Hey gang - Ryan Cady here, writer of Magdalena, Warframe, etc etc.
I promised Matt I'd help with the Talent Hunt again this year, so I'll be hanging around this thread every once in awhile and answering questions when I can. It'll be sporadic, but I'll try to get everyone the help they need. First thing's first, let me address some repeated questions -
1.You're welcome to draw more than 5 pages. You're welcome to write more than one script. I personally do not recommend it. I've been a judge on this Talent Hunt for 4 years, and never has there been an instance where quantity clinched it for anyone. You're much better off using that time to make sure that your submission is polished, pristine, and presentable.
2. The files can be submitted in any format that Adobe Photoshop will open. If you want meaningless brownie points, send via dropbox/link instead of as a direct email attachment, because our TALENT HUNT folder is getting kinda chunky with heavy emails. Either way, PLEASE do not send giant-size, high res files. It will upset us. Save those for when you win and you're uploading your paid work to our official FTP.
3. Treat this the way you would treat a real for-hire gig. Except, I mean, you have a really long time to do it and you only need to submit 5 pages/1 script. But I mean that you should be professional, patient, and chill. Take the script as a working artist would, execute it in your style, and be proud of it. Write an issue that fits with the tone of the universe but also puts your mark on it. Quality is key.
4. It's fine if you submit your stuff early, but don't expect to hear back from anyone until after the deadline. No one will even be looking at these submissions until after the deadline.
5. Don't be a dick. Seriously. Obviously not to anyone at Top Cow...because, duh, they're the ones evaluating you, but also to people in this thread and on twitter and stuff. This industry doesn't need anymore assholes. As I tell my D&D players, always observe the 'rule of cool.'
Have fun. Do your best. I promise, it'll be all right.