We’re looking for the latest, greatest mini-comics
Each year the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo enthusiastically supports self-published comics by awarding MICE Mini-Grants to independent creators.
We are thrilled to celebrate the hard work and talents of our exhibitors through our Mini-Grants, which offer funding to help creators print their work, provide focused marketing and promotional support, and a top-notch distribution channel for their comics thanks to our partner, Radiator Comics.
about our grants
MICE 2026 exhibitors are encouraged to submit previously unpublished mini-comics for consideration up until September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM. This year, we will award 15 MICE Mini-Grants of $150 each! In addition, a Special Guest Judge will select a grand prize winner amongst those 15 recipients and receive an additional $500. See Guidelines.
who can apply?
Only confirmed MICE 2026 exhibitors can apply for a MICE Mini-Grant here.
our partners
The Mini-Grant program includes a distribution partnership with Radiator Comics, which offers winning entries an open opportunity for retail and online distribution. More info below.
Want to support MICE Mini-Grants?
When you give a donation to the Boston Comic Arts Foundation 501(c)(3), you can specify that you’d like your tax-deductible gift to go toward MICE Mini-Grants. Whether it’s large or small, 100% of MICE Mini-Grant donations go directly to creators and support the best in new, local comics, year after year.
timeline for applicants
Recipients will be selected from submissions entered by September 30, 2026. Each application will be assessed by the Mini-Grant jury, made up of members of the MICE staff. Applicants will be notified of their status by November 1, 2026. All Mini-Grant recipients will be announced to the public on November 22, 2026.
timeline for Winners
Start printing your mini-comics with the printer of your choice!
by November 13, 2026
Fill out payment & information forms with MICE and intent to distribute your comics with Radiator Comics.
November 22, 2026
Mini-Grant recipients will be announced at the MICE Preview Party!
by decemBER 11, 2026
Mail 10-20 copies of your comic to Radiator Comics or drop them off with MICE staff during the show, and we will mail them to Radiator Comics on your behalf. More info below.
MICE kindly requests that one copy of your winning comic be donated so that we may put it on display during the show.
Guidelines to apply
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Only confirmed MICE 2026 exhibitors may apply for the 2026 MICE Mini-Grant.
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New self-published print mini-comics are eligible for MICE Mini-Grants.
"Hey, does my webcomic count?"
Sure, if you intend to make a print version!
"How new is new?"
New this year or new to MICE 2026. Email us if you’re not sure.
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An application and review material must be submitted by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:59pm by logging into our Creator Portal accessible via the application link below.
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Only submit works that can be completed and printed by MICE on December 5 - 6, 2026.
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A link to a PDF is acceptable (this goes for links to OneDrive, DropBox, Google Drive, etc.) - Please refrain from submitting your comic via a link to any social media accounts as well as personal online portfolios.
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Review materials must include all interior comic pages whether they are finished or in-progress. Cover images or photos of the printed comic are optional but encouraged. See sample PDF comic.
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All review materials should be attached to your application as a PDF linked from a share folder. Click here for a guide on how to create a pdf file. MICE will not be responsible for any broken links, it is your responsibility as the applicant to make sure your comic is accessible. As a precaution, MICE will be sending out follow ups in our application reminder emails to make sure that you check to see the link to your comic is working.
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One entry per person or creative team.
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If your comic is in a foreign language, please include an English translation.
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Your comic must be self-published.
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We are looking for all kinds of comics on all kinds of topics, from adult themes to comics for kids.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to mice@bostoncomicarts.org!
what we're offering
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$150 to 15 chosen recipients to go towards printing their comic.
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An additional $500 grand prize to one of the 15 recipients by our Special Guest Judge.
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A feature on our website and at MICE 2026.
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An optional opportunity for online distribution through Radiator Comics. In order to participate, recipients must be able to mail their desired number of printed comics available for sale to Radiator Comics by December 11, 2026, OR recipients may bring their comics to MICE 2026 and MICE staff will ship your comics to Radiator Comics on your behalf.
working with Radiator Comics
How does distribution through Radiator Comics work?
Great question! Radiator Comics sells comics through their website to individuals around the world as well as stores and educational institutions. Radiator carries comics on a consignment basis, which means you send them your comics and are paid when they sell at 65% of the cover price. Radiator Comics has an automatic quarterly payout-schedule, so you don't have to request payment. Radiator Comics' distribution rights are non-exclusive, so you're encouraged to also sell through your own site/shop, and work with other distributors too! Have additional questions on how it all works? Please reach out to mice@bostoncomicarts.org!
Apply for a MICE Mini-Grant!
Applications are available until September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
We’re happy to answer any further questions! Please get in touch with the MICE team at mice@bostoncomicarts.org.