(Hong Kong, 24 July 2026) Organised by the Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation ("HKCAF"), with the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency ("CCIDA") as the lead sponsor, the 5th "Hong Kong Comics Support Programme" ("HKCSP") held its awards presentation ceremony today at the “Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong 2026” (“ACGHK”). The ceremony presented this year's Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, as well as the "Best Comics Story Award", "Best Comics Character Design Award" and "Merit Award". Representatives of the winning comics companies and their lead comic artists also shared the inspiration behind their works, their creative journeys and their reflections on receiving the awards.

To honour the exceptional works of the winning comic companies, artists, and their teams, the organisers were honoured to invite Miss Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, as the Guest of Honour. Mr. Tony Wong, Chairman of the HKCAF, delivered the welcoming remarks, and together with Miss Yvonne Ip, Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, renowned comic artists Mr. Ma Wing-shing, Mr. Lee Chi-ching, and Mr. Alan Wan, Vice Chairman of the HKCAF, presented the awards to the winners. In addition, the 17 selected local comics companies for the 5th HKCSP unveiled this year’s 17 brand-new original comic titles for the first time at the HKCSP Pavilion during ACGHK 2026.

Mr. Tony Wong, Chairman of the HKCAF, said at the Awards Ceremony: "We sincerely thank  CCIDA for their unwavering support of the HKCSP, which has enabled more local comics talent to fully unleash their creative potential. Since its launch, comics supported by the Programme have secured more than 50 overseas licensing agreements and have earned international recognition through 20 prestigious awards. We look forward to the HKCSP continuing to discover and nurture a new generation of outstanding comic artists, and through exhibitions and exchanges both locally or abroad, help local creators to produce more diverse and high-quality works that elevate Hong Kong comics onto the global stage and showcase their remarkable influence."

The 5th HKCSP received an enthusiastic response, attracting a record-high 101 applications. Following a rigorous selection and interview process, the professional judging panel assessed the applications based on multiple criteria, including the creativity of the proposed project, market potential, the production capability of the applicant's team, the artistic style and technical execution of the comic company and/or lead artist, as well as past achievements. 17 comics companies and their original comics projects were ultimately selected to participate in the HKCSP. Their brand-new original comics made their official debut at ACGHK 2026, showcasing a rich diversity of artistic styles and themes.

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17 selected companies received comprehensive supports from the 5th HKCSP, including:

1. A subsidy of up to HK$200,000 for the creation and publishing of an original comic, along with an additionalpromotional subsidy of up to HK$40,000, bringing the maximum subsidy amount to HK$240,000 per company.;

2. Expert guidance, training courses, timely advice and support;

3. To help the selected companies expand into local and overseas markets, the Programme organises a range of exhibitions and promotional activities, including participation in ACGHK 2026, Comic Fiesta 2026 in Malaysia, and a visit to the comic industry in the Greater Bay Area.

These platforms enable the selected companies to showcase their subsidised comics, increase their exposure, and explore new collaboration and business opportunities.

The 17 original comics produced under the 5th HKCSP will be exhibited and available for purchase from 24 to 28 July 2026 at the HKCSP Pavilion (Booth A03, Hall 1, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre) during ACGHK 2026. The lead comic artists will also attend in person to interact with readers.

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Winners List of the 5th HKCSP:

Award: HKCSP Gold  •  Name of Company: Catnip Comic Studio Co.  •  Name of Comic Artist: Ben Liu  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: One-off Dolly

Award: HKCSP Gold  •  Name of Company: L Industry  •  Name of Comic Artist: Li Chi Tak  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: heroess

Award: HKCSP Silver  •  Name of Company: MindExit Studio  •  Name of Comic Artist: Yorki Lee  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: Between the Tides

Award: HKCSP Bronze  •  Name of Company: Sugarcoat  •  Name of Comic Artist: Yuen Chun Kong (Jacob)  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: Final Lap!

