Mad Cave Studios Opens Submissions for 2025 Talent Search

This year marks Mad Cave’s 8th Annual Talent Search! With submissions open to creators worldwide, the initiative continues to shine a light on bold, original voices who haven’t yet had the chance to break into the comics industry. The goal is simple but powerful: to give aspiring creators the opportunity that many only dream of—seeing their work published.

“Mad Cave understands how difficult it can be breaking into the comic book industry. That’s why we’re giving aspiring creators their best chance at success—by providing a direct link to one of the industry’s hottest publishers. By submitting to Mad Cave, you’re guaranteed to have your work seen by  some of the best editors in the business,” said Mike Marts, Editor-in-Chief of Mad Cave Studios. “The Talent Search isn’t just a contest—it’s our commitment to discovering fresh voices and helping them take their first professional step in the industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of making comics, this is your shot.

The Mad Cave Talent Search isn’t just a foot in the door; it’s a launchpad. Over the years, it has helped rising creators break into the industry and build lasting careers.

In 2023, a full creative team of winners—Sarah Cooke (writer), Leo Chiola (artist), Maksim Strelkov (colorist), and Adel E. Talemi (letterer)—were selected to contribute to an official Dale-focused multiversal Flash Gordon story with Mad Cave, approved by King Features Syndicate. Their work will appear in Flash Gordon Quarterly, releasing July 2025.

Looking further back, David Hazan, winner of Mad Cave’s 2019 Talent Search, is proof that this isn’t just a one-time assignment—it can launch a lasting career. After breaking out with the bestselling medieval noir series Nottingham (now three volumes strong with multiple spin-offs), David has gone on to write for BOOM! Studios, Titan Comics, AWBW, and more. His work has earned multiple awards, been featured in The New York Times, and even appeared as a question on Jeopardy!.

What We’re Looking For:

Mad Cave is seeking two creators in each of the following categories:

• Writers
• Illustrators
• Colorists
• Letterers

All submissions must be set within one of the following Mad Cave titles:

• Exit City
• Dark Pyramid
• Endless Night
• Sanction

Each creator may send one submission, but keep in mind that the project you could potentially be working on may or may not be set in the same universe as your submission.

Only submissions that follow these guidelines, and are submitted through Mad Cave Studios’ 2025 Talent Search Submission Form, will be reviewed.

Key Dates:

• Submissions Open: June 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM EST
• Deadline to Submit: August 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
• Winners Announced: October 2025

Ready to bring your voice to the Cave? Submit your work for a chance to collaborate with our editorial team and become part of the next generation of Mad Cave talent. Submissions are open now—don’t miss your shot!