The Arkansas International is a literary and arts journal with a commitment to publishing work that is both formally ambitious and culturally resonant. Its general submissions for graphic literature—comics, in the broadest sense—are open to all creative practitioners working in the medium, regardless of career stage. The journal seeks previously unpublished, unsolicited work, and maintains a reading period that runs from July 31 to October 15, 2026. This is not a contest but a regular submission window, and the editorial team reviews each piece with the care and attention one expects from a serious literary publication. Beginning with issue #19 in fall 2026, the journal's unthemed fall issue will be published online only, while the themed spring issue will continue to appear in both print and online formats. Contributors whose work is accepted will be paid $25 per page, with payments capped at a level that reflects the journal's nonprofit status and its commitment to supporting artists within its means. The journal does not charge for submissions without offering a waiver: while there is a $4 fee to submit, waivers are available to those identifying as BIPOC or in need of financial assistance, ensuring that economic barriers do not determine who can participate. The curatorial vision for graphic literature at The Arkansas International is rooted in a respect for the medium's narrative and visual possibilities. The editors are interested in work that demonstrates a distinctive voice, a thoughtful engagement with form, and a sense of purpose. They welcome simultaneous submissions, provided they are notified if a piece is accepted elsewhere, and they ask that contributors submit only one piece at a time until they have heard back. This policy reflects a desire to give each submission the consideration it deserves, and to maintain a manageable reading load for the editorial team.