Neon Downpour is a free, digital-only fanzine dedicated to the video game Master Detective Archives: Rain Code. This zine is a celebration of the game's upcoming 1 year anniversary on June 30th. It will focus on a variety of characters as well as events that happen within the game, all arranged chapter by chapter.

CURRENT STATUS: RELEASED!

Our Schedule

9 Jan - 14 Jan: Interest Check15 Jan - 22 Jan: Moderator Applications24 Jan - 25 Jan: Moderator Application acceptance/rejection emails sent out, applicant responses.1 Feb - 20 Feb: Artist and Writer Applications25 Feb - 29 Feb: Application acceptance/rejection emails sent out, applicant responses.1 March - 10 March: Finalized pitches, cover artist chosen10 March - 31 March: Check-in 1, socials begin sending out contributor spotlights1 April - 30 April: Check-in 21 May - 31 May: Check-in 3, finalizing pieces, formatting the zine1 Jun - 25 Jun: Final touches, formatting, editing, last minute changes30 Jun: Zine release! 🎉

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this be a physical zine or a digital zine?A: This zine will be a digital only project. Once it's released, everyone will be able to download it, and they are welcome to print it themselves. This zine will not be designed with printing in mind, however.Q: How much will this zine cost?A: Once released, the zine will be completely free to download.Q: Are ships allowed?A: This zine will only focus on the canon dynamics displayed within the game.Q: What is the level of canon-compliance expected of this project?A: Pre-canon, post-canon, and in-game content is allowed. However, Alternate Universes and retcons will not be permitted. Merchandise can be outside of canon at the moderation team's discretion.Q: Is NSFW allowed?A: No. The zine will not contain any explicit sexual content. For violence and cursing, contributors may go as far as the game itself goes.Q: Can I apply to be both an artist and a writer?A: You may apply for both positions, yes. Depending on the number of applications and the moderation team's consideration, there is a chance you could be accepted for both roles, or just one.Q: What exactly is the theme?A: The theme is called "A trip down memory lane." The zine pieces will be arranged in chronological order according to the chapter of the game in which they take place. Contributors will get to choose which chapter they'd like to cover with their pieces. Pre-game and post-game events will be allowed at the moderation team's discretion.Q: Why is there a merch artist role if the zine is free?To keep the spirit of the zine process! Our goal is to make this project as close to the zine experience as possible while making it accessible to everyone and minimizing risks of failure. "Merch art" was simply the best term for encompassing the type of art relevant to this role.Q: What happens to the work when the zine is complete?A: A contributor's work is their own. They retain all rights and are free to share or reproduce their work as they wish after the zine project is complete.

Moderation Team

Snivy

Role: Lead Moderator
she/heHi, I'm Snivy! This is my first time running a zine, but I will do my absolute best to make this a success. Also, Yuma Kokohead is my favorite chew toy.

Black

Role: Art Moderator
they/themHello! I have many years of zine-making experience. I need to shove Desuhiko in a locker (affectionate)

Ella-May

Role: Writing Moderator
she/herYou can call me Ella! This is my first time overseeing a zine, but I have separate editing and moderating experience, as well as being a long-time lover of short fiction and mystery games. I'm excited to work with everyone!

Guidelines

Contributor Guidlines

  • All pieces must be original works. AI-generated content, older pre-published works, or pieces created by anyone other than yourself are not permitted.

  • Explicit sexual content is not permitted in this zine.

  • Fanfic contributions must be between 1000 and 2000 words.

  • Environmental writing pieces must be between 50 and 500 words.

  • Single page artists should create pieces with a page size of 7x10in / 2100 x 3000 pixels or larger, with the same aspect ratio.

  • Artists creating a two-page spread should use a page size of 4200 x 3000 pixels or larger, with the same aspect ratio.

  • All art piece resolutions should be at 300 dpi.

  • Each piece will focus on a single chapter in the game, with the exception of the cover art and merchandise art.

  • This is a Gen (non-ship) zine that will focus on the platonic and canon dynamics in the game. If a romantic relationship is canon, for example (spoilers for Rain Code chapter 4) Yakou Furio and his wife, then that is fair game.

  • Please make sure you will be able to finish your piece before the deadline. If you need more time or want to drop from the project, please tell the moderation team as soon as possible.

Applicant Guidelines

  • Applicants must be 13 years of age or older to apply for the zine.

  • All applicants must have some form of social media (e.g. Tumblr, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) or means of crediting them for their work (e.g. Ao3 account, website, etc.). They also must have a Discord account, as we will be organizing and communicating through that platform.

  • If you include a portfolio or any Google Drive links in your application, please make sure they are unlocked and accessible.

  • Please only agree to becoming a pinch-hitter if you are willing to commit to shorter deadlines for your work.

  • Your submissions may contain work that has nothing to do with Rain Code, though submitting Rain Code fanart and writing will benefit your chances of getting accepted.

  • If you are chosen to participate, you will be given a two day window upon receiving your confirmation email to back out. If you choose to back out, or if you fail to respond within this deadline, another applicant will be accepted.

Regarding Artist Applications

  • Your application should contain a link to a portfolio (website or google drive folder) showcasing your art. It must contain at least 2 completed art pieces. Please make sure your portfolio is publicly viewable.

  • To be considered "completed," an art piece must be in color, have defined lines, and some level of polish. A background isn't required, but would be greatly encouraged.

  • Traditional art and cosplay photos are welcome, but please make sure the photos are in high quality and easy to see.

  • You are welcome to add as many art pieces as you'd like. You may also include WIPs and sketches, so long as at least 2 submitted artworks are complete.

  • If you've expressed interest in being a merch artist, then we highly encourage you to share any merch art you've done, such as emotes, wallpapers, stickers, etc.

Regarding Writer Applications

  • Your application should contain a link to a google document containing two of your works.

  • Both pieces must be 2000 words or shorter.

  • Excerpts are welcome, but at least one piece should be a complete story or chapter.

  • Submissions containing explicit sexual content are not permitted, but a SFW excerpt from an explicit fic is fine as long as a proper warning is placed.

  • They do not need to be Rain Code fanworks, but it would increase your chances of getting accepted if they are.

  • Please follow the formatting and labeling guideline example shown on the application form.