering all these questions anyway...

Get the answers for that here!

1) What happens after I submit my manga?

The organisers will proceed with the official judging session with our selected panel of judges. The judges decision are final.

2) What will happen to the manga I submitted? Can I get them back?

Sorry, the answer is no. We cannot return you your manga as stated in the terms and conditions. But don't worry as it is good hands with us and will be put to good use that will benefit all participants of the competition!

3) When can I expect the announcement of winners to be made?

You will be notified sometime by the end of December or if all things go well. Winners will be notified by all means of communication including an official letter mailed to you by email, snail mail, a phone call and even text message. We will use a pigeon if we need to!

All entrants will be invited to the Junior Manga Challenge 2008 Awards Ceremony in mid January 2009, and that's next year! We believe in you deserving a good rest during the holidays before the excitement really begins!

4) What if the manga gets damaged on the way to the organiser's place?

Well, if any of you even think of such a thing happening to your mangas, we will hurt you.

Just kidding. We are aware of such hazards that can come to your precious manga in the process of travelling to our doorstep.

This is precisely why we prefer a digital copy of your manga stored in a CD-ROM as a backup copy for us. But if you are unable to manage the whole scanning thing due to unforeseen circumstances, then we (that's you too!) will just have to take a risk.

What's life without some risk? If you want to attach a lucky rabbit's foot on your manga and pray to the heavens that it will arrive safely at our place. The organisers will not be held responsible for any damage or loss of manga.

5) Can I get back my stuff after submission and if I didn't win?

Firstly, throw that negative attitude out. You're in to win! >_<
But sorry, once you have submitted your manga, we cannot return it to you as stated in the terms and conditions. But fear not, your precious manga is in good hands with us.

6) What are you organisers going to do with my manga baby?!!

Relax, no harm will come to your precious bundle of ideas. Don't worry, we value and respect your art and stories as much as you do. We believe that mangas are meant to be shared and enjoyed by everyone.

Our mission is to encourage young budding creators like yourself to let the world discover your talents. We do that by assisting you to show off to the world what you are really capable off!
Before that, we humbly request for your permission first! You can allow us to do that by signing on the Submission Form.

7) Who are the judges anyway?

The judges are experienced creative artists and creators from the content industry who loves stories, manga and comics just like you do. Many have won awards, competitions and have been through many hardships to become what they are today.

Information on our blog about the judges will be posted soon, so stay tune!

8) How do I know if there will be changes in the dates of events and things like that?

That's why this blog was created. It is to keep you updated with the current developments and latest news related to JMC08.

9) Who are those 2 goons in the cheesy video under the Questions From You section?

You really need me to answer that...? =_=;;

10) Rei, are you Japanese?

Doesn't every otaku (or retired ones) wish that they were? ^^;
The answer is...no. I'm true blue Malaysian, KL-person but I learned Japanese since I was 14 years old.
I find myself sporadically practising it every odd occasion or so when I LEAST expect it and when I'm most likely to embarass myself. (lol)
I lived in Japan for about a month and off to Japan again in September 2008 for business.
My Japanese profiency at best is, half-baked or to put it simply, not so good. ^^;;
At least I'm able to order POTETO (ポテト) from a Japanese Makudonarudo (マクドナルドMcDonalds)

RULES AND REGULATIONS

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What’s a competition without rules and regulations?

Read them carefully and obey them like, we mean it ESPECIALLY if you want to win.

1. Participants interested in joining the Junior Manga Challenge 2008, must REGISTER and pay a non-refundable Registration Fee of RM10, by the 31st of August 2008, no later than 6pm.

2. This competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in Malaysia, including those of international and private schools. Students whose parents are from overseas and currently working in Malaysia are also welcome to participate in JMC2008.

3. Each participant is welcome to submit as many entries as he/she wishes. The manga must contain a minimum of 1 page. There are no maximum number of pages that you can submit.

4. All submissions must be in original copy.

5. If you are planning to print out a digital manga, mangas are to be printed using the recommended .TIF format to ensure the highest quality print.

6. All entries must come attached with the SUBMISSION FORM, CREATOR’S DETAILS FORM.

7. All entries that are to be submitted through the school must fill in an additional SCHOOL INFORMATION FORM that must be attached with all the entries.

8. All entries must be no larger than an A4 sized sheet of paper. Entries that do not meet this criteria and are inappropriate for display will be automatically disqualified.

Dimensions: 21.0 x 29.7 cm, A4 minimum, 300 dpi. (or minimum 200dpi) Landscape/portrait setting.

All entries are to be in black and white OR full-color.

Artwork can either be drawn digitally with ANY SOFTWARE or drawn manually.

All manually drawn artwork must be scanned into digital format. Failure to do so will result in automatic disqualification.

9. By entering this competition, all entrants agree that Junior Manga Challenge 2008 and the organisers cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss of artwork.

10. By entering this competition, the organisers strongly encourage all entrants to exhibit their creations by means of publication through the organisers. Organisers will only proceed once entrants agree and grant the organisers the permission by signing in the Submission Form.

11. Be entering the Junior Manga Challenge 2008, all entrants agree that Junior Manga Challenge 2008 and the organizers cannot be held responsible for any copyright breach, plagiarism or legal infringement.

12. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and not to be tolerated. Any entry found to be copied, traced or modified from work previously created and published in any format and is found NOT to be the entrant’s original work (unless clearly stated that it is a Fan Fiction) will be immediately disqualified.

