2000 AD Writer and Artist Talent Search, Hokis, Focus!, New Manga, and The Zeros
From Rebellion, Nakama Press, and Manga Mavericks
Here are the pieces of the latest comics news and comic previews, including:
The return of the 2000 AD Writer and Artist Talent Search.
Magic and manga from Nakama Press.
New manga from Manga Mavericks.
And The Zeros by Man Tsang.
The 2000 AD Writer and Artist Talent Searches Return For Thought Bubble 2026
Back for Thought Bubble and looking for the next stars of 2000 AD and Judge Dredd Megazine, it’s the 2000 AD Writer and Artist Talent Search!
Do you have what it takes to be a 2000 AD creator? We’re looking for the best new talent to join The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic as the 2000 AD Talent Search returns for Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2026!
This is our annual search for the next generation of great new comics talent – with the prize of paid work with the comic book 2000 AD, where legendary creators such as Alan Moore, Jock, Brian Bolland, Al Ewing, Si Spurrier, DaNi, Charlie Adlard and many more got their big break. This is the only Talent Search of its kind anywhere in the World, in partnership with Thought Bubble UK – and exclusive to the Festival!
Previous winners like Rory McConville, Laura Bailey, Tom Foster, Honor Vincent, Sinu Senan and Will Morris have all gone to regular work with the Galaxy’s Greatest Comic and beyond – and you could be joining them! Whether you’re into sci-fi, horror, fantasy or anything in between: everyone is welcome, and we’re especially looking for pitches from women and creators from marginalised communities.
For artists, we have a published Time Twisters script from the mighty Rob Williams called “The Prophect of Lekbith The Great And Terrible” for you to download and draw. Bring your pages to the 2000 AD booth at Thought Bubble on Saturday 14th November and you’ll be able to receive a short portfolio review from our editors. The shortlisted entrants will then be invited to attend the Artist Talent Search Panel on Sunday 15th November, where the winner will be decided by our ace panel of judges!
For writers, we’d like you to pitch us a two-minute idea for a Future Shock story. This is a five page story which has a twist on the last page – and has been a foundational part of 2000 AD since the beginning! Register your name on Saturday 15th November at the 2000 AD booth and on Sunday 15th November we’ll hold our Writer Talent Search Panel, where we’ll select as many entrants as possible through random ballot to stand up before a team of judges and pitch their story LIVE!
The use of generative AI in the creation of work is prohibited, and any entry found to be using AI within their creative process will be removed and banned from future entry.
You can only enter the contests if you’re physically attending this year’s Thought Bubble Festival – head to the official site page here for full terms, conditions, and information on how to take part in both the Artist Talent Search and the Writer Talent Search!
So get your pitches perfected and get working on some weirdness, Earthlets – we’ll see you at Thought Bubble!
Read the full competition details and terms & conditions here!
A Magical Mishap Sparks the Adventure of a Lifetime
Coming in September from Nakama Press is a middle-grade fantasy book, Hokis, Focus!
Magic is powerful. Paying attention is harder., Mad Cave Studios' Nakama Press
This fallbrings middle-grade readers HOKIS, FOCUS!, a charming fantasy adventure co-created by writer Ian Flynn (Archie, Sonic the Hedgehog) and Harvey Award-nominated artist Ryan Jampole (Geronimo Stilton, Miraculous Ladybug), with Eisner Award-winning letterer Taylor Esposito. Filled with magical mishaps, eccentric creatures, and a lovable cast of companions, HOKIS, FOCUS! delivers a laugh-filled quest about friendship, growth, and finding your focus when the world refuses to slow down.
An easily distracted young wizard named Hokis is on a magical quest across a fanciful world full of adventure, hijinks, and laughs. Alongside her frog companion Pokis, Hokis sets out in search of the powerful arcane relic known as the Yundu. To find it, she'll need to survive the spooky paths of Spiderweave Glade, the icy storms of Sunblister Valley, and the questionable cuisine of Grimlawn. Along the way, she'll encounter talking spiders, talking skeletons, talking flames, and a very well-meaning but chatty ogre named Ugh.
Though Hokis commands powerful magic, the elements don't bow to just anyone—especially a novice wizard with a tendency to lose focus. As the journey unfolds, she'll discover that mastering magic may be easier than learning what it truly means to be a good friend.
“I've always enjoyed fun, fanciful stories, so creating one of our own with Hokis, Focus! is a treat. I've also always been astounded by Ryan’s immense talent, so it's always great to collaborate with him again. This story is fresh, funny, and born entirely out of a desire to create something wonderful.” —Ian Flynn
“When Ian and I first sat down to come up with Hokis, Focus! our goal was to tell a fun adventure story, a journey with a lovable cast of goofballs! I hope people enjoy exploring the world as much as we enjoyed creating it.” —Ryan Jampole
Blending classic fantasy adventure with humor, heart, and memorable characters, Hokis, Focus! brings a fast-paced story that invites readers into a world where every mistake can become an adventure—and every adventure is an opportunity to grow.
Hokis, Focus! goes on sale September 22, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 9781545832462 | $10.99). Preorder through your local comic shop, bookstore, or wherever books are sold.
Manga Mavericks Books Announces 3 New Manga Licenses at 2026 Anime Expo
Motionless, The Sword Of Paros and Hero Company are all coming soon from Manga Mavericks.
Manga Mavericks Books, a manga publisher serving the English market from Manga Mavericks LLC, announced 3 newly licensed titles during its panel at Anime Expo 2026 that will be added to its catalog in the first half of 2027.
The latest releases include the gag comedy manga MOTIONLESS by Quick Obake (published in Japan by TWO VIRGINS), which is scheduled for release in print and digital formats in February 2027, the classic shojo fantasy manga THE SWORD OF PAROS by Kaoru Kurimoto and Yumiko Igarashi (published in Japan by FAIRBELL), which is scheduled to be released in a deluxe edition format and eBook format in April 2027, and the action hero manga HERO COMPANY by Kazuhiko Shimamoto (published in Japan by HERO’S INC.), which is scheduled for release in both print and digital in a 2-in-1 omnibus format starting in June 2027.
Once He Was Karma's Deadliest Weapon. Now His Past Wants Him Back.
Action and espionage coming soon from Nakama Press with The Zeros Vol. 1.
Mad Cave Studios’ Nakama Press imprint is proud to announce the English-language release of THE ZEROS VOL. 1, a pulse-pounding action-espionage graphic novel blending crime, high-stakes action, and personal reckoning.
Written and illustrated by Man Tsang, with translation and lettering by Book Buddy Media, The Zeros Vol. 1 introduces readers to a former assassin whose past refuses to stay buried.
Once known as one of the deadliest assassins in the feared organization Karma, Pak Ling walked away from a life of violence after a mission ended in tragedy. For five years, he’s stayed hidden—trying to outrun the past he helped create.
But the past doesn’t stay buried.
When new threats emerge, Pak Ling is forced back into a world of covert operations, shadowy alliances, and unfinished business. As old enemies resurface and loyalties are tested, he must confront the choices that defined him—and decide whether redemption is truly possible.
Known for a bold visual style and cinematic storytelling, Tsang has crafted a fast-moving, action-packed thriller with morally complex characters and escalating tension. Drawing from both Eastern and Western storytelling traditions, The Zeros delivers a compelling blend of espionage, crime drama, and character-driven suspense.
Editor Kristen Simon is hyped for readers to dive into a story that delivers far more than action alone:
"Man Tsang delivers much more than an action thriller. Beneath the explosive battles and covert intrigue is a compelling story about guilt, redemption, and the difficult choices that define who we become. The Zeros is a fast-paced, emotionally grounded series that keeps surprising you at every turn."
Perfect for readers who enjoy the stylish action of John Wick, the criminal underworld intrigue of Lazarus, and the moral complexity of modern espionage thrillers, The Zeros is a tale of consequences, survival, and the struggle to outrun the person you used to be.
The Zeros Vol. 1 arrives September 8, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 781545832424 | $10.99). Readers can preorder through their local comic shop, bookstore, or preferred online retailer.
