OPEN CALL | COMICS + PROSE
              

                
ZENESIS is a brand new, bi-annual, large-format zine focused on short serialised comics, one-shot comics, illustrated prose stories and articles all focused on the broad speculative fiction genres of mecha, sci-fi and space-fantasy. 
You have until 31st March 2026 to send in your pitches. Read on for more information on what we’re looking for, and how to apply.

              

                
WHAT IS ZENESIS?
We love mecha, sci-fi and space fantasy. Think Mobile Suit Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Aura Battler Dunbine, Vision of Escaflowne, Outlaw Star, Cowboy Bebop, Star Wars, Dune, the works of Moebius, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and countless more sci-fi and space-fantasy worlds. This zine is a space to explore even more worlds through comics, prose, illustrations, articles and more.
ZENESIS will release twice a year, featuring one-shots (short self-contained comics that have a beginning, middle and end) as well as serialised stories (ones that span more than 1 chapter/issue). These stories and new worlds will be a mix of comics and illustrated prose (featuring guest illustrators). We will also feature articles exploring works and themes within these genres. 
This publication is inspired by Japanese manga magazines such as Shonen Jump, as well as publications such as Heavy Metal/Metal Hurlant, Animage, comic anthologies such as Warrior (UK) and 80s/90s indie zines.

              

    

  










  

      
  • 
            
    SUBMITTING COMICS
    We are looking for both short serialised comics (2-4 issues/chapters) as well as one-shots. These can explore any/all of the genres ZENESIS covers on. We want stories that explore the genres, focus on character and discover new exciting worlds. 
    We encourage a wide variety of art-styles and storytelling approaches. 
    Comics should be between 4-12 pages in length for a one-shot, or 8-12 pages per chapter for serialisation. 
    Requirements:
    • Black & white artwork only
    • Must be ORIGINAL and not previously published in print or online. This includes spin-offs or using characters from your other works.
    • Do NOT submit completed comics. We can’t guarantee to accept everything or pay everybody for their time, so please wait until we approve your work.
    • Must not be sexually explicit or contain extreme violence. Our target audience is 13+, and while most readers may be over 18, that’s just not our jam.
    • Any use of AI in the creation of the art or writing will be instantly rejected.
    
            
    
          
  • 
            
    SUBMITTING PROSE
    As with comics, one-shot short stories and short serialisations are what we’re looking for. Writing is a very different medium to comics, where worlds exist through language in our minds. We want vivid depictions of new worlds, cultures, conflicts, magic and technology. 
    Prose should be between 1500-2000 in length for a one-shot or per chapter for serialisation. 
    Requirements:
    • Must be ORIGINAL and not previously published in print or online. This includes spin-offs or using characters from your other works.
    • Do NOT submit completed stories. We can’t guarantee to accept everything or pay everybody for their time, so please wait until we approve your work.
    • Must not be sexually explicit or contain extreme violence. Our target audience is 13+, and while most readers may be over 18, that’s just not our jam.
    • Any use of AI in the creation of the art or writing will be instantly rejected.
    
            
    
          

    

  









  

    

      

                
HOW TO APPLY
Please prepare a detailed outline of your story, along with a short summary (max 100 words), a title, examples of your previous works and any references or moodboards you think will communicate your vision better.
Include a link to where we can download examples of work/moodboards/references. Google Drive or Dropbox link are best. Please make sure the link is still available to download until at least 30th April 2026 so that we don’t miss it (for example, please don’t use WeTranfer as links can expire).
You must be 18 or older
to take part.

              
SUBMIT NOW

                
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 31ST MARCH 2026

              

    

  










  

    

      

        



              FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
            

        

        

          

                

                  
                    
                    

                      What countries do you accept pitches from?
                    

                    

                  
                  

                    
We currently have no reason to exclude creators from any particular countries from submitting and appearing in the zine. We only ask that your work be in english and you have a legitimate way to receive payment, such as Paypal or Wise, if outside the UK.

                    
                  

                

              

                

                  
                    
                    

                      Can I pitch a comic/prose story that has already been published elsewhere?

                    

                    

                  
                  

                    
No. We are only looking for new and original stories that have not appeared online or in print before. 

                    
                  

                

              

                

                  
                    
                    

                      Will you accept more than one submission?
                    

                    

                  
                  

                    
Short answer: no. Please only submit ONE idea for this open call. Make it your strongest. If you have more than one amazing idea, please choose the one you are most excited about this time, and we may discuss other stories with you in the future.

                    
                  

                

              

                

                  
                    
                    

                      What if my story is not accepted?

                    

                    

                  
                  

                    
If your submission if not approved, you are welcome to apply to future open calls with a different or updated idea. All rights remain with you if not published within ZENESIS.

                    
                  

                

              

        

      

    

  









  

    

      

                
PAYMENT & RIGHTS
We are a small publisher; we do not have the resources of large corporations, so we aim to give creators a modest but fair payment for their work in addition to the opportunity to appear in the publication.
For comics, we are offering a base page rate of £25 per page, and prose a base rate of £0.10 per word. 
Each contributor will also get 5 copies of the zine in which their work appears to either keep or sell as they wish. All contributors will also have access to contributor copies at 50% off RRP.
The project will be funded via a crowdfunding campaign. We will factor in bonus payments based on the scale of contribution and scale of crowdfunding figure if we exceed our minimum funding goals/stretch goals.
Koguchi Press will have exclusive printing and digital rights to your comic or prose for a period of 2 years after the date of publication. After this period, Koguchi Press will retain non-exclusive print and digital rights in perpetuity. This means for the first two years after the zine issue comes out, you may not publish your submitted work elsewhere (if accepted and published), after that time, Koguchi Press may reprint your work (and/or sell it digitally) as part of further ZENESIS publications; however you will also be free to print and sell your work as you wish.
The creators will own their characters, artwork and all adaptation rights.