WAM! 2.0 – 28 States, 28 Cities
WAM! (WAVES Anime & Manga Contest) is India’s national platform for discovering, nurturing and showcasing the country’s next generation of creators in Anime, Manga, and Webtoon storytelling.
Conceptualized as a creator-first movement, WAM! bridges grassroots talent with industry, policy and global creative ecosystems. It is designed to identify original voices, enable structured growth and build a long-term pipeline for India’s animation and comic storytelling future.
WAM! is executed by Media & Entertainment Association of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as part of the Create in India Challenge.
A National Creative Movement
WAM! is not a one-time contest. It is a pan-India, multi-stage creative ecosystem that reaches deep into states, cities and institutions, while culminating on a national and international stage.
Through physical state-level events, zonal showcases and a national finale, WAM! enables creators to move from local discovery to national recognition in a structured and merit-driven manner.
Creative Verticals
WAM! celebrates three globally relevant storytelling formats:
• Manga – Japanese-style comic art
• Webtoon – Mobile-first digital comics with global reach
• Anime – Japanese-inspired animated storytelling
Each vertical is evaluated by domain experts, ensuring fairness, quality and industry relevance.
Inclusive Participation
WAM! is designed to support creators at different stages of their journey:
• Student Category – Participants aged 21 and below
• Professional Category – Participants aged 22 and above
Anime entries are team-based, encouraging collaboration, while Manga and Webtoon allow individual creators to showcase personal vision and craft.
Structured National Format
• State-Level Events across all 28 states of India
• Zonal Finales across North, South, East, West, and Central India
• Grand Finale at WAVES, where national winners are crowned
In total, WAM! creates a pathway from grassroots participation to national champions, offering visibility, validation and opportunity at every stage.
Beyond a Contest
WAM! is part of a larger creative ecosystem that also includes:
• VOX! – Voice-led storytelling and performance
• ARC – Original character and IP creation
Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive platform for nurturing India’s storytelling talent across formats and mediums.
Why WAM! Matters
• Builds a future-ready creator pipeline for India
• Encourages original IP creation rooted in global standards
• Connects creators with industry, brands, and platforms
• Aligns with India’s vision to become a global creative powerhouse
WAM! is where talent meets opportunity, and where India’s next generation of storytellers begin their journey to the world.
