Welcome to The Big Gay Comic Jam!
Because I'm a big gay, and I wanna see more comics featuring all of us.
In this ranked jam, participants will have 30 days to submit an original, 6+ page comic featuring at least one LGBTQIA+ main character. It's bragging rights to play for, plus the satisfaction of having crafted your very own story!
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SCHEDULE
November 1st ⏰ 4PM Central European Time - Jam starts! Participants (that's you!) get to work and submit entries.
December 1st ⏰ 4PM Central European Time - Jam ends, voting and judging begins. Host (that's me) and participants read, rate, and comment on submissions. Use this time to give feedback and gush about your peers!
December 14th ⏰ 4PM Central European Time - Voting and judging ends.
December 14th ⏰ 9PM Central European Time - Ranking goes public, winners are revealed on stream, page will be updated with winners, and the jam will be over!
RULES
- Participants can be anyone aged 18 or older. You do not have to be queer to participate. You can work alone, or you can work in a team of up to 3. Post in the Jam Community to find jam partners such as line-artists, colorists, writers, letterers, and marketers!
- Submissions must include at least one LGBTQIA+ main character, which will be asked about publicly in your submission entry. Furthermore, if applicable, you must list any pairings (i.e. M/M, TF/NB, cis F/trans M) on your project page. (Why? So people can easily find their food. 🍴)
- All work allowed within Itch's content guidelines is permitted, which includes mature work. Flag for NSFW accordingly. Content warnings must be visible in some way either on your page or linked elsewhere. (Not sure how to write content warnings? Here's some guides!)
- Original work or public domain work only! No fan work (unless you file the serial numbers off, but be smart about it.)
- The comic must be a minimum of 6 pages, IN ADDITION TO the cover, credits, extras, etc . There is no maximum page limit, though keep in mind long comics will be a bigger ask for fellow contestants to rate. Digital or traditional is welcome, as long as it results in a comic that can be read.
- You are free to submit an already-finished comic if it was made this year (2026). You may also get started ahead of time, or submit WIPs. You may also submit your entry to other jams. (If you're applying for Best Jam Exclusive, I trust you to be honest.)
- Premade assets made entirely by humans (fonts, 3d models, references, stock photos, backgrounds, etc) are allowed, however be sure you license and credit them accordingly. If you use an asset that you made yourself (i.e. tracing over a model you posed in Clip Studio Paint, or editing a photo you took on your phone), disclaiming that is encouraged but not required.
- Free, PWYW, and paid submissions all welcome. However, it's recommended you either make it PWYW or provide a small number of community copies during the submission/voting period! This way, it makes it easier for participants to be able to enjoy your work. Afterwards, you can do whatever you want forever.
- Finally, NO genAI usage whatsoever in any step of the process.
THEME
The theme is…
Itty Bitty
Not sure how to interpret it? Here's some ideas to get you going!
- A character that is short/small in stature, has something small about them, or becomes small
- Tiny objects like coins, rings, beads, screws, earbuds, the world's smallest violin, etc.
- Featuring bugs, mice, fairies, birds, gnomes, dolls, or other small beings
- A short comic whose story perfectly matches the 6-page minimum
- A comic that can be printed like a zine, on a single A4 sheet of paper
- A story that condenses a public domain work that is known for being much longer
- Characters feeling small due to claustrophobic spaces, or feeling small emotionally
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RATING CRITERIA
- 🎨 POLISH: Comics are a visual medium, so how is the art? Does the comic look like effort was put into it? Do the choices made in the line work, values, character designs, and backgrounds feel intentional and cohesive? Whether the comic is in greyscale or color, is it making the most of its medium?
- 📚 STORYTELLING: Comics tell a story, does this one tell it well? Does the composition of panels and subjects guide you? Does the dialogue and text make sense and paint a clear narrative? Are any of the elements presented in a way that resonates with you or creates a strong sense of atmosphere?
- 💬 LETTERING: This is an often neglected step in comic-making, but crucial to it nonetheless. Are the speech bubbles places that make sense and have a good flow? Is the typography readable while still having a sense of character/voice to it?
- 🎞️ PRESENTATION: First impressions are important for sharing and marketing your comic. Is the comic's front cover representative of the interior in some way? Is the project page well-formatted, and does it contain information that will hook its target readers in?
- 🔮 THEME: This current jam's theme is Itty Bitty. Does the comic feel like it fits the theme at all?
JUDGES CHOICE AWARDS
In addition to the rated winners, I will also be showcasing three submissions that feature some special themes!
- 🏳️🌈 Best Entry With a Trans Protagonist: The main character must be transgender/non-binary.
- 🍯 Best Jam Exclusive: The comic must be brand-new made specifically with The Big Gay Comic Jam in mind.
- ✒️ Best Grayscale Entry: The comic must be entirely in black, white, and gray.
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OTHER JAMS YOU CAN SUBMIT TO
The Transhet Jam #2 - For entries that involve a relationship between at least one trans person and someone else of a different gender! Ends November 5th.
Lesbian Vampire Jam 2 - For entries that focus on lesbians who are vampires! Ends November 9th.
Genderfreak Jam - For entries that play with gender and eroticism! Ends November 15th.
The Queer Medieval Jam - For entries containing queer characters in a medieval setting! Ends December 1st.
Yuri Jam 2026 - For entries centered on sapphic relationships! Ends December 1st.
COMIC-MAKING RESOURCES
rapidpunches' Crash Course on How to Make a 12-page Comic
Mieri Hiranishi's How to Write Manga Even if You Suck at Art
Gonzalo Recio's Screentone Generator
ArtCrumbs' guide to Paneling and Flow
The several free and no-AI fonts available on Itch
The many free and no-AI backgrounds available on Itch
Fonts by Blambot and Darrell Flood. For questions, contact me either on Bluesky or thru email at montdsigns@gmail.com.