13. All ideas and designs must be an original creation and should not have been entered or awarded a prize in other previous competitions.

14. Pornographic images or other disturbing images unsuitable for public exhibition is strictly prohibited and if found, will be automatically disqualified.

15. All entries are to be submitted in the ENGLISH and BAHASA MALAYSIA language only.

16. The organisers retain the right to alter the terms and conditions at any point up to 2 weeks before the judging without prior notice.

17. All disqualifications and disputes over eligibility for participation and/or winning a prize will be settled at the judges and organizers discretion. All decisions taken will be final.

18. All works are to be send by mail to the following address:

Junior Manga Challenge 2008
Transtel Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.
No.4 A-D, Jalan SS25/35,
Taman Mayang, 47301
Petaling Jaya
Selandor Darul Ehsan
WEST MALAYSIA

19. Deadline for submission is 1ST OF DECEMBER, NO LATER THAN 6PM. Submissions that arrive later than the date and time stated above will be automatically disqualified.

Print this page!

CONTACT INFORMATION

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If you still need more help and more of your questions answered, you can contact :

REI LYNN : rei@transtel.com.my / rei_international@yahoo.com / 012 290 2272

ALEA RAHIM : alearahim@gmail.com / alea.jmc@gmail.com

The Organiser’s Company : 603 7803 1336 (phone) / 603 7803 3048 (fax)

*should we be unavailable at the time (maybe we are having a shower) you can also SMS us!

And of course, remember to send your entries to the following address:

JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE 2008

TRANSTEL TECHNOLOGY (M) SDN. BHD
No.4A-D, Jalan SS25/35,
Taman Mayang, 47301
Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

DOWNLOAD THE JMC08 FORMS

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Get the following forms HERE to get you started!

JMC08 Registration Form
JMC08 Submission & Creator's Details Form
*JMC08 School Information Form (*only if submitting through your school)

Instructions:

1) Click on the links to download the form you want.

2) You will be relocated to another site called FileSend. (don't panic, it is suppose to happen)

3) The yellow Download button will appear at the bottom left of the screen after a countdown.

4) Click on the Download button.

Still having issues? Contact us at:

rei@transtel.com.my / rei_international@yahoo.com

How to Enter and Register

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It’s really simple!

FIRST of all, REGISTER yourself.

The first 100 applications we receive is FREE!

Download your Registration Form in the DOWNLOADS section of this blog.

The Registration Fee is RM10 (NON-REFUNDABLE)

Please fax/mail in your Registration Form and make your payment by the 31st of August 2008.

Payment can be done via bank-in or in cheque. Refer to the PAYMENT METHODS section of this blog.

After you have registered, you will be notified by email or a phone call.

Next, start drawing!

When you are done, you are required to fill in your details in a Submission Form and Creator’s form.

Submit everything by 1st of December 2008, no later than 6pm.

Finally, wait for the good news!

Junior Manga Challenge 2008!

My Manga is now available at Animetech!

What's Rei been up to lately...

News about My MANGA~!!!!

JMC Awards Ceremony is on STAR METRO!

News News News!

Awards Afterthoughts!

3 More Days!!!!

KYAAAA...5 more days!!!!

Happy Valentines Day! n_n

One More Week to JMC Awards Ceremony! URYAAA~!

The JMC Awards Ceremony and Mini Bazaar!

Minna Kochira-E!

News Update!! Your Mangas are IN~! :3

JMC Updates! About the Submission XD

JMC08 News Alert DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 8th of DECEMBER 2008

The Clock is Ticking...less than 2 weeks to SUBMISSION TIME!

JMC Countdown to Submission, 1st of Dec 2008

Part 4 - Day 1 - The Manga Factory

Part 3 - Day 1: The Animation Factory

Part 2 - Day 1: Visit to Nippon Engineering College

Kengaku no Nikki Part 2 - Day 1 -

Kengaku Nikki-Part 1- Tokyo 1st Night-

Rei No Kengaku Nikki Special Report

JMC08 Judging Criteria

JMC08 Registration Officially Close

Logging in problems and more questions

ANNOUNCEMENT - Free Registration now CLOSE!

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

The Gem of Animax Youth Festival

JMC08 Manga Judging Criteria

We are on OTAKUZONE the STAR *_*

News Questions ADDED!

Change of JMC08 REG ID Numbers!

Newly added QUESTIONS FROM YOU!

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - NEW Section!

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - Registration (NEW)

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - Digitally Related Questions(NEW!)

QUESTIONS FROM YOU -About your Manga Content (NEW)

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - About the Submission (NEW!)

Submit more than one manga at no additional charge!

NEW Submission Requirements for JMC08

Scanning is NO MORE REQUIRED

Join JMC Now!

JUNIOR MANGA CHALLENGE 2008

Who Are The Judges

Who Are The Sponsor

WHAT IS MANGA?

METHOD OF PAYMENT

IMPORTANT DATES!

WHO CAN JOIN?

PRIZES! WHAT DO I WIN??!

COMPETITION THEME

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

TOOLS YOU NEED TO CREATE YOUR MANGA

TIPS FOR GOING DIGITAL!

QUESTIONS FROM YOU - Life after JMC08 & Miscellaneous Questions

RULES AND REGULATIONS

CONTACT INFORMATION

DOWNLOAD THE JMC08 FORMS

How to Enter and Register

We are on OTAKUZONE the STAR _