Award: Best Comics Story Award  •  Name of Company: Airy Studio  •  Name of Comic Artist: Iu Hei Lun  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: Tidal Void

Award: Best Comics Character Design Award  •  Name of Company: Studio Five  •  Name of Comic Artist: Chan Chi Kwan  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: Bug & Buff

Award: Merit Award  •  Name of Company: DonutCafe  •  Name of Comic Artist: Hui Wing Yiu  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: Alice: Anatomized

Award: Merit Award  •  Name of Company: The Box Studio  •  Name of Comic Artist: Cheung Hon Wah (Wahkee)  •  Title of Subsidised Comic: The Ghetto Exorcist

For more information about the 5^th HKCSP, please visit: https://www.hkcsp.hk/5th/home.

The 17 selected local comic companies of the 5th HKCSP are as follows (In no particular order).

1)  Company Name: Airy Studio  •  Artist: Iu Hei Lun  •  Subsidised comics*: Tidal Void

In the future, the Sun collapses into a black hole, forcing humanity to live in underground cities. To escape reality, people immerse themselves in "Dream Machines" powered by rare postage stamps.

Transport worker Jimi is obsessed with a recurring "Sunset Dream" and the red-haired girl within it. Determined to stay in that golden afterglow forever, he sets out to find the legendary stamp “Tidal Void."

On his journey, he meets Morrow — a woman who looks exactly like the girl from his dream. To his shock, she plans to use the stamp to reignite the Sun and turn the black hole back into a star.

Bound by misunderstanding and sudden attraction, the two elope together, racing toward the all-devouring black hole……
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2)  Company Name: Atelier Jen  •  Artist: Wong Ching (Sizuoi)  •  Subsidised comics*: Mama the Tortoise

A primitive village rests upon the back of Mama, a colossal land tortoise. Guided by a mysterious instrument passed down through generations, the villagers steer the giant beast to evade 'Mula'—the monsters swarming the continent.

Chosen as the divine shaman-musician, a young girl named Bobo quietly guards this century-old tradition. That is, until a catastrophe rains down from the heavens, shattering their illusion of a peaceful life...

3)  Company Name: Catnip Comic Studio Co.  •  Artist: Ben Liu  •  Subsidised comics*: One-off Dolly

In the future, law enforcement departments print Disposable AI detectives “Dolly”s to solve cases. Dolly00167 is created to solve a serial murder case among gangsters, she works with a human assistant “Lau” as partners to find the murderer before her time is up.

This is an action filled sci-fi manga that dives deep into the ideal relationship between AI and humans, portraying our struggle to preserve our authentic emotions and culture, as AI renderes everything disposable, leaving nothing genuine anymore.

4)  Company Name: Creative Workshop  •  Artist: Leung Wai Ka  •  Subsidised comics*: Painted Souls

The protagonist, Li Junxi, has been living a comfortable life since he was fifth grade. One day, he stayed at his uncle's house for three days.

On the first day, Junxi was pulled into a strange painted world by a mysterious force, where he lived a comfortable life. However, this was a comfortable trap...

5)  Company Name: DonutCafe  •  Artist: Hui Wing Yiu  •  Subsidised comics*: Alice: Anatomized

A cheeky public-housing kid with MK vibes pretends to be a nerd and gets into medical school.

He ends up in another world, solving strange medical cases, while a handsome rich boy keeps sticking by his side.

In the end, they even go to space together. As for why a medical story ends up in space… You’ll have to read it to find out!

6)  Company Name: Fireflyhk  •  Artist: Woo Siu Ming(Derek)  •  Subsidised comics*: Mr. V

The vampires have risen again — this time clutching cans of human blood beverage. Have countless humans already been slaughtered? The world's only exorcist, Keung, and his spirited junior sister Nancy set out to uncover the truth. Laughs, thrills, and heart-pounding moments await as they infiltrate the vampires' secret underground base — uncovering a shocking revelation that sparks the ultimate battle between humans and vampires. Who will survive?

7)  Company Name: Futaba Studio  •  Artist: Chu Pui Yee  •  Subsidised comics*: Miracle with the bunny

The female protagonist, Chloe, accidentally finds a rabbit named Poppi in a junkyard. Unknown to her, the rabbit actually belongs to the male protagonist, Ryuji.

However, the rabbit possesses a special power that someone is desperately trying to seize. How will it all end...?

8)  Company Name: L Industry  •  Artist: Li Chi Tak  •  Subsidised comics*: heroess

From heroes to its second sequel heroess, a new protagonist emerges in the same universe: Shān.

Shān’s childhood was shaped by a cursed island of ghosts, raised by her mother — a ghost with only half a body. When the island started to sink into the sea, her mother's mission was over, and Shān had to leave, seeking refuge in an unknown world.

From the sky, then came the metal man. He knew how to win the hearts of human — by devouring their very essence and bending them to his will.

In the martial arts world, Shan meets Li Ge, Zhu Zuan and ghost-hunting brigade. Humans and ghosts walk different paths — those who cross the line are struck down by heavenly thunder.

9)  Company Name: Le Lemon Studious  •  Artist: Lee Kuen Yan  •  Subsidised comics*: I love working so much

"I love working so much" follows a solitary workaholic who buries himself in labor due to childhood trauma.

When a sudden tsunami and earthquake shatter his structured world, he is forced to journey through the wasteland with an energetic girl whose personality is his polar opposite.

Accompanied by a quirky AI, this mismatched trio faces perilous landscapes and eccentric survivors. Through this unforgettable adventure, he finally learns to confront his deep-seated curse and discovers true emotional growth.

10)  Company Name: MindExit Studio  •  Artist: Yorki Lee  •  Subsidised comics*: Between The Tides

A mysterious diary that does not belong to her leads Lam back to Moss Isle, the hometown she left behind years ago.

Between the tides and the starlight, she follows its clues, rediscovering the island she once abandoned to the sea.

11)  Company Name: Quire Limited  •  Artist: Yuzuriha Teito  •  Subsidised comics*: Rebel in Ichido

Ichido Akane, daughter of a renowned onmyoji bloodline, is condemned to death after seizing the sacred weapon "Iwatoshi" to fight off a monster attack at her mother's funeral.

When monitor Himuro Yui enters her life, the girl who has always stood alone finally finds someone worth protecting. As an S-rank creature threatens to annihilate Kyoto, Akane burns through her last reserves of power — proving she is not a criminal, but an heir.

12)  Company Name: SLoo Production  •  Artist: Wong Ming Fai  •  Subsidised comics*: Haestus

The God of Creation bestows His divine hands upon four chosen souls to reshape Art, Wealth, Power, and Faith.

In this new reality, creation means destruction, and paradise is a living hell. With an ancient doomsday crisis ticking down, history is trapped in an infinite loop...

13)  Company Name: Sluffy Creative  •  Artist: Tang Cheuk Ying (Mi-chi)  •  Subsidised comics*: Eight Petals Unbound

Setting against the backdrop of a fictional ancient eastern kingdom, the story centres the master-servant bond between Yagasane, a boy adopted into the royal family as a crown prince, and Chigyō, a samurai he befriended him during his humble youth in the wartime and later becomes his personal bodyguard.

Their once-unwavering trust gradually turned into suspicion and finally shattered completely but their fates remain entangled in that turbulent time.

Two swords forged for one another, yet destined to clash.  Will their final destination be a fatal reckoning, or letting go?

14)  Company Name: Studio Five  •  Artist: Chan Chi Kwan  •  Subsidised comics*: Bug & Buff

A crisis-predicting girl, an otaku alien jellyfish, and a one-armed avenging swordsman.

These three flawed 'Bugs' team up to form the 'Intergalactic Volunteer Squad' in Hong Kong! From feeding stray cats to battling man-eating aliens, watch how they 'Buff' each other and prove that even imperfect misfits can become heroes!

15)  Company Name: Sugarcoat  •  Artist: Yuen Chun Kong(Jacob)  •  Subsidised comics*: Final Lap!

