NCIS Big Bang

NCIS Big Bang will go on hiatus for 2026 and 2027

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:36:38 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

I'm sad to announce that I will be canceling the Big Bang for 2026 and 2027.

I absolutely love running the NCIS challenges, but sadly, participation has been dwindling, and there comes a point where it feels like people are participating out of a sense of duty, rather than the love and excitement of creating and participating.

Low participation means there isn't much of a variety in the claims.

In the last two years, we've only had 3 authors participating. That's just not enough participation to provide a decent variety of summaries for the claims.

Other than the 10th anniversary challenge in 2023, we've only been averaging about 4 stories in recent years.

Will it come back?

I'm a never-say-never kind of person, so I won't say no.

2028 would be the 15th anniversary, so if there is interest, I would likely run it in 2028.

Where can you find links to past NCIS Big Bang Stories?

The community profile page ON LJ

The community profile page ON DW

The challenge archive community ON DW

What can you do if you love challenges?

Participate in challenges, any challenges that appeal to you. Many Fandom challenges are struggling with low participation.

Spread the word, share links, encourage other writers and artists to join up.

Encourage challenge writers and artists in general for providing FREE entertainment. Leave kudos, and kind, positive comments.

What NCIS challenges are still running?

The 2026 NCIS Reverse Bang is currently open for sign-ups. This challenge will run, but is suffering from low participation this year.

With the 2026 Big Bang being canceled this year, 2026 Reverse Bang writers will have an extended writing period.

The 2026 Happy Holidays Challenge will have themes posted on July 25th, with posting in December 2026.

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Master List 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:21:02 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Many thanks to everyone who participated as an Artist, Author, Beta, Cheerleader, or Reader for our 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Challenge. Everyone's hard work is very much appreciated! Please remember to let the Artists and Authors know if you enjoyed their work.

Upcoming Challenges:
-Sign-ups for the 2026 Reverse Bang will open soon.
-We will also be hosting a 2025 Happy Holidays Advent Challenge for December. The themes and other challenge components are posted AT THIS COMM on LJ or AT THIS COMM on DW. There is no need to sign up; just post on the scheduled dates as noted.

Stories and art posted to AO3 can be linked to our 2025 NCIS Big Bang AO3 Collection. It's easiest to find if you start with the year (2025), then the fandom (NCIS), and if you still don't see the collection, add the challenge name (Big Bang).
Master lists for all of my challenges are archived HERE on DW.

Our NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang challenge features 4 new stories and artwork for 2025!

Alphabetical Story List:

Attitude Adjustment by Author Aussiefan70, Artist Geminiangel64
Link to Story
Category: Gen
Rating: Teen
Length: 12,900
Warnings and spoilers: None
Summary:
When Tony overhears that Gibbs thinks he needs an attitude adjustment, he knows two things:
Office scuttlebutt will have that juicy piece of gossip spread across the Yard in way less than twenty-four hours.
And second? He knows that this is the straw that broke this senior field agent's back.
So, he's leaving the MCRT for sure now, but is it worth staying at NCIS or taking one of these many job offers he's received over the years?
It's time for best friend Rick Balboa and a surprisingly sympathetic (eventually) Director Vance to come to the rescue, and then it's bye bye MCRT and hello becoming Rick's 2IC. Oh, and they need popcorn to enjoy while watching all the fireworks. Just how is the MCRT going to function without the DiNozzo magic? About as well as you'd expect, as it turns out.
As for this story, it's probably not for Gibbs, McGee or David fans.

Merger by Author jacie, Artist germankitty
Link to Story
Link to Artwork
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds
Category: Slash
Pairing: Anthony DiNozzo/Aaron Hotchner
Rating: Teen
Length: 33,300
Warnings and spoilers: General spoilers for both series.
Summary:
Abby meets a handsome, fit man in the park and decides he’s a perfect match for Tony. After all, they’re both training for the same triathlon, and both also work in law enforcement. It’s not until Gibbs finds out Tony is dating another man that he realizes what has slipped through his fingers.

The Consigliere's Vow Author dont_hate_me01, Artist Aussiefan70
Link to Story
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds
Category: Slash
Pairing: Anthony DiNozzo/Aaron Hotchner
Rating: NC-17
Length: 45,900
Warnings and spoilers: Canon-type violence, strong language, M/M slash
Summary:
NCIS team lead Tony DiNozzo-Hotchner is pulled back into the shadows of his past when a cold case reveals that his former fiancée, Delinda, was murdered by a serial killer he's now hunting. To catch the killer, Tony vanishes into his old undercover identity—this time not as consigliere to Baltimore Mafia Don Mike Macalso, but as the newly crowned Don of the Baltimore Mafia. As rival factions like the Lattuca family unleash chaos and innocent blood is spilled, Tony is shot by someone he once trusted. Tony must untangle a web of betrayal and violence, all while staying true to his oath and unmasking a murderer hiding in plain sight.

Where There's Smoke... There's Kate by Author jacie, Artist banbury
Link to Story
Link to Artwork
Category: Gen
Pairing: Tony & Tim (friendship - can be read as pre-slash if you prefer)
Rating: Teen
Length: 6,363
Warnings and spoilers: This story includes mentions of Kate’s death. Not much of a spoiler these days.
Summary:
As Tony and Tim struggle with Kate’s death, Tony decides they should go camping together to help process through their grief.

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Merger by Jacie, Artwork by GermanKitty

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:46:56 GMT

Posted by: jacie

Title: Merger
Author: jacie
Artist: germankitty
Beta: Rose_Malmaison
Crossover: Criminal Minds
Category: Slash
Pairing: DiNozzo/Hotchner
Rating: T
Length: 33,300
Spoilers: General spoilers for both series.
Link to story: Merger on AO3

Summary:
Abby meets a handsome, fit man in the park and decides he’s a perfect match for Tony. After all, they’re both training for the same triathlon, and both also work in law enforcement. It’s not until Gibbs finds out Tony is dating another man that he realizes what has slipped through his fingers.

