Mad Cave Studios Announces 2025 Talent Search Winners

The wait is over! From thousands of submissions to eight rising stars, Mad Cave Studios welcomes its newest breakout talent, announcing the winners of the 2025 Talent Search. The contest is now in its eighth year of spotlighting bold, emerging voices in comics. Each year, the program invites aspiring writers, artists, colorists, and letterers from around the world to showcase their craft for a chance to collaborate professionally with Mad Cave’s editorial team. The event is a testament to the publisher’s commitment to discovering and nurturing new talent.

First announced in June 2025, this year’s Talent Search welcomed creators to develop stories within one of four eligible Mad Cave universes, including Exit City, Dark Pyramid, Endless Night, and Sanction. After an incredible showing of talent from around the world, the publisher introduces eight emerging creators chosen to join its ranks, continuing their mission to champion fresh, diverse voices in comics.

1st place Writer Jennifer Liao, a filmmaker and TV director.

1st Place Artist Agus Calcagno, a Buenos Aires–based illustrator and educator with over twenty years of experience in sequential art.

1st Place Colorist Pedro Estouco, a Brazilian comic book creator who discovered the world of comic book coloring in October 2023 and began working professionally full-time in April 2024.

1st Place Letterer Marina Leon, a graphic designer and comic letterer based in Argentina.

Congratulations to this year’s winners! From 2019 winners David Hazan and Shane Connery Volk’s Nottingham to this year’s boundary-pushing creators, Mad Cave continues to champion new voices and emerging talent, demonstrating its commitment to creating opportunity and growth across the comics industry.