December 1, 2025

Each year the Cartoonist Studio Prize will be awarded to work that exemplifies excellence in cartooning. The creators of two exceptional comics for this year will be awarded $500 each.

The two award categories for the 14th Cartoonist Studio Prize are Long-form Comic of the Year and Short-form Comic of the Year. 

This is a change from previous years, undertaken to reflect the shifting comics landscape and better spotlight the diversity and innovation of the small press and self-publishing scene. Both award categories are now open for print and web submissions, with eligibility determined by the length of the work.

The shortlist for each category will be announced in March. The two winning comics will be announced shortly after. 

Eligible long-form comics must be written in (or translated into) English and published in print or online between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 2025. Intended for sizable works produced over a lengthy period of time, such as graphic novels and webcomics published in long-term installments. Works over 100 pages are considered long-form. Creators or publishers may submit a comic 80 pages or above for consideration.

Eligible short-form comics must be written in (or translated into) English and published in print or online between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 2025. Intended for small and mid-length works such as minicomics, graphic novellas, and short webcomics or comics essays. Works under 80 pages are considered short-form. Creators or publishers may submit a comic 100 pages or under for consideration

Works between 80-100 pages may be submitted to either category based on the creator’s own judgment of the work’s density and format. This page count also applies to serialized works, which may be submitted to either category.

Submissions in both categories must be received by February 28, 2026.

For more information and submission form links, visit: cartoonstudies.org/studioprize