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Where There’s Smoke… There’s Kate by Jacie, artwork by Banbury

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:09:09 GMT

Posted by: jacie

Title: Where There’s Smoke… There’s Kate
Author: jacie
Artist: banbury
Beta: Jane_X80
Category: Gen
Pairing: Tony & Tim (friendship, can be read as pre-slash)
Rating: T
Length: 6363
Spoilers: This story includes mentions of Kate’s death. Not much of a spoiler these days.
Link to story: Where There’s Smoke… There’s Kate on AO3

Summary:
As Tim & Tony struggle with Kate’s death, Tony decides they should go camping.

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2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Reader's Guide & Posting instructions

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:06:56 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Reader's Guide:

Authors, it is perfectly fine if your title or word count changes prior to posting. If you would like to change your summary, or if anything below is incorrect, please let me know.

11 Sat:
The Consigliere's Vow Author Dont_hate_me01, Artist Aussiefan70
Link to Story
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds
Category: Slash
Pairing: Anthony DiNozzo/Aaron Hotchner
Rating: NC-17
Length: 45,900
Warnings and spoilers: Canon-type violence, strong language, M/M slash
Summary:
NCIS team lead Tony DiNozzo-Hotchner is pulled back into the shadows of his past when a cold case reveals that his former fiancée, Delinda, was murdered by a serial killer he's now hunting. To catch the killer, Tony vanishes into his old undercover identity—this time not as consigliere to Baltimore Mafia Don Mike Macalso, but as the newly crowned Don of the Baltimore Mafia. As rival factions like the Lattuca family unleash chaos and innocent blood is spilled, Tony is shot by someone he once trusted. Tony must untangle a web of betrayal and violence, all while staying true to his oath and unmasking a murderer hiding in plain sight.

12 Sun:
Attitude Adjustment by Author Aussiefan70, Artist Geminiangel64
Link to Story
Category: Gen
Rating: Teen
Length: 12,900
Warnings and spoilers: None
Summary:
When Tony overhears that Gibbs thinks he needs an attitude adjustment, he knows two things:
Office scuttlebutt will have that juicy piece of gossip spread across the Yard in way less than twenty-four hours.
And second? He knows that this is the straw that broke this senior field agent's back.
So, he's leaving the MCRT for sure now, but is it worth staying at NCIS or taking one of these many job offers he's received over the years?
It's time for best friend Rick Balboa and a surprisingly sympathetic (eventually) Director Vance to come to the rescue, and then it's bye bye MCRT and hello becoming Rick's 2IC. Oh, and they need popcorn to enjoy while watching all the fireworks. Just how is the MCRT going to function without the DiNozzo magic? About as well as you'd expect, as it turns out.
As for this story, it's probably not for Gibbs, McGee or David fans.

13 Mon:
Where There's Smoke... There's Kate by Author jacie, Artist banbury
Link to Story
Link to Artwork
Category: Gen
Pairing: Tony & Tim (friendship - can be read as pre-slash if you prefer)
Rating: Teen
Length: 6,363
Warnings and spoilers: This story includes mentions of Kate’s death. Not much of a spoiler these days.
Summary:
As Tony and Tim struggle with Kate’s death, Tony decides they should go camping together to help process through their grief.

14 Tues:
When Worlds Collide by Author Aussiefan70, Artist Aussiefan70
(Not yet posted)
CROSSOVER - Harry Potter
Category: Gen
Rating: Teen
Length: 12,500
Warnings and spoilers: Some may call parts of this bashing. YMMV. Either death or long term coma for Senior
Summary:
When Tony had been indulging in his annual tradition of reviewing the year gone by, before last Christmas, and while waiting for Jimmy to get free of the office, little did he knew that he'd leave his favourite bistro that night with two new friends. And a renewed acquaintance with magic!
Over the past year, the group of friends had expanded to include Ducky, who was, perhaps unsurprisingly, a wizard as well; and their monthly get-togethers at Grenache included Tony, Harry Potter of [M]Interpol, Ducky and Jimmy, along with Jessie, the bartender.
Unfortunately work, magical and personal lives cross over when Harry's pushed Into an ill-advised operation for a magic-related drug running group, trying to work their way onto nearby Navy bases, turns up to the sting with Senior as a frontman - who manages to get himself poisoned, and at their favourite restaurant to boot.
Enter Gibbs, who's pretty much the last person to find out what's going on and the case takes measuring - ummm - 'wands' to a whole new level, while the case seems to be doing its best to dissolve into pandemonium. Will they figure it all out and solve the case? And what happens to Senior in the end? You'll have to read to find out.

15 & 16 Weds-Thurs:
Merger by Author jacie, Artist germankitty
Link to Story
Link to Artwork
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds
Category: Slash
Pairing: Anthony DiNozzo/Aaron Hotchner
Rating: Teen
Length: 33,300
Warnings and spoilers: General spoilers for both series.
Summary:
Abby meets a handsome, fit man in the park and decides he’s a perfect match for Tony. After all, they’re both training for the same triathlon, and both also work in law enforcement. It’s not until Gibbs finds out Tony is dating another man that he realizes what has slipped through his fingers.

( Posting Guidelines )

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Posting Schedule/Guidelines for 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Challenge

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 22:16:44 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Future Challenges:

Sign-ups for the 2026 NCIS Reverse Bang will open in November 2025.

The 2025 10th Anniversary NCIS Happy Holidays Challenge will run in December, no sign-up required.
-This challenge is hosted at the NCIS_Discuss community on LJ and the NCIS_Challenge community on DW.
-Themes and challenges were posted on July 25th!

