[COLLABORATION] Looking for a Manga Artist for an Original Dark Fantasy / Horror Project
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Hello everyone!
I'm an independent writer and creator currently looking for a manga artist interested in collaborating on an original dark fantasy / supernatural horror project called Blood and Steel (Du sang et d'acier).
The Story
At sixteen, Gunko returns to Japan after spending seven years abroad. He expects nothing more than to inherit his late grandfather's old house.
But deep inside the attic, he discovers an ancient relic that completely changes his life.
He is soon dragged into a hidden world existing beneath ordinary society, where the Calamities — monstrous creatures that feed on human flesh, blood and humanity's darkest vices — hunt their prey.
To survive, Gunko joins the Order, a secret organization dedicated to hunting them.
Their most powerful weapons are the Jiketsu — living, conscious swords that form a symbiotic bond with their wielders and grant them superhuman abilities through an energy called the Flux, the life force of the soul.
But there is a terrible price:
Once someone awakens a Jiketsu, they have only fifteen years left to live.
Gunko is forced to accept this symbiosis and enter a secret war that has existed for generations.
As he discovers more about the Order, the Calamities and the Jiketsu, he begins to realize that the boundary between human and monster is not as clear as he once believed.
What I'm looking for
I'm looking for an artist who is interested in manga and sequential storytelling, particularly someone who enjoys:
Dark fantasy and supernatural horror
Character design
Sword fights and action
Monster / creature design
Japanese environments
Dramatic and emotional storytelling
Worldbuilding
I'm not looking for someone who simply wants to make a single illustration. I'd like to find someone who could potentially become a long-term creative partner as the project develops.
About the collaboration
I want to be transparent: I'm currently an independent creator and I don't have the financial resources to fully fund a manga project at this stage.
I'm therefore looking for an artist who genuinely likes the concept and would be interested in discussing a possible creative collaboration.
I'm not expecting someone to work for free indefinitely. My goal is to find the right person first, develop the project together, and explore possible ways to make the project financially viable as it grows.
I already have a substantial amount of material developed, including the story, characters, world, power system and overall direction, and I can share more with anyone interested.
If the concept interests you, please send me a DM with your portfolio and a little information about yourself.
Even if you're not available for a full collaboration, I'd still be happy to hear your thoughts.
Language
French is my native language, but I can communicate and collaborate comfortably in both French and English. English-speaking artists are therefore very welcome!
Thank you for reading! 🙏