Mad Cave Studios Opens Submissions For 2025 Talent Search
by Brendan M. Allen
Mad Cave Studios’ 8th Annual Talent Search is officially open for submissions. The initiative, which has seen talents like David Hassan and Sarah Cooke emerge, continues to shine a light on bold, original voices who haven’t yet had the opportunity to break into the comics industry. Mad Cave’s goal is simple, but powerful; to give aspiring creators the opportunity many only dream of.
“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.
More than a “foot in the door,” the Mad Cave Talent Search is a launchpad. Over the years, it has helped rising creators break into the industry and build lasting careers.
David Hazan, winner of Mad Cave’s 2019 Talent Search, is proof that this isn’t just a one-time assignment and 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!
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, keeping in mind that the project they could potentially be working on may or may not be set in the same universe as their submission.
Only submissions that follow the contest guidelines, and are submitted through Mad Cave Studios’ 2025 Talent Search Submission Form, will be reviewed. Complete guidelines and submission form are found at this link.
Submissions are currently open. The submission deadline is August 29, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST, and winners will be announced in October.