Sign-ups for the 2026 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang will open in April 2026.

Artists:
Artwork Submissions information is HERE on LJ OR HERE on DW. Deadline Tuesday, September 30th. Early submissions welcome!

Posting Schedule:

October

11 Sat:
Untitled #1 Author dont_hate_me01, Artist aussiefan70
SLASH - Anthony DiNozzo/Aaron Hotchner
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds

12 Sun:
Attitude Adjustment by Author aussiefan70, Artist geminiangel64
GEN

13 Mon:
Where There's Smoke... by Author jacie3, Artist banbury
GEN

14 Tues:
When Worlds Collide by Author aussiefan70, Artist aussiefan70
GEN
CROSSOVER - Harry Potter

15 & 16 Weds-Thurs:
Merger by Author jacie3, Artist germankitty
SLASH - Anthony DiNozzo/Aaron Hotchner
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds

( Summaries )

( Posting Guidelines )

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2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Availability Check-In

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 02:14:13 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Hello!

It's time to start putting a posting schedule together!

Please comment using the appropriate script below and note any dates in October that you are not available to post, using the actual numerical dates, no later than Saturday, Sept 13, 12:00 PM NOON Central Time USA.

Please limit these dates to days that you will not have internet access (due to medical reasons, vacations, travel, long work days, etc.).

Keep in mind that either member of an Artist/Author team can make the post to the community, and we do offer proxy help as well.

( AO3 allows you to pre-load your stories/artwork )

Oct 20-31 are blocked - we will not be posting on these days.

The schedule will be posted prior to 1 October.

Make sure you check the community for your scheduled posting date prior to October so you may plan accordingly.

If you are unable to post on your scheduled date, your partner or a proxy may post to the community for you.
Please note: It is not a requirement to post to the community. However, if you do not, then you must email your links to the mod by 7:00PM CENTRAL TIME on your posting date.

If you miss your posting date, email me to discuss the situation, do not post on someone else's date.

( Posting options for stories over 30K )

If you have a preference to post early, late, or somewhere in the middle, you may note that. I cannot guarantee that everyone will get their first choice, but I will accommodate as many as I can. If there are too many conflicting dates/preferences between an author and an artist, preference will go to the author as they are posting the story, and usually post the artwork with the story.

Authors, please note an approximate, current word count. Feel free to round up or down to the nearest 25, 100, or 500. I just want to get a general idea. It is perfectly fine if you edit the story up or down before posting.

If you are the Artist or Author for more than one story, you may list separate preferences for each story. Please do so in the same comment. If your preference is the same on both stories, you may list the titles and word counts together on the same line (i.e. title WC, title WC).

For anyone who does not respond by NOON CENTRAL TIME on Saturday, September 13th, I will take that to mean you have no preference and no availability issues in October.

The due date for all art and stories to be 100% completed is:
Tuesday, Sept 30. by 7:00 PM CENTRAL TIME USA.

Artists should send the finalized art files to the Author and also copy the Mod at NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com by this date.

Please be sure to use the story title and/or number in the subject line.

Early submissions are always welcome.

Please copy and paste the appropriate script below to check in and request your preferences:

Authors:

*If you have more than 3 dates in early October where you cannot post, please email me privately to discuss.

Artists:

This year's participants:

1: Merger
Author jacie *** CHECKED-IN ***
Artist germankitty *** CHECKED-IN ***

2: Untitled #1
Author Dont_hate_me01 *** CHECKED-IN ***
Artist Aussiefan70 *** CHECKED-IN ***

3: Where There's Smoke...
Author jacie *** CHECKED-IN ***
Artist banbury *** CHECKED-IN ***

4: When Worlds Collide
Author Aussiefan70 *** CHECKED-IN ***
Artist Aussiefan70 *** CHECKED-IN ***

5: Attitude Adjustment
Author Aussiefan70 *** CHECKED-IN ***
Artist GeminiAngel64 N/R-P

( Posting access )

( Last call for rough drafts )

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2025 NCIS Big Bang Artwork Submissions and Deadlines

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:04:24 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Deadline Tuesday, September 30th:
All stories should be ready to post, and all artists should have sent at least the main banner to be posted with the story.

COMMUNICATION REMINDER:
ALL participants are expected to check in at some point between September 3-27 to avoid last-minute MIA issues. Without communication, your partner and mod have absolutely no clue what is going on with you.
-You only need to do one of these three options.

Comment on the availability/check-in post in mid-Sept (strongly suggested for authors)

Email your partner - Artists can send the finished artwork or should update the author at some point between Sept 3-27

Email the mod - send a short email to [NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] with an update

ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE:

Artists are expected to send the completed artwork to the Authors and Mod [at NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] no later than Tuesday, September 30th.

Please note the story title and/or number in the subject field. Files can be attached or embedded.

Artists only need to submit the main banner at this time. They may create additional pieces if they like, but additional artwork beyond the main banner does not need to be submitted to the mod. Artists may copy mod on what is sent to the author.

Early submissions are welcome.

STORY DEADLINE:

All stories should be finalized and ready to post by Tuesday, September 30th.

There is no need to send your finalized copy to anyone unless requested.

Don't forget to confirm back to your artist when you receive your artwork, and be sure to check that the title and author name are correct.

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2025 Big Bang/Multi-Bang Match-ups

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 01:10:47 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Many thanks to all those who submitted summaries or made claims.

Are you interested in getting challenge reminders via email?
NCIS Challenge email is available!
( Read more... )

I know you're all probably anxious to get started, so please get in touch with your partner in the next few days.

All winning claims were contacted via email, with the authors copied. At this time, please contact the Artist/Author you are paired with. It is up to you as a team to decide whether you want to work together or not, and as to how closely you want to keep in contact. Please be respectful of each other.

