CONTACT:
(Contest) Dominic Bonacci, (440) 356-8743,
[email protected]
(Symposium) Dr. Patrick McLaughlin,
(440) 525-7353, [email protected]
January 23 – March 26, 2008
Notables to judge regional comic strip, graphic fiction contest
KIRTLAND, Ohio—Amateur cartoonists and graphic fiction authors can have their work
reviewed by industry professionals, including the author of "Sally Forth," the creative
team of "On a Claire Day," a former Marvel Comics editor, co-author of the "Complete
Idiot’s Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel," and a senior editor at Dark Horse Books in
the annual Comics Contest in conjunction with Lakeland Community College's annual
Comics Symposium.
The annual contest invites comic strip and graphic fiction authors of all ages and
drawing abilities to enter. "The judges know firsthand that delivering entertaining
graphic fiction or a funny strip involves more than simply being able to draw well.
Often it’s the story or storytelling that makes a piece compelling," says symposium
founder and organizer, Dr. Patrick McLaughlin.
Already committed to serve on the judging panel are Francesco Marciuliano, writer of
the syndicated cartoon "Sally Forth;" greeting card artist Carla Ventresca who along
with Henry Beckett create the syndicated cartoon "On a Claire Day," Chris Warner,
senior editor at Dark Horse Books and 20-year veteran of the comics industry as an
artist, writer and editor; Danny Fingeroth, former writer/editor for Marvel Comics who
publishes WriteNow! Magazine; and Nat Gertler, co-author of the "Complete Idiot's
Guide to Creating a Graphic Novel."
The symposium is celebrating its fifth year in 2008 with a special Nextbook/American
Library Association Book Discussion Series on the graphic novel from January 23
through March 26 in which five landmark pieces of the genre will receive an in-depth
study. Specifics will be announced in a few weeks.
The Comics Contest allows amateur artists and writers to enter the comic strip or
graphic fiction categories in age groups, from middle school to post-high school.
Winners will be honored at the symposium’s final book discussion on March 26.
Entrants can submit work electronically or by mail prior to the event ($12 initial
submission, $8 each additional submission) or in-person during the symposium ($15
per entry). Up to five entries can be submitted per person.
More information, rules, judging criteria and entry forms are available at
www.academicventures.com/comics.
This year’s symposium’s supporters include: the Lakeland Foundation, Spudnuts, Half
Price Books Records & Magazines and American Greetings Corporation.
Lakeland Community College offers a full range of English courses, including Dr. McLaughlin's graphic
fiction class, which examines the art and writing that evolved into comics. For more information about
this course and other Lakeland offerings, visit www.lakelandcc.edu.
- ### -
Lakeland Community College Comics Symposium
7700 Clocktower Dr., STE C-2081 Kirtland, OH 44094-5198
(440) 356-8743
[email protected]