Be A Hero
Community comic book at Boone Comicon Saturday

Have you ever wanted to be in a comic book?

Now you can, at the Boone Comicon, a one-day comic-book convention that will be held at the National Guard Armory in Boone on Saturday. The show is open to the public and will feature comic books, collectible toys and action figures, books, gaming, non-sport cards and art. Ten regional comic-book artists and illustrators will be exhibiting their work, and they’re also helping with a unique project to put show attendees in a real comic book.

Scott Nicholson of Todd started the Dreambook project after one of his short fiction works was published in England, featuring drawings by him, his stepson and daughter. His daughter was so thrilled to be in a “real book” that Nicholson figured everyone should have the opportunity.

“The Boone Comicon Dreambook is a true do-it-yourself, on-the-spot community art experiment,” Nicholson said. “With budgets for the arts being cut and everyone depressed because they’re worried about the economy, many people have forgotten how to find joy through creativity. With this book, you can turn yourself into a superhero and help defeat the insidious forces of boredom.”

The idea in the book is that Dr. dULL has shown up at the Boone Comicon with his band of Crusty Crummies, determined to steal the Dreambook and stamp out words, art, and fun forever. But the attendees of the Boone Comicon use the power of imagination, dreams, and creativity, and the occasional flying scissors-kick and mind-melting ray, to rescue the Dreambook and send Dr. dULL back to wherever boring people hang out.

“All attendees at the comic show are invited to contribute a panel of artwork to the story,” Nicholson said. “You’re welcome to draw yourself as a hero, or make up any hero, or just be yourself. You can even draw Dr. dULL and the Crusty Crummies if you like. And it’s not just for kids. I don’t think grown-ups are as bored and boring as they usually act, and it’s something families can do together.”

Those who can’t attend can still be in the Dreambook and the art contest by mailing a color panel on the idea to Scott Nicholson, 188AA Bernard Bledsoe Lane, Todd NC 28684. The panels must be 3 inches wide and 3 and 1/2 inches tall, with your name and age (if under 17) on the bottom of the panel. No materials will be returned, so don’t send your only copy if you want to keep it. Existing characters like Batman and Spiderman aren’t allowed, either, because only you are powerful enough to beat Dr. dULL.

The professional artists at the show will be judging winners in four age categories to receive prizes: 8 and under, 9 to 12, 13 to 16, and 17 and up. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest. The overall winner will be the cover artist for the comic book.

Participating artists who will help attendees with comic panels are Thomas Boatwright of Cemetery Blues, Post Mortem Comic Studios, Billy Fowler, Evan Dahm, Bitter Tea Studios, Bradd Parton, Hardway Studios, Jester Press, John Hairston Jr. and Bobby Nash.

The book will be published about six weeks after the show, with the title “How We Saved The World of Imagination.” Copies of the community comic book can be ordered in advance or at the show, for $3.50 each and $1 shipping and handling. The number of advance orders will determine how many are printed.

Show sponsors are the Art Mart & Academy, Elkland Art Center, The Mountain Times, Plan 9 Comics of Boone and McFarland Publishers of West Jefferson. Local stations giving away prizes the week of the show include WKSK, Mac FM 100.7 and WASU.

The Boone Comicon will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18. The National Guard Armory is at 274 Hunting Hills Lane, beside the Watauga County Parks & Recreation Complex on State farm Road in Boone. Show admission is $2, with 8 and under free.

Information on the show and the Dreambook are available at www.hauntedcomputer.com/BooneComicon.htm.