Authors are expected to send a rough draft of their stories to the Artist within the next week. Artists, please confirm back to your author when you receive their rough draft.

Artists are expected to send their final draft of their artwork to the Author [with a copy to ncischallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] no later than Tuesday, 30 September. Early submissions are welcome.
Authors, please confirm back to your artist when you receive the finalized artwork. Please be sure to review the artwork and let your artist know if you see any errors in your name or the title.

All stories and artwork should be completed and ready to post by Tuesday, 30 September.
Authors must submit a draft to be on the schedule. However, they do NOT need to provide a finalized copy to mod or artist. The draft is fine.

( Read more... )

( 2025 Big Bang/Multi-Bang Match-ups )

( CLAIMS BALLOTS )

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2025 NCIS Big Bang Art Claim CLOSED

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:29:46 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

NOTE: CHANGE IN CLAIMS PROCESS!

Comments to this post will remain disabled.

Claims will be made via email this year, and will open on Saturday, August 23rd.

Ballots and instructions for Rounds 1 & 2 will be sent to signed-up artists prior to the rounds opening.
If a signed-up artist has not received a ballot 30 minutes BEFORE a round is scheduled to begin, please email me ASAP.

Artists can sign up through 9:00 PM CENTRAL TIME on Friday.

If there are any summaries left after the first two Rounds, Round 3 will be open to any artist, whether or not they signed up.
Quick note to NON-signed-up Artists:
I will be closing and processing each round once I have heard from ALL signed-up artists. Once a round has been processed and the results posted, I will immediately open the next round. This may mean that if we have a ROUND 3, it could open much earlier than noted. If you are interested in participating, I suggest signing up.
Information for signing up is: Here on LJ or Here on DW.

All participants should watch this community (or their email) for the schedule availability post in early/mid-September and the posting schedule to follow. Posting will begin in October. We appreciate your participation, as it is much easier to put the schedule together when we hear from all participants. Authors must submit a rough draft to be included on the posting schedule.

All artwork and stories are expected to be completed and ready to post by September 30th.

We are now including the level the stories are at the time the rough draft was submitted. Please note, the level may change up or down once the story is beta'd, edited, and polished. The story may or may not be finished at this time.

We currently have summaries that fall into three levels:

Micro Bang = 5K < 10K

Mini Bang = 10K < 20K

Big Bang = 20K < 50K

Stats:

Big Bang Artists signed up: 5

Summaries submitted for the Art Claim: 5

Artists may submit any questions they have about a summary by emailing NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com.
- Please note "Question" and the summary number/title in the subject line.

I did a coin toss (randomizer) to choose which category would be listed first.

Summaries are listed in an order chosen by a randomizer.

Artists should read each listing in full to ensure it is something they're willing to work with prior to claiming.

***CLAIMS ARE NOW CLOSED***

( SUMMARIES )

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Deadline Reminder for the 2025 NCIS Big Bang Challenge

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:17:36 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Just a friendly reminder that rough drafts are due Wednesday, 20 August.
Drafts are due by 9:00 PM CENTRAL TIME.
Early submissions are welcome!

Once you're ready to send in your submission, you can find submission information HERE on LJ or HERE on DW.

NCIS 2025 Big Bang sign up information posts are Here on LJ or Here on DW.

Wednesday, 20 August:

Author Sign-ups Close (link above)

Rough Drafts Due

Thursday, 21 August:

Rough Draft Summaries Posted

Friday, 22 August:

Artist Sign-ups Close (link above)

Saturday, 23 August:

Artist Claims Open at 17:00 GMT

Claims will be run via email

NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang 2025:

Big Bang/Multi-Bang Authors signed up: 5
Big Bang/Multi-Bang Artists signed up: 2
Summaries submitted: 2

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2025 NCIS Big Bang Check-In # 3

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:29:19 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Authors, here it is already August 1st and rough drafts are due August 20th. That's about 2-1/2 weeks!.

This is the final check-in! We've made it to the final stretch, how is everyone doing?

Hopefully, our authors are finished or wrapping up! There are still a few more writing days to go. Once you're ready to send in your submission, you can find submission information HERE on LJ or HERE on DW.

I'm really excited to see all the new stories and artwork! As always, everyone is welcome to comment here to encourage our authors. *G*

As a reminder, authors may post up to three stories. One of the three may be at the Micro-Bang level (5000 WC), while others would need to hit the Mini-Bang level (10,000 WC). And of course, there is no maximum WC for the challenge.

NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang 2025:

Big Bang/Multi-Bang Authors signed up: 5
Big Bang/Multi-Bang Artists signed up: 2

NCIS 2025 Big Bang sign up information posts are Here on LJ or Here on DW.

( 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Schedule )

( Authors Checked in: )

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2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Rough Draft Submissions

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:28:10 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

2025 NCIS Big Bang Rough Draft Due Date: Wednesday, 20 August.

I hope everybody's stories are coming along as expected! For future reference, this post will also be linked on our final check-in. Our final check-in is Saturday, 3 August.

Author Sign-ups Close - Wednesday, 20 August
Rough Drafts Due - Wednesday, 20 August
Rough Draft Summaries Posted - Thursday, 21 August
Artist Sign-ups Close - Friday, 22 August
Artist Claims Open - Saturday, 23 August
Art claim will open at 17:00 GMT World clock, GMT

Availability check and schedule posts - TBA September
Completed Artwork and Stories Due: 30 September
Posting Begins - TBA October

Here is the information for submitting your rough drafts:

Email Address:
ncischallenge (at) gmail (dot) com

Rough Draft Submission:
Drafts are due by 9:00 PM Central Time. Early submissions are welcome.

Please put your story Title and Author's name in the subject line.
If your story is currently untitled, please note *Untitled* and Author's name in the subject line.

For Authors with more than one story:
Yes, you are allowed to submit multiple stories (You are allowed to submit ONE 5K-10K micro bang story per year, and up to THREE stories total) for the art claim provided they are at least 80% complete, a minimum of 5000 words and will be completed and beta'd by the end of September. Each rough draft must be emailed in separately.

Rough drafts should be sent as an attachment. I will let you know if I am unable to open your file.

Your rough draft does not need to be beta'd at this time. To qualify for this year's Art Claim, your rough draft must be a minimum of 80% complete, be at least 5000 words (min for challenge), and close enough to being finished that you are 100% certain you will complete it on time. Once your summary is claimed, you have an Artist counting on you to post your work. Dropping out after an artist has claimed your story may make you ineligible for future Art Claims.

Please list your current information. This information may change prior to posting in October (such as your final WC, the title, etc.).

Character List:
Authors will need to include a list of characters. It is up to the author to determine which characters should be listed. These should be the characters you intend to include at AO3 when posting. Please use only the FIRST or LAST name of each character (i.e. Gibbs, Tony, Tim, Vance, Fornell, Abby, etc.). Authors can note which characters are main or minor characters if they want to (this is not required).

Your email is to include:
(This information must be in the body of your email)

Your LJ, DW, or AO3 name
Title (please use Untitled if you have not chosen a title at this time)
Current word count
Is your story complete (other than beta and final edits)? (Yes/No)
Category (Gen, Het, Slash)
Crossover? (Yes/No) - If yes, what fandom(s)?
Pairing(s) if any
Main Characters (use first OR last names only)
Minor Characters or Mentions (OPTIONAL)
Rating
Any warnings or spoilers
A summary to be posted for the Art Claim

Template for your convenience:

What if you miss the Rough Draft deadline?
Please reach out to me via email. Not PM - please EMAIL. ncischallenge (at) gmail (dot) com

If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment below, or send me an email.

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2025 NCIS Big Bang Check-In # 2

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:06:48 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Welcome to our 2025 NCIS Big Bang Challenge!

So, how is everyone doing? Still plotting? Have a story in mind? Started writing yet? Making progress? Off to your beta? Finished and ready to post? *G*

As a reminder, authors may post up to three stories. One of the three may be at the Micro-Bang level (5000 WC), while others would need to hit the Mini-Bang level (10,000 WC) or above. And of course, there is no maximum WC for the challenge.

NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang 2025:

Big Bang/Multi-Bang Authors signed up: 5
Big Bang/Multi-Bang Artists signed up: 2

NCIS 2025 Big Bang sign up information posts are Here on LJ or Here on DW.

( 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Schedule )

( Authors Checked in: )

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2025 NCIS Big Bang Check-In # 1

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 03:07:04 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Welcome to our 2025 NCIS Big Bang Challenge!

So, how is everyone doing? Still plotting? Have a story in mind? Started writing yet? Making progress? Finished and ready to post? *G*

As a reminder, authors may post up to three stories. One of the three may be at the Micro-Bang level (5000 WC), while others would need to hit the Mini-Bang level (10,000 WC) or above. And of course, there is no maximum WC for the challenge.

NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang 2025:

Big Bang/Multi-Bang Authors signed up: 4
Big Bang/Multi-Bang Artists signed up: 2

NCIS 2025 Big Bang sign up information posts are Here on LJ or Here on DW.

( 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Schedule )

( Authors Checked in: )

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NCIS Big Bang Challenge community information

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:27:11 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

The NCIS Big Bang Challenge:
Watch for sign-ups to open in April, stories to post in October.

Feel free to spread the word around to those who may be interested.
Our goal is to have a few new NCIS stories and artwork to share at the end of each challenge.

Art claims will be held via email.

We have updated our challenge process, and while posts will still be made to both LJ and DW, participants may sign up and check in via email. Summaries will be posted at the communities, but claims will be via email.

( Important notes for all participants )

NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang 2025:

Big Bang/Multi-Bang Authors signed up: 6
Big Bang/Multi-Bang Artists signed up: 5
Story Submissions: 4

NCIS 2025 Big Bang sign up posts are Here on LJ or Here on DW. **CLOSED**

( 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Schedule )

UPDATED 2024: Big Bang/Multi-Bang FAQs
Original (2014-2016) FAQs for both challenges
If you have any other questions, please let us know.
Discussions and Support Community

How to contact your Mod: jacieleigh (at) gmail (dot) com

If you are moving to DW, please join our sister communities:
ncis_bigbang, ncis_reversebang and ncis_bang (a collection of challenge master lists) are set up at DW.

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2025 NCIS Big Bang - Sign Ups CLOSED

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:50:14 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

We welcome you all to join us for our 2025 NCIS Big Bang Challenge!

Authors:

1) Your story must be based on NCIS characters. Crossovers and original characters are welcome. The LEAD character must be from the original NCIS series* and must have appeared in at least 10 episodes.
2) Stories must be a minimum of 5,000 words**. There is no maximum.
3) Gen, Het and Slash are all welcome, as are all ratings.
4) Stories must not be posted in part or in full prior to your scheduled posting date.
5) Stories must be beta'd (if you don't have a beta, there's usually some participant willing to beta for you).
6) If you miss the Artist Claims, you can still post your story without art or you may supply your own art.

*As Jethro Gibbs, Mike Franks, and Tobias Fornell have appeared in more than 10 NCIS episodes, it is acceptable to write a story based on NCIS: Origins that includes any of them as the main character. We have always accepted pre-series stories. Authors may tag their stories for NCIS, Origins, or both.
**We are offering a 5K-10K Micro Bang level this year. Authors are limited to one Micro Bang story per year, and a total of three stories per year.

