In the June issue of the American edition of Shonen Jump, it has been announced that their publisher VIZ and Dr. Pepper have teamed up to hold an art contest which they have titled : "Be You, Be Dr. Pepper, Be Manga"

Entering appears to be very simple, in which, all you really have to do is draw yourself (or an original character) in the manga style drinking Dr. Pepper and send it in!

The announcement was released on page 6 of the June edition (which will be on sale Tuesday May 4). The prizes aren't the most extravagant, but the winners' art will be showcased in an upcoming issue of the popular manga. The prizes are as follows:

Grand Prize - 26" Trek Mountain Bike (valued at $400)
First Place - Nintendo Gamecube package (valued at $290)
Runner-ups - 25 Dr. Pepper hats (valued at $12.95 each)

Contest entries must arrive no later than June 30, 2004 and should be sent to:
SHONEN JUMP Dr. Pepper Art Contest
P.O. Box 77010
San Francisco, CA 94107-9913

For more details on the contest visit www.shonenjump.com

I found it rather refreshing that the people at Dr. Pepper found the manga community to be a good-selling point. There are a lot of us out there, I just hope that more big American companies realize this and take the same path that Dr. Pepper did.

And lastly, Good Luck to those who enter!