24 Hour Comic

24 Hour Comic is a riveting 2017 documentary film that offers an in-depth look into the audacious and adrenaline-filled world of creating a full 24-page comic in under 24 hours. The film stars Barkles, Scott Allie and Rebecca Celsi, alongside several other illustrators and writers from the thriving independent comic scene of Portland, Oregon.

Directed by Milan Erceg, the film throws audiences into the heart of an eccentric yet fascinating creative challenge that tests the resolve, ingenuity, and tenacity of a diverse group of artists. The setting is Things From Another World, a popular comic book store in Portland, where each year artists and illustrators congregate to engage in an unusual artistic tradition known as the 24-hour comic challenge.

24 Hour Comic pivots around eight artists who accept the challenge that day, as they strive to create their own 24-page comic, from conception to completion, within an unforgiving deadline of 24 hours. Among these artists are the charismatic illustrator known as Barkles, the experienced Dark Horse Comics editor Scott Allie, and the notoriously creative Rebecca Celsi.

The beauty of the movie lies in its unique portrayal of the painstaking creative process, capturing every brush stroke, every line drawn, every moment of frustration, triumph, and above all, unbridled passion. The film does an excellent job of capturing the tension and excitement present in every moment of this artistic race against the clock.

The natural camaraderie among the artists, their shared determination, and the sheer energy of the event are prominently showcased throughout the film. 24 Hour Comic also delves into the personal journeys of these creators. We see Barkles with his vibrant and whimsical style that contrasts with Scott Allie's darker, more complex themes. Nevertheless, each of them, in their unique way, contribute to the overarching narrative of artistic endeavor and accomplishment.

Rebecca Celsi, the lone female participant, renders the event a refreshing dynamic. Her unique perspective and fierce commitment to the challenge are not only inspiring but also provide a fascinating overarching narrative. These strikingly diverse individuals, each with their unique artistic styles and processes, come together as they push their creative boundaries, designing and developing characters, plotlines, and illustrations to fill their blank 24-page canvas in a single, adrenaline-fuelled day and night.

The cinematography is equally as impressive. The camera captures these artists' grueling creative process in a way that highlights the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with such extreme creativity, coupled with the lack of sleep, the stress, the euphoria, and the pure determination. The fly-on-the-wall style capturing of the action is incredibly immersive, giving viewers a real taste of the electric atmosphere and turmoil that characterizes this extraordinary event.

The film also provides a brilliant behind-the-scenes peek into the world of comic creation, revealing the often-underappreciated dedication, effort, and sheer hard work that goes into making comic books. Threaded with interviews with the creators and comic industry insiders, it offers a unique understanding of not just the 24-hour comic challenge, but the comic industry as a whole.

Beyond the boundaries of the comic book store, the film delves into the thriving independent comics scene of Portland. It showcases the city as a cultural hotspot for comic art, