⚡ TOP-7 EVENTS IN THE WORLD OF VISUAL STORIES FOR JULY 2026👇

1️⃣ Marvel goes native webtoon
🌐 about.webtoon.com/press-release/252
What happened: 3 original Marvel series created from scratch for vertical scroll were announced. 20+ more comics have already been adapted for WEBTOON.
Why it's interesting: big names started creating content for webtoons "from scratch" rather than just "slicing old pages for mobile."

2️⃣ Webtoon heroes step out of frames
🌐 ir.webtoon.com/news-releases/ne…and-character-driven
What happened: WEBTOON and Genies are preparing 3D avatars, chats with heroes, hidden lore, and digital collectibles. Pilot starts with 3 titles.
Why it's interesting: new technologies penetrate deeper, the story becomes much more than just a story.

3️⃣ Comics on Kickstarter
🌐 publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topi…kstarter-comics.html
What happened: in 2024, 3,414 campaigns raised $46.5 million, over 67% got funded; median project - $17,500.
Why it's interesting: an example of getting funding from fans before the print run.

4️⃣ 1,100+ works competed for Global Comic Awards
🌐 celsys.com/en/topic/2026070602
What happened: the main prize of $3,250 went to the short comic The Long Sleep; winners may be noticed by JumpTOON, KADOKAWA, and other publishers.
Why it's interesting: to be seen, you don't have to draw 100 episodes.

5️⃣ All-Russian award for comic authors launched
🌐 libkids51.ru/news/2026/07/26/1630/
What happened: submissions are open for the "Book Frame" award in comics and visual literature. You can participate alone or in a team of up to 5 people. Applications are accepted until September 30, and the exhibition of best works and award ceremony will take place on October 23–25, 2026.
Why it's interesting: this is a real entry point for aspiring authors, you can show a finished story to the professional community, gain publicity, and add participation in the award to your portfolio.

6️⃣ Russia and Korea moved from talks to negotiations
🌐 licensing-in-russia.com/news/no…ey-v-sfere-vebtunov/
What happened: on July 7–8, Rus-Kor Webtoon meetings took place in Moscow. 6 Korean companies participated; memorandums were signed with Eksmo and Media-Telecom.
Why it's interesting: a positive signal for international cooperation in this field.

7️⃣ Russian webtoon reached the 7th printed book
🌐 bubble.ru/product/physical-bubb…-7-za-dvumya-zaicami
What happened: on July 17, the 140-page "BUBBLE Lynx. Book 7" was released, a continuation of the Russian webtoon series that already has digital issues and merch.
Why it's interesting: how one of the most famous names in the industry is developing.

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