Strip-Off

Artist Scott McCloud has long been a champion of comics. The comic book is a medium that the acclaimed storyteller feels is as legitimate and accessible as literature or film, not just fodder for big-budget blockbusters and the covers of kids' lunchboxes. To heighten awareness of the expressive capabilities of his chosen field, McCloud created the 24-Hour Comic Challenge. The idea is simple: Creators have 24 hours -- ideally without sleep -- in which to write and draw a 24-page comic. After such big names in the comics world as Kevin Eastman and Neil Gaiman picked up the gauntlet, the challenge took on a life of its own, inspiring countless numbers of amateur scribes and scribblers to ink ad hoc stories by caffeine and candlelight.

Rob Ullman

Details

Noon Saturday, April 24, Clockwork Comics and Games, 2835 South Broadway, Englewood, free, 303-781-6166

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• Scott McCloud
• Neil Gaiman
• Kevin Eastman

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But it's time to take the challenge to the street -- or, rather, to Clockwork Comics and Games, where the 24-Hour Comics Day festivities will be held this weekend. Starting Saturday at high noon, participants will bring their own art supplies and begin work on their masterpieces; the store will stay open overnight and provide refreshments and an encouraging environment.

"A lot of people try doing the 24-hour comic at home, but it's just too easy to go to bed when you get tired," says Jefferson Powers, Clockwork's owner and the organizer of the event. "This way, everyone has more motivation to actually get it done. It's a great inspiration to aspiring comic-book artists."

Still, Powers emphasizes that the marathon isn't only for would-be pros. "I think it's a way for people to participate in making comics," he says, "and to realize that it's not some mystical thing that only certain people can do." Although all are welcome, space is limited, so advance signup in person or by phone is required.

Clockwork is just one shop of many across the country that are holding similar sketch-offs; the results will be submitted to a national sponsor for potential publication in a trade paperback to commemorate 24-Hour Comics Day. But everyone will be a winner at Clockwork: Powers plans to assemble art from all entrants into a comic book that will be available about a week after the hard day's night wears down. McCloud must be proud.