Central Indiana comic book competition turns 13
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Visitors check out some original comic book panels during a previous edition of Noblesville Creates' annual Comic Book in a Day contest. Photo: Courtesy of Noblesville Creates
This weekend, local comic book artists of all skill levels will race against the clock to bring their ideas to life.
Why it matters: Now in its 13th year, Noblesville Creates' annual Comic Book in a Day contest continues to provide an outlet for creative development as access and funding for such pursuits run low.
- The latest Indiana Creative Economy Report, published in October 2024, identified the state's art and culture industry as an "overlooked economic engine" in need of cultivation.
What they're saying: "Creativity and access to the arts in all forms really is fundamental to being a fully realized person," Noblesville Creates executive director Ailithir McGill tells Axios. "Programs like this one give us the chance to bring some of the work we do forward, but also funds to support that work."
Driving the news: This year's competition includes virtual and in-person events.
- The in-person challenge at Hamilton East Public Library will have a youth division for creators who are 12 and under, and an adult division for those 13 and up.
How it works: Upon arrival, competitors will be provided materials from Noblesville Creates and granted access to the tools available in the library's Ignite Studio.
- Kids get four hours to make up to four pages of an original comic book, and adults get seven hours to make up to six pages.
- Professionals will be on hand to help, and even non-artists are welcome to take part.
- "The key to a good comic book really is the story. So that's why if all you draw is stick figures, that's totally OK," McGill says. "What we're looking for is your ability to use those stick figures to tell an interesting story."
Zoom in: Judges for both competitions include artists who have worked on iconic titles like "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Bionicle," "Godzilla" and "Ghost in the Shell."
- Visitors are encouraged to attend the in-person competition to spectate, purchase merchandise from featured artists, and participate in comic-themed activities.
If you go: The online competition takes place from 8:30am to 4:45pm Friday on Zoom.
- Registration is $60, and artists who sign up after Tuesday will need to use their own supplies.
- The in-person competition starts Saturday at 8:30am for adults (challenge entry sold out) and 10am for kids ($40).
- A 21-and-up VIP night with complimentary food and drinks will be held from 7-9pm at Ball State Fishers for $30.