Artists:

1) Art must include NCIS characters, including at least one NCIS character who has appeared in 10+ episodes.
2) Your art must be based on the fiction it is representing.
3) Art is not to be posted prior to your scheduled posting date.
4) Art must be finalized and submitted to mod and Author by September 30th.
5) Most artists at least provide cover art or a banner, but you are not limited to that. Art may be Photoshop, illustrations, videos, etc. You should produce at least one piece of art that can be posted with or linked to from the story. You may certainly produce as much art as you would like. If you want to portray a scene from each chapter, a few favorite scenes, chapter headings, icons, wallpapers, create multiple banners, etc., you are more than welcome to do so. You may submit all or allow the Author to choose (and they may choose ALL!).

( Communication Expectations )

Not responding to your partner or mod within a reasonable timeframe (1-2 weeks) is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Minimum communication expectation:
1) Within one week after the claims
2) When you receive work from your partner (rough draft, completed story, artwork draft, completed artwork)
3) If your partner or mod emails you at any time, for any reason, you are expected to respond within 1 week.

Simple responses are acceptable. When you receive a story or art file, please respond to your partner ("Got it" or "Thanks for sending" is fine). If you're busy or will be out of touch for a while, you don't need to explain in any detail, but a simple, "Really busy, but will be done on time" or "may not have email access for a few days" is fine.

Partners should agree on how much or how little they wish to collaborate. Partners do not need to approve each other's work. Participants should understand that while some people prefer to work closely together, others may not. The initial email after the claims is a good time to share how closely you are willing to work, and also your typical response time.

Your friendly mod's least favorite thing to do is to try and track down missing participants. By participating in this challenge, someone else is depending on you. It's not fair to drop out of communication and leave them with no story/artwork and no idea of what happened to you. You are expected to stay in touch with any assigned partner/match-up by communicating within a reasonable time frame. If you need to drop from the challenge for any reason after the claims, please notify the mod and your assigned partner ASAP. You are not required to give a reason, just let us know if you are dropping out. You are also expected to monitor this community (or related emails) and adhere to the schedule.

PLEASE NOTE:
CHANGE IN PROCESS!

While we will continue to make posts at both LJ and DW, we will also send emails to participants. We've found that very few people are still active at LJ and DW, others don't want to have to create a new account to participate. Participants are welcome to comment at the communities or respond via email. (Please note: I do not check the challenge email very often, so you may not get a response for a while. If anything is urgent, please comment or send to my personal email.)

Participants are welcome to create master posts at LJ, DW, or both. However, there is no requirement to do so. Posts can be made by the Author, Artist, Both, or Neither. If a DW/LJ post is not made, participants should send the information and links to the mod via email on their scheduled posting date.

While summaries will be posted to the communities for review, CLAIMS will be done via an email process.

You may see THIS POST on LJ or THIS POST at DW for more information on the new claims process.

SIGN UPS:

Authors:

To sign up as an AUTHOR, please copy and paste the information from the box below into a comment along with your information OR copy into an email and send to ncischallenge (at) gmail (dot) com, WITH THE SUBJECT LINE: 2025 Big Bang Author

Artists:

To sign up as an ARTIST, please copy and paste the information from the box below into a comment along with your information OR copy into an email and send to ncischallenge (at) gmail (dot) com, WITH THE SUBJECT LINE: 2025 Big Bang Artist

( 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Schedule )

( 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Participants )

Need more information? Please see our Big Bang/Multi-Bang FAQs at LJ or Big Bang/Multi-Bang FAQs at DW. If you have other questions, feel free to ask!

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2025 NCIS Big Bang

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 20:37:04 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

There will be a 2025 NCIS Big Bang!
Please share with interested parties.

I didn't get a lot of response, but what I got was encouraging me to keep the NCIS Big Bang going.

I'd like to see 5-6 summaries (minimum). This will hopefully give the artists some different options to consider.

( Changes in process... PLEASE READ )

If you have any questions, feel free to comment or reach out to me.

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Master List 2024 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:28:24 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Many thanks to everyone who participated as an Artist, Author, Beta, Cheerleader or Reader for our 2024 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Challenge. Everyone's hard work is very much appreciated! Please remember to let the Artists and Authors know if you enjoyed their work.

Upcoming Challenges:
-Sign-ups for the 2024 Reverse Bang will open soon.
-We will also be hosting a Happy Holidays Advent Challenge in December. The themes are posted HERE on LJ or HERE on DW. There is no need to sign up, just post on the scheduled theme date.

Stories and art posted to AO3 can be linked to our 2024 NCIS Big Bang AO3 Collection. It's easiest to find if you start with the year (2024), then the fandom (NCIS), and if you still don't see the collection, add the challenge name (Big Bang).
Master lists for all of my challenges are archived HERE on DW.

Our NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang challenge features 3 new stories and artwork for 2024!

Alphabetical Story List:

Betrayal by LJ Author Jacie, LJ Artist Spuddoc
Link to Story
Artwork is posted with the story
Category: Slash
Pairing: Anthony DiNozzo/Jethro Gibbs
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds, SEAL Team
Rating: Teen
Length: 25,025
Warnings and spoilers: Minor warnings for language, sexual situations, violence
Summary:
Tony had a bad feeling about Ziva from the day they met. But he had no idea how deeply her betrayal would run or the danger it would put him in.

How to close case in one step by LJ Author Banbury, LJ Artist Banbury
Link to Story
Artwork is posted with the story
Category: Gen
CROSSOVER - The Sentinel, Supernatural
Rating: PG-13
Length: 7,250
Warnings and spoilers: none
Summary:
Gibbs has simple rules and a simple approach to life. There are things in life that he doesn't like, and he tries to stay away from them. But he constantly encounters them.
When Gibbs' team has to travel to New York to investigate a case that Gibbs detested, they encounter a group of very suspicious people... They can't truly understand what these people are doing, and they don't understand their dynamics. Everyone, especially Gibbs, is very curious.