FINAL LAP - A talented young racer was forbidden from motorsports by her father after a childhood kart accident. With her late mother’s best friend’s support, she secretly earned a racing license to follow her dream.

Her secret came out, triggering years of friction between father and daughter. They reconciled after sincere talks. She put on her mother’s racing suit, drove the classic car and took on high-tech modern race cars for a new challenge.

16)  Company Name: The Box Studio  •  Artist: Cheung Hon Wah (Wahkee)  •  Subsidised comics*: The Ghetto Exorcist

When the dilapidated building where poor courier Ng Po rents a flat completely collapses, he is forced to move into a haunted house in the dead of night.

There, he crosses paths with Tung Kau, an exorcist tasked with cleansing the building of vengeful spirits, and Wong Kam-hop, a livestreamer challenging himself to spend the night in a notorious haunted spot. What follows is a wild, chaotic brawl between a loser, an exorcist, a livestreamer, and a century-old demon! During this one crazy night, a legendary exorcist is about to be born.

17)  Company Name: 橫須賀製作  •  Artist: Lam Cheung Kwan (Elphonso)  •  Subsidised comics*: Me and Ezio

Elphonso Lam's comeback to children's comics after many years! Based on his own experiences with his son, "EZIO," from birth to age ten, and his growing-up stories, the comic uses fragmented illustrations to show how an "unconventional" father and child tell stories through creative interaction! It's heartwarming, hilarious, and adventurous! A comic suitable for parents and children to read together!At the 5th HKCSP Awards Presentation Ceremony, the guest of honour, 17 selected comic companies, judges, and representatives of supporting organisations took a group photo.

At the 5th HKCSP Awards Presentation Ceremony, the guest of honour, 17 selected comic companies, judges, and representatives of supporting organisations took a group photo.

Mr. Tony WONG, Chairman of the HKCAF, stated that the HKCSP enables local comic artists to create more outstanding and diverse comics.

Miss Drew Lai, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, presented the Gold Award of the 5th HKCSP to two winning companies: Catnip Comic Studio Co., whose comic artist Ben Liu received the award for “One-off Dolly”, and L INDUSTRY, whose comic artist Li Chi Tak was honoured for “heroess”.

The Silver Award of the 5th HKCSP was awarded to MindExit Studio, whose comic artist Yorki Lee received the honour for "Between the Tides".

The Bronze Award of the 5th HKCSP was awarded to Sugarcoat, whose comic artist Yuen Chun Kong (Jacob) received the honour for "Final Lap!"

Airy Studio's comic artist Iu Hei Lun won the "Best Comics Story Award" at the 5th HKCSP for "Tidal Void".

Studio Five's comic artist Chan Chi Kwan won the "Best Comics Character Design Award" at the 5th HKCSP for "Bug & Buff".

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The two Merit Awards at the 5th HKCSP were presented to Donutcafe's comic artist Hui Wing Yiu for "Alice: Anatomized", and The Box Studio's comic artist Cheung Hon Wah for "The Ghetto Exorcist".

The 17 selected local comics companies showcased 17 newly published original comics at the HKCSP Pavilion (Booth A03) during ACGHK 2026.

About Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation

Hong Kong Comics and Animation Federation (HKCAF) was founded in 1999, with an aim to unite comics and animation industries to promote comics and animation culture, and to strengthen the positive awareness of the publics on comics and animation. The HKCAF is committed to connecting the local comics and animation industries with their international counterparts, as well as nurturing local comics artists and animation talent. Website: https://www.hkcaf.hk/
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About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.  Website: https://www.ccidahk.gov.hk.

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For media enquiries, please contact AQ Communications Ltd., the PR representative of the 5^th HKCSP:

Janet Choi                Tel: (852) 2137 9707 / 6316 3785          Email: jchoi@aqcomm.com

Vanessa Mok           Tel: (852) 2137 9702 / 7051 4423          Email: vmok@aqcomm.com