Wednesday, April 18, 2001

THE COMIC

Solicitation of contributions is now closed (April 18th 2001),
but anyone who promised contributions and has not yet sent anything has until April 30th.

The comic is a compilation of single page strips drawn or written or featuring sketches by volunteers from the "comics community".
See http://members.aol.com/adeheathen/c2000.htm and the press release below

There is a framing story, illustrated by Arthur Goodman explaining why an alien would be attending a comic convention in the first place.

THE AUCTION

Original art (ie contributions to the comic) hopefully to be made available for the auction at Comics 2001.

THE CHARITY

To tie in with the COMICS 2001 festival charity

ChildLine (proceeds from any original art)

Comic Relief (proceeds of sales of the comic)

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (auction of specially signed edition of the comic)



For your information, here is the info with which I recruited people to the project.
It's amazing that so many people persevered !



THE COMMUNICATION

If I were to send the invitation around to loads of comics people, of course many busy people would ignore my emails.
However, if you support this cause and you know someone who would contribute (or who SHOULD), please pass it on.
Thanks to the people who have offered contributions so far, I'll publish a list in a month or two, with their permission.

THE CONTRIBUTIONS

1) Participants will have an A4 comic page, partially complete, and script outline. (see above)

2) It has three small panels introducing the writer, artist or one of their characters

& one large panel allowing artists to contribute just a sketch and minimal script

(although we hope some will re-draw the whole page).

3) Writers will also be invited to write a script for the page

(writer/artist collaborations welcome !)

4) There is a script outline, which contributors can keep as it is or change for their own needs.

5) The outline looks like this CHARITY COMIC BOOK COLLABORATION http://members.aol.com/adeheathen/c2000page.htm

6) Yes. The finished comic will have almost identical pages, with contributors hopefully using their own characters to answer the questions posed in the script.

7) an introductory page will be posted with invitations to contribute.

This will explain why an alien visitor is going around comic book creators asking

"Who is your comics hero?"

8) after the closing date for collaborations (March 2001) a final page will be written to close the story.

9) The book will be published in time for Comics 2001.

To minimise costs, distribution headaches etc involved it will be a black and white fanzine format. Not yet sure if it will be A4 or A5, depends how many pages are contributed I suppose.



FAQ!

WHAT DO I NEED TO DRAW ?

The minimum would be to do a sketch as you might do at a convention, in answer to the question "What is your most favourite comic ever ?"

If you want to add anything to the three small panels or re-draw them, go ahead.

You could just sketch the title character (ie if Kirby's Hulk is your fave, draw the Hulk) or draw yourself or your character naming the fave (ie Spider Jerusalem saying "SPAWN F*KN ROOLS!")

Creator owned characters would be welcome.

For example, if you write and draw Mr Floppy, and you want to have Mr Floppy saying that X Men is his fave (while holding a copy of Xmen #1 or wearing an Xmen t-shirt) that would be fine.

WHAT SHOULDN'T I INCLUDE ?

Well, there is an issue with copyright, but if everyone votes for and draws Batman then perhaps DC will let us have fair use ? In any case, those pages that can not be used could still be auctioned.

WHAT DO I NEED TO WRITE ?

Dialogue is suggested for the three small panels, you can change this to meet your preferences. If you are contributing art, please include some comment as to why you have chosen this comic. If you are a writer (only!) please feel free to fill the last panel with words or give us a script that an artist can complete on your behalf.

If you know an artist who you think would suit your work, please pass it on.

If you don't want an artist to illustrate your script, let me know

DO I HAVE TO FOLLOW THE SCRIPT ?

Be creative (since that's why I'm asking you !) If you want your character to refuse to answer the question fine.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER REGULATIONS ?

It has to be acceptable for a "family" audience so no swearies.

CAN I NOMINATE MY OWN COMIC ?

Of course.



If you have any further questions, or want to confirm or refuse to take part,

please email me mailto: adeheathen@aol.com