Ai Yazawa in the lab?

I don’t usually post press releases in full, but this one looks good.

Call for Proposals

Attention Manga/Graphic Novel Artists and Writers!

Do you have a special affection for and knowledge about science? Can you make that come alive in a graphic novel or series of Mangas featuring girls who solve mysteries, go on big adventures, or otherwise make their way in the world using their knowledge of real science to help them?

As part of a National Science Foundation grant, The Feminist Press is exploring new ways to interest girls and young women in science. We want to take advantage of the explosion of interest in graphic novels to publish a new Manga series for girls (along the lines of Ai Yazawa, Junko Mitsuno (a little less dark, perhaps), Yukito Kishiro, Kaori Yuki, etc.) that uses real science in exciting ways as part of the plot. We would like the interpersonal/relationship appeal of shojo, but some of the action and adventure of shonen. Outer space, underground, and fantastic narratives are acceptable as long as they are grounded in scientific fact. The stories need to be exciting and accessible to non-scientific readers. They need to show, not tell, how science works, and they need to be inspiring for the next generation ofgirls who will become the scientists of the future. Bring on your riveting adventure stories, real and imagined! Detectives, partners in crime-solving, forensics, chemists, computer programmers, engineers, etc. might be involved.

All proposals will be reviewed. Several proposals will be offered standard contracts.

Publisher: The Feminist Press at The City University of New York as part of a National Foundation grant. (see feministpress.org)

Deadline: October 31, 2006

Format: For writers, proposals should be double spaced word docs or pdfs describing the project, the plot, characters, and length. For artists, up to four sample boards relating to this project for look and feel, and a portfolio (can be online). For writer/artists, combine both in your proposal. Images embedded in the file should be included as small jpgs. Please do not send emails with over 1 MB attachments.

How to submit: Electronic submission to mary@maryflanagan.com with the subject line “MANGA.” Please include in the body of the email your address, phone number, email address, and a short bio. Please also attach information on prior published work on a resume, and for artists, a link to your portfolio.