What are some comic competitions or talent searches you know about?

Most people probably know about DC's Zuda , or tokyopop's Rising stars of manga.

Then there's Platinum studios Comic book challenge that's received a bad rap for being platinum but had some nice up-front prizes.

And Small press idol which i don't know much about.

Know any more? Ever entered any or are going too?

There's the Xeric Grant, which is for self-publishers and comic artists. Not really a competition in the truest sense but I understand it's kind of competitive.
http://www.xericfoundation.org/ [xericfoundation.org]
Dunno if that's the sort of thing you're lookin' for.

CBR's comic book idol apparently actually gives winners a comic gig. theres also always the shonen jump and wizard magazine "draw a cover!" contests which are always funt o enter...and then capcom had a "draw the cover of sf4" contest.

idk, i dont really pay attention to most competitions