Taichung Original 4-Panel Manga Contest Countdown: City Offers Top Prize of NT$100,000 and Taichung Award of NT$50,000

Taiwan's comic creators, it's time to showcase your original spirit! The '2026 Taichung International Animation Expo' will be held from September 17 to 23, with its pre-event activity, the 'Taichung Original Short Manga Contest – Create Your Four-Page Universe,' offering a total prize pool of NT$200,000. Submissions are now in the final countdown. Luan Zhiyi, Director of the Taichung City Government Information Bureau, invites all talented comic artists across Taiwan to seize this opportunity and tell the most touching story in just four pages.

Director Luan stated that in addition to the NT$100,000 top prize, the contest features a special 'Taichung Award' of NT$50,000, encouraging creators to incorporate the city's landscapes, cuisine, cultural characteristics, or local heritage into their works. This is not only a challenge of artistic skill and narrative ability but also a stage to bring Taichung's stories into the spotlight. Submissions will close on July 31 at 23:59—don't miss out.

Luan added that to promote original manga, the Information Bureau is hosting a 'Manga Creation Workshop' in July, led by professional instructors who will guide participants through completing a four-page comic. Participants are encouraged to directly submit their final works for a chance at the top prize. From scriptwriting to panel layout and final drafts, the hands-on instruction aims to nurture emerging comic talents and help more creators shine on this platform.

The Information Bureau emphasized that the 'Taichung Original Short Manga Contest' breaks away from traditional long-form manga, focusing instead on flexible and fast-paced '4-page shorts.' There are no restrictions on themes—fantasy, school life, sci-fi, mystery, or slice-of-life stories are all welcome, as long as they are original. The expo aims to discover the next generation of manga stars through this contest.

The bureau reminds the public that the submission period ends on July 31. For guidelines and registration details, please visit (https://pse.is/92remu). All creators are encouraged to make the most of this final window and submit their entries now!

Additionally, the main '2026 Taichung International Animation Expo' will be held from September 17 to 23 at the Taichung City Hall on Taiwan Boulevard. In addition to indoor interactive exhibitions, the event will feature an animation concert, master lectures, idol flash mobs, and a creative market—must-see attractions for animation fans. For the latest updates, follow the official 'Taichung International Animation Expo' Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/TaiCAF).