Water by LJ Author Fulltobursting, LJ Artist Germankitty
Link to Story
Link to Artwork
Category: Gen - Tim & Tony friendship, Team as family.
Rating: G
Length: 6,625
Warnings and spoilers: Series spoilers through 13x24: Family First. Mentions of Ziva's death. Dealings with Tali.
Summary:
Tony might not be Tali's father, but he takes her anyway.

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Betrayal by Jacie

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:57:56 GMT

Posted by: jacie

Title: Betrayal
Author: Jacie
Artist: Spuddoc
Beta: Rose_Malmaison
Category: Slash
Pairing(s): Gibbs/DiNozzo
Rating: T
Length: 25,000
Spoilers:
NCIS: Takes place around the time of Dead Air S8 E5 episode, potential spoilers to that point.
Criminal Minds: The story takes place during the time JJ had left the team for a few months in S6, potential spoilers to that point.
SEAL Team: As this story takes place in 2010, it is pre-series for SEAL Team. However, I did my best to align it to the correct timing. Some information was taken from "God of War" S4 E1. The story includes spoilers for that episode.
Warnings: Minor warnings for language, sexual situations, violence
Link to story: Story on AO3
Link to art: Will add if available.
Summary:
Tony had a bad feeling about Ziva from the day they met. But he had no idea how deeply her betrayal would run or the danger it would put him in.

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Reader's Guide for the 2024 Big Bang/Multi Bang

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 20:00:18 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Our 2024 NCIS Big Bang stories will begin posting next Friday, 11 October! We have three shiny new stories scheduled to post along with artwork created for those stories.

( Are you ready for another challenge? )

Authors, it is perfectly fine if your title or word count changes prior to posting. If you would like to change your summary, or if anything below is incorrect, please let me know.

The link to the posting guidelines for participants - HERE
Please be sure to follow the correct template on your master post to the community!

Summaries and posting schedule:

11 Fri:
Betrayal by LJ Author Jacie3, LJ Artist Spuddoc
Link to Story
Artwork is posted with the story
Category: Slash
Pairing: Anthony DiNozzo/Jethro Gibbs
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds, SEAL Team
Rating: Teen
Length: 25K
Warnings and spoilers: Minor warnings for language, sexual situations, violence
Summary:
Tony had a bad feeling about Ziva from the day they met. But he had no idea how deeply her betrayal would run or the danger it would put him in.

12 Sat:
How to close case in one step by LJ Author Banbury, LJ Artist Banbury
Link to Story
Artwork is posted with the story
Category: Gen
CROSSOVER - The Sentinel, Supernatural
Rating: PG-13
Length: 6K
Warnings and spoilers: none
Summary:
Gibbs has simple rules and a simple approach to life. There are things in life that he doesn't like, and he tries to stay away from them. But he constantly encounters them.
When Gibbs' team has to travel to New York to investigate a case that Gibbs detested, they encounter a group of very suspicious people... They can't truly understand what these people are doing, and they don't understand their dynamics. Everyone, especially Gibbs, is very curious.

13 Sun:
Water by LJ Author Fulltobursting, LJ Artist Germankitty
Category: Gen - Tim & Tony friendship, Team as family.
Rating: G
Length: 6.5K
Warnings and spoilers: Series spoilers through 13x24: Family First. Mentions of Ziva's death. Dealings with Tali.
Summary:
Tony might not be Tali's father, but he takes her anyway.

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Posting Schedule for 2024 NCIS Big Bang Challenge

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 17:42:23 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Future Challenges:

Sign-ups for the 2024 NCIS SeSa* will open in October.

Sign-ups for the 2025 NCIS Reverse Bang will open in November 2024.

The 2024 NCIS Happy Holidays Challenge will run in December, no sign-up required.
This challenge is hosted at the NCIS_Discuss community on LJ and the NCIS_Challenge community on DW.

Sign-ups for the 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang* will open in April 2025.

*Note:
2024 SeSa and 2025 Big Bang *might* be canceled due to low participation.
I will likely open sign-ups, but if we don't have enough sign-ups, I may end up canceling the challenges.
ETA: Upon further thought, I think we're probably going to give SeSa the year (2024) off. I do plan to run the HHC for sure if anyone wants to create holiday-themed stories or artwork this year.

( Authors who submitted rough drafts over 25K )

Posting Schedule:

Artists:
Artwork Submissions information is HERE on LJ OR HERE on DW.

October

11 Fri:
Betrayal by LJ Author Jacie3, LJ Artist Spuddoc
SLASH - Anthony DiNozzo/Jethro Gibbs
CROSSOVER - Criminal Minds, SEAL Team

12 Sat:
How to close case in one step by LJ Author Banbury, LJ Artist Banbury
GEN
CROSSOVER - The Sentinel, Supernatural

13 Sun:
Water by LJ Author Fulltobursting, LJ Artist Germankitty
GEN

( Read more... )

( Summaries )

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2024 NCIS Big Bang Artwork Submissions

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 20:41:35 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

COMMUNICATION REMINDER:
ALL participants are expected to check in at some point between September 3-23 to avoid last-minute MIA issues. Without communication, your partner and mod have absolutely no clue what is going on with you.
-You only need to do one of these three options.

Comment on the availability/check-in post in mid-Sept (strongly suggested for authors)

Email your partner - Artists can send the finished artwork or should update the author at some point between Sept 3-23

Email the mod - send a short email to [NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] with an update

ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE:

Artists are expected to send the completed artwork to the Authors and Mod [at NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] no later than Monday, September 30th.

Please note the story title and/or number in the subject field. Files can be attached or embedded.

Early submissions are welcome.

STORY DEADLINE:

All stories should be finalized and ready to post by Monday, September 30th.

There is no need to send your finalized copy to anyone unless requested.

Don't forget to confirm back to your artist when you receive your artwork, and be sure to check that the title and author name are correct.

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2024 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Availability Check-In

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:50:54 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Hello!

It's time to start putting a posting schedule together!

Please comment using the appropriate script below and note any dates in October that you are not available to post, using the actual numerical dates, no later than Friday, Sept 20, 8:00 PM Central Time USA.

Please limit these dates to days that you will not have internet access (due to medical reasons, vacations, travel, long work days, etc.).

Keep in mind that either member of an Artist/Author team can make the post to the community and we do offer proxy help as well.

( AO3 allows you to pre-load your stories/artwork )

Oct 20-31 are blocked - we will not be posting on these days.
ETA NOTE: We will most likely be posting in the first 10 days of October, so please make sure you have some availability then.

Due to the number of stories this year, it is very likely posting will begin the first week of October.

The schedule will be posted prior to 1 October.

Make sure you check the community for your scheduled posting date prior to October so you may plan accordingly.

If you are unable to post on your scheduled date, your partner or a proxy may post to the community for you.

If you miss your posting date, email me to discuss the situation, do not post on someone else's date.

( Posting options for stories over 25K )

If you have a preference to post early, late or somewhere in the middle, you may note that. I cannot guarantee that everyone will get their first choice, but I will accommodate as many as I can. If there are too many conflicting dates/preferences between an author and an artist, preference will go to the author as they are posting the story. Only one person needs to post to the community.

Authors, please note an approximate, current word count. Feel free to round up or down to the nearest 25, 100 or 500. I just want to get a general idea. It is perfectly fine if you edit the story up or down before posting.

For anyone who does not respond, I will take that to mean you have no preference and no availability issues in October.

The due date for all art and stories to be 100% completed is:
Monday, Sept 30. by 8:00 PM CENTRAL TIME USA.

Artists should send the finalized art files to the Author and also copy the Mod at NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com by this date.

Please be sure to use the story title and/or number in the subject line.

Early submissions are always welcome.

Please copy and paste the appropriate script below to check in and request your preferences:

Authors:

Artists:

This year's participants:

1) Water by LJ Author Fulltobursting, LJ Artist Germankitty
GEN

2) Betrayal by LJ Author Jacie, LJ Artist Spuddoc
SLASH (CROSSOVER) - Anthony DiNozzo/Jethro Gibbs

3) How to close case in one step by Banbury, Artist (pending)
GEN (CROSSOVER)

( Posting access )

( Last call for rough drafts )

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2024 NCIS Big Bang Match-ups

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 17:39:58 GMT

Posted by: jacieleigh

Hello!

Many thanks to the Authors who submitted summaries and the Artists who claimed summaries for art!

DEADLINE:
Artists are expected to send the completed artwork to the Authors and Mod [at NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] no later than 30 September. That is the due date for both artwork and stories to be finished.

COMMINICATION:
ALL participants are expected to check in at some point between September 3-23 to avoid last-minute MIA issues. Without communication, your partner and mod have absolutely no clue what is going on with you.
-You only need to do one of these three options.

Comment on the availability post in mid-Sept (strongly suggested for authors)

Email your partner - Artists can send the finished artwork or should update the author at some point between Sept 3-23

Email the mod - send a short email to [NCISchallenge (at) gmail (dot) com] with an update

Please contact your partner ASAP. Authors should provide their Artist with a rough draft of their story. Artists should confirm they have received the story file. If you are unable to contact your partner for any reason, please let the mods know and we will try for you.

ALL PARTICIPANTS are expected to follow these minimum communication expectations going forward.

( Minimum Communication Expectations )

( Read more... )

Find your partner's contact information:
2024 NCIS Big Bang Author Sign-ups on LJ
2024 NCIS Big Bang Artist Sign-ups on LJ

( Match ups under the cut )

Posting Schedule:

Watch for a post in early-mid September where you can let us know your availability. Please keep in mind that either partner, or the Author's beta, or a proxy can make the Master Post to the community. I plan to have the schedule posted mid-late September, with posting beginning in early October.

Posting Access:

Please check the profile page and make sure you have Posting Access prior to your scheduled posting date. You will need to "join" the community, rather than just "watch". Once you have joined and are listed as a member of the community, I will be able to give you posting access for this challenge. Access is generally granted when the posting schedule is revealed in September.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to comment below or email me at jacieleigh (at) gmail (dot) com

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NCIS Big Bang

NCIS Big Bang will go on hiatus for 2026 and 2027

Master List 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang

Merger by Jacie, Artwork by GermanKitty

Where There’s Smoke… There’s Kate by Jacie, artwork by Banbury

2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Reader's Guide & Posting instructions

Posting Schedule/Guidelines for 2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Challenge

2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Availability Check-In

2025 NCIS Big Bang Artwork Submissions and Deadlines

2025 Big Bang/Multi-Bang Match-ups

2025 NCIS Big Bang Art Claim ***CLOSED***

Deadline Reminder for the 2025 NCIS Big Bang Challenge

2025 NCIS Big Bang Check-In # 3

2025 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Rough Draft Submissions

2025 NCIS Big Bang Check-In # 2

2025 NCIS Big Bang Check-In # 1

NCIS Big Bang Challenge community information

2025 NCIS Big Bang - Sign Ups ***CLOSED***

2025 NCIS Big Bang

Master List 2024 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang

Betrayal by Jacie

Reader's Guide for the 2024 Big Bang/Multi Bang

Posting Schedule for 2024 NCIS Big Bang Challenge

2024 NCIS Big Bang Artwork Submissions

2024 NCIS Big Bang/Multi-Bang Availability Check-In

2024 NCIS Big Bang Match-ups

2025 NCIS Big Bang Art Claim CLOSED

2025 NCIS Big Bang - Sign Ups CLOSED