Comic Jam Wars

About Comics released more information on Comic Jam Wars, an event name that just screams out to be in all caps with multiple exclamation points (COMIC JAM WARS!!!!!!!). The event pits creative teams at comic shops around the country against each other in a steel-cage battle to the death ... um, actually, in a comic creating contest:

The organizers of Comics Jam War have announced their initial list of comics shops hosting this comics creation contest. With the April 1st contest date still month away, the contest already has a dozen shops signed up in seven U.S. states and one Canadian province, with more locations in the midst of signing up.

The contest is simple. Teams of creative folks will gather at events hosted by comics shops. At noon Eastern time, some specific information will be announced that all the teams have to build eight page black-and-white all-ages comic book stories around. At midnight, all the artists will have to put their drawing implements down. The work will then be sent to a panel of comics professionals for judging. Cash prizes and publication await the creators of the best, most publishable stories.

Stores that have arranged to host events include

a.. Austin Books in Austin, Texas
b.. Bunjee's Comics in McDonough, Georgia
c.. Buy Me Toys.com in South Bend, Indiana
d.. Captain Blue Hen in Newark, Delaware
e.. Comic-Kazi in Calgary, Alberta
f.. Comickaze Comics Books and More in San Diego, California
g.. Happy Harbor Comics and Toys in Edmonton, Alberta
h.. Kingdom Comics in Vestavia Hills, Alabama
i.. Knightly Games in El Centro, California
j.. Metropolis Comics in Bellflower, California
k.. Modern Myths in Northampton. Massachusetts
l.. That's Entertainment in Worcester; Massachusetts
Writers and artists who live near these stores should contact them to sign up for the event. The addresses of these shops can be found on the ComicsJamWar.com website.

Folks who don't have an announced location near them shouldn't feel shut out, however. "There are still more than two months before the contest," explains Nat Gertler, publisher of About Comics and founder of Comics Jam War, "and we're going to keep signing up stores. If our experience with 24 Hour Comics Day is any indication, the number of stores will double by the contest date. The best thing to do is to talk to your local comics shop, tell them you're interested, and steer them toward the ComicsJamWar.com for more information on what it takes to host an event."

Meanwhile, Gertler is not resting. "I'm sending out promotional posters to the hosts, getting ready to print up t-shirts for the events, talking to additional stores about joining in on the fun, and generally trying to make this event special for all involved. All that and I have to keep convincing folks that just because it's happening on April 1, that doesn't mean it's an April Fool's joke."

Comics Jam War is a creation of About Comics, a publisher of comics books and other materials for the comics fans. More information about Comics Jam War is available at ComicsJamWar.com. More information about About Comics can be found at AboutComics.com. And more information about the annual 24 Hour Comics Day can be found at 24HourComics.com.

Let's get ready to rumble!

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