FRAMES UNBOUND – Comics without Borders!
The comic contest of the ComicInvasionBerlin 2026 Festival
This year we invite you to Break the Barrier!
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Our contest theme FRAMES UNBOUND is a celebration of boundless creativity – a call to shatter conventions, explore new forms, and tell stories that transcend borders – both real and imagined.
What does that mean for your comic?
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No panels? No problem! Your story doesn't have to be squeezed into boxes. It can flow like a great waterfall across the page(s) or unfold like a labyrinth!
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What happens when characters break out of their panels? Perhaps your character simply climbs out of the picture and continues next door?
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Who or what do you want to set free? Your thoughts? Your imagination? A character that doesn't fit into a stereotype? Show us a world without barriers and prejudices!
Send us your comic story on the theme FRAMES UNBOUND by January 30, 2026!
Prizes include a selection of German and Korean comic books, ComicInvasionBerlin merchandise, an official certificate, comic workshops with professional comic artists, and – for adults – mentoring sessions with experienced comic creators to develop a larger project, for example to apply for the Berlin Comics Grant!
Who can participate?
Berlin residents of all ages can participate.
Age groups:
- Children: up to 10 years
- Youth: 11 to 17 years
- Adults: 18 years and older
Comic Format & Requirements
- Paper size A4 (upright)
- 1–2 pages
- Black and white or color
- min. 300 DPI resolution
- all common image formats up to max. 15 MB
- one submission per person
- no AI-generated material allowed
