"Underworld"
A Specter-oriented fanzine, organized by
Saint Seiya Zone
About the Zine
‣ Theme: Underworld (Saint Seiya Specter faction)‣ Description: Dark, evil, and wicked, Specters are the final boss to face in the Saint Seiya franchise. Abandon hope all ye who enter here!‣ Participation: You will submit one (1) original, new fanwork (older/already published work is not accepted) to be compiled into a zine. Please do not share your final work until the zine has been properly published by SSZ (you may, however, share WIPs, previews, and/or close-ups as you work on it)‣ Type: The final compilation of all fanworks will be a free, digital PDF file (no physical versions will be made, no money will be earned or paid)‣ Character: Submission types have the following limitations:
– Fanarts: 1 main character per submission (no duplicates ✪)
– Fics: focus on 1-2 main characters per submission
– Cosplays: 1 main character per submission
– Merch Photos: 1 main character per submission✪ This means most characters will have 1 fanart only. That said, due to their popularity, the following characters will be allowed a max of 2 fanarts overall: Hades, Wyvern Radamanthys, Griffon Minos, Garuda Aiacos, Pandora HeinsteinThe Character Confirmation list will be updated daily at 19:00 UTC -6 until the sign-up period is concluded. We appreciate your patience while this occurs. Once you are added to the list and your character is confirmed, you may start working on your submission. This is on a First Come, First Served basis.‣ Sign-up timeframe: 02-16/Nov/2024 23:59 UTC -6‣ Sign-up form: here
– Before filling it out, check the Character Confirmation list. For fanarts, you'll input 5 different options, from your top choice to least.
☆ Please note this zine does not review/approve/reject sign-ups, everyone is welcome to take part in the activity as long as they sign-up. If there are any issues, we'll get back to you.‣ Submission period: 26/Dec/2024 to 8/Jan/2025 23:59 UTC -6
Fanworks submitted after this will not be included (this is non-negotiable). However, if you are facing challenges with your submission, let the staff know ASAP.‣ Submission: Send fanwork via email to [email protected]
The email subject should be "Underworld Zine, [Creator], [character/fic name]", and the file name should be:
- Visuals: [Character name] - [Creator]
- Fics: [Creator] - [Fic title]. Writers, please also include a 400x400 px image you want us to use for you in the credits pageExamples:
- Email Subject: Underworld Zine, El Cadejos, Lycaon Phlegyas
- Fic file: Zeuse - “Encallar”
Submissions
‣ Art/Photography Canvas size: 72 dpi, JPEG
-- 2480 x 3508 px (portrait orientation) OR
-- 3508 x 4960 px (landscape orientation)‣ Fics: docx file, prose, English or Spanish only (due to Staff limitations). You must include a title (please keep it short), but it won’t be considered towards final count
- 4 OR 6 full pages in total as exact as possible, Arial font, 11 pt, single space
- Margins: 1 in (each)
- Paper size: Letter (8.5 in x11 in)
- There must be spaces between your paragraphs‣ Allowed:
- Age reinterpretation (e.g., an adult character as a child)
- Alternative Universes
- Other applicable characters (including OC), please check FAQ‣ Not allowed:
- AI-generated content of any kind
- Characters that do not belong to the Specter faction
- NSFW/Explicit content (contact staff for case-by-case reviews)
- Non-official genderbends
- Crossovers with non-StS series
FAQ
May I draw whichever character I want?
The purpose of this zine is to focus on Specters, so only characters that belong to this faction are allowed. There are more applicable characters than you think! Check the Reference ListMay I submit more than one work?
If, after the sign-up period is over, you would like to collaborate with a second submission, reach out to us. You may send different submission types if you want (e.g., 1 fanart and 1 fic). Please bear in mind the second character must still be available for you to take.May I include other characters in my submission?
Yes, as long as they belong to the Specter faction and there is a clear hierarchy where your chosen character is the main focus. Original Characters (OCs) may also be included as long as they follow this guideline. There is no problem if those secondary characters are already taken, or if the mix of characters would not make sense in the official material (for example, Shouichirou interacting with Vermeer). Please note that for characters who have worn a Surplice, only those with an Evil Star are considered Specters. Therefore, resurrected Saints, ROP Marina Generals and any applicable others are not allowed. For Hades Shun specifically, he should not be depicted wearing the Saint Cloths.Orpheus, the Bronze Saints, Saori, Yuzuriha, Rugonis, Cattleya, Soujirou, Sasha, and Tenma can be referred to, but not appear in the fanwork. For example:
✅ Shouichirou looking at a picture of Soujirou / Yoruhime remembering a conversation with Cattleya
❌ Shouichirou and Soujirou during class / Yoruhime talking to CattleyaI changed my mind about the character I chose, and the new one is still available. Can I switch?
To prevent confusion and misunderstandings, all character selections are final and cannot be changed/traded.Am I allowed to change certain aspects of a character’s official design?
It depends on the aspect, and should be reviewed case-by-case.
– Example 1: as a Latin American, Niobe could differ in skin tone to the one seen on the official materials. However, characters like Pharaoh, who has a darker skin tone, should not be given a lighter one.
– Example 2: if due to a personal headcanon, you believe a character has a certain scar or marking that is not seen in official materials, it can be included, but once again, please reach out to Staff for a case-by-case review.What is the difference between an Alternate Universe [AU] and a Crossover?
Some AU use popular tropes as a base, while a Crossover uses an already existing material as base.
Examples:
– Popular tropes for an AU: magic school, space fantasy/sci-fi
– Existing material: Twisted Wonderland, Mass Effect [games], Little Witch Academia, Star Trek [series], Heralds of Valdemar, Dune [books]So making a fanwork of the general "Saint Seiya × Magic School" or “Saint Seiya x space fantasy/sci-fi” concepts is an AU, but "Saint Seiya × Twisted Wonderland" or “Saint Seiya x Star Trek” are considered a crossover. In essence, heavy references to other existing fandoms are not allowed.Could you please elaborate on what is/isn’t considered Not Safe For Work (NSFW)?
If it is not appropriate for a general, non-specialized office work environment, then it is not accepted. Examples:
✅ Blood depictions/mentions of it
❌ Graphic/detailed gore, mutilation, or body horror
✅ Sensual themes (e.g., pin up)
❌ Sexual themes (including, but not limited to: genitalia, specifically erotic gestures like blowjob, etc.)May I switch from one contribution type to another (ex: fanart to fic) after I signed up?
To prevent confusion and misunderstandings, all contribution type selections are final.I’m a writer! What is an acceptable image for the credits page?
You can send an official StS work, fanarts (as long as it is made by, gifted to, or commissioned by you), or a picrew-generated image (as long as the picrew allows that use)May I include a watermark on my submission?
Yes, we encourage you to submit already watermarked fanworks to the zine, but it is not mandatory.Do I have to send something for the check-ins?
Nope. Our check-ins act as reminders only so you know exactly how much time you have left to send your submission.I’m unable to complete my submission and would like to withdraw. Is that okay?
Yes, you can withdraw at any time, for any reason (you don’t need to explain). Please just let us know in advance.
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