Due to the massive success of StripSearch, iCi EQUAL partners, Hi8us Midlands are launching StripSearch 2 an exciting talent finding competition for amateur comic illustrators, taking place in Birmingham, UK. StripSearch 2 is open to anyone over 16, who believes they have the talent and commitment needed to crack the comic industry. We are especially keen to receive submissions from female artists. The aim is to discover, nurture and inspire a new breed of graphic novel illustrators to pick up their pens and ink and show the rest of the world that Birmingham has more to offer than retail therapy. The deadline for submissions is Friday 10^th December 2004.

Over 5 Months, 10 finalists will work with some of the most well respected and professional comic illustrators in the UK, such as; John McCrea (X-Men, Batman and The Hulk), Hunt Emerson (Firkin the Cat, Alto Ego and Max Zillion) and Phil Winslade (2000AD, Daredevil and Spiderman). They may also get their work reviewed by one of the most successful female comic artists. The professionals invaluable experience of the industry and undisputed illustrative expertise will be used to support and develop the skills of the participants who, throughout the scheme, will work towards creating their own published comic book. The scheme will culminate in a VIP visit to the largest comic festival in the UK, where the finalists will have their work reviewed by other great comic artists and top executives from DC and Marvel comics.

Hi8us Projects Ltd is an established charity with an impressive history of utilising the skills of experts to guide amateurs, with professional results. ?We run so many arts & media projects within different communities and come across a great deal of untapped talent. This project is just one way of responding to the needs of the gifted individuals we know are out there.? Kulwant Dhaliwal, Hi8us Midlands Director. ?I would have loved the chance to be on this project when I was starting out,? comments John McCrea

Wannabe illustrators are asked to submit examples of their best and most recent work. We are looking for good photocopies of 2-4 pages of original continuous comic strip (no posters), preferably without lettering.

For further details about submissions contact Jemima Cattel on 0121 693 0242 or jemima@hi8us.co.uk