Written by: Courtney Regensburger
Pick up your pencils and find your sketchpads as it is time for the fifth annual KCPL Comic Book Contest! For the uninitiated, the Comic Book Contest is a time for kids and teens to flex their creative muscles both in art and writing. Participants are encouraged to bring to life what is hiding in their imagination and see it put to print.
The best in show will then be selected from each age group (Kids Division: up to age 12, Teens: 13-18). Winners from each division will receive a prize basket, including an anthology of all winning entries. Additionally, winning submissions will be added to the pre-existing anthology for patrons to check out and read!
Starting in August, there will be several events leading up to the Contest kickoff, the Comic Book Crafting programs; hosted at the Covington branch. Supplies will be made available, as well as a book binder, for those that simply want to create something for personal usage.
What are comics? Why are comics important?
A straightforward enough question, right? The dictionary states that comics are “a group of drawings in narrative sequence.”¹ However, this hardly does justice to the medium.
Comics are often viewed as lowbrow, meant as a steppingstone for children before they move on to “real” books. Scott McCloud in "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art" writes that “At one time or another virtually all the great media have received critical examination in and of themselves.”² Unfortunately, some folks fail to notice that comics can be just as deep and complicated as novels. They bear a capacity that ordinary books lack, they are a blend of artistry and literature. Comics provide an avenue of accessibility to would-be readers where text-only literature falls short.
This accessibility extends to the creator as well. Anyone can pick up a pencil or pen and start to draw. “No materials are ruled out…no tools are prohibited…no schools of art are banished…no ways of seeing are out of bounds!” (McCloud, 1994) This grants creators a wonderful level of flexibility.
Why participate?
The joy of creation is a precious thing. It provides a type of emotional fulfillment that few other pursuits can provide. The pride and happiness stirred by being able to point a piece of art and say “I made that” carries a heavy weight. It is earned by the creator’s own effort, and they receive back everything they put in. Yet, aside from the joy of creation, drafting and creating a comic is an excellent opportunity to hone core skills such as fine motor skills, penmanship, planning, critical thinking, planning, and time management.
Will adults ever be able to compete in the contest?
Yes, that is the current plan. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the adult division will be implemented in 2027. Notably, the anthology will be separate from the child and teenager comic collection.
Links and Sources
Comic Book Contest information
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