The Zimbabwe Manga and Comic Book Awards, presented by Otaku Konnect at Nakamarket, are set to spotlight the creative talent of Zimbabwean comic book artists and mangaka, giving fans a unique platform to celebrate and recognize exceptional work. Created to foster appreciation and growth within the local manga and comic book community, these awards not only highlight artistry but also aim to inspire creators to produce new content each year.
Hosted by Otaku Konnect, the organization responsible for hosting Zimbabwe’s first anime convention, OTAKUKON Anime Festival, these awards are set to become an annual fixture within the calendar, complementing the festival’s existing cosplay and gaming events. Set to debut at the upcoming Nakamarket event, the awards promise an exciting addition to the vibrant atmosphere Otakukon events are known for.
Awards Categories and Judging Criteria
The awards have four core categories: Best Comic Book, Best Manga, Best Cover Art, and Best Narrative or Storyline. Each category highlights different aspects of the creation process, from inking skills to storytelling ability, providing a well-rounded approach to evaluating talent in the industry. Categories like Best Cover Art and best Narrative or Storyline will allow comic book artists and mangaka to compete side by side, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition.
We appreciate that this is the first iteration of these awards despite Zimbabwe having a rich history comic books, that is older than 10 years. That being said, we will have two broader categories that nominations will fall into; Historic and New. Historic will allow for nominations of all comic books and Manga published before 1 January 2024 while the ‘New’ category will cater for all publications from this year (2024). Going forward
How the Nominations and Voting Work
These awards are fan-based.
In keeping with the fan-centric spirit of Otakukon, the awards will be entirely fan-voted. Artists can nominate themselves, or fans can nominate their favorite creators, opening the process up to everyone. During the nomination period, artists will have the opportunity to share links to their works on the nomination page, allowing the community to explore and discover new Zimbabwean manga and comic book content.
The nomination period will run from November 1st to November 30th, and voting will take place from December 1st to December 7th, just ahead of Nakamarket. This structure builds excitement, allowing ample time for fans to explore each artist’s work while keeping the voting period focused and engaging.
Encouraging Creativity and Growth
The Zimbabwe Manga and Comic Book Awards aim to uplift creators and inspire them to keep producing quality work, fostering a vibrant community around Zimbabwean manga and comics. As the awards become an annual tradition, they’ll offer an ongoing incentive for artists to produce new chapters and showcase their latest work, helping to drive the local industry forward.
By celebrating local talent and introducing it to a broader audience, the awards are set to become a cornerstone of Otakukon’s impact on the cultural landscape, both within Zimbabwe and on the international stage.
Announcement of Winners
The winners of the first edition of the Zimbabwe Manga and Comic Book Awards will be announced at Nakamarket on the 8th of December at Moto Republik. Tickets to Nakamarket, an experimental, first-of-its-kind market-based event by Otaku Konnect are already for sale via our social media pages. www.instagram.com/otakukonnect