An opportunity to learn about and make comic books will be offered in a weeklong camp at the Powell River Public Library from March 19 to 23.
Hosted by Victoria-based cartoonist Gareth Gaudin, the program will look at the history of comics and hopefully inspire budding cartoonists to create their own works, he said.
“At comic camp we chat, I tell stories of comic book history and show how I come up with characters, then we all start drawing,” said Gaudin. “It's fun, relaxing, social and inspiring.”
According to Gaudin, his passion for comics started at an early age and quickly became his calling.
“I discovered comic books when I was five years old and started teaching myself how they were made immediately,” he said. “I was intent on spending the rest of my life as a cartoonist.”
Gaudin found a photocopy machine at his local library and was able to make copies of his books and sell them to friends and family. Each finished comic inspired the next one.
“Pretty soon I'd amassed a collection of over 200 comic books that I'd written, drawn, and published myself,” he said.
Chief librarian Rebecca Burbank said she is especially looking forward to seeing what camp participants will come up with.
“I cannot wait to see what this crew creates,” said Burbank. “In the past we have added books and zines made by children and teens to the library’s collection, and the thought that was put into those creations was wonderful.”
Gaudin’s most popular books include Magic Teeth, The Perogy Cat, and The Monster Sisters. He has a degree in visual arts from University of Victoria, where he majored in painting and drawing and has been teaching cartooning and comic book-making classes for more than 20 years.
Three years ago Gaudin opened his own comic book school, which he is now taking on the road. Powell River is his first stop.
Gaudin said his enthusiasm for comics is something he hopes to share with all camp participants.
“They're fun, beautiful, simple, and their history is fascinating,” he said.
Registration has closed for spring break comic camp, as all available spots have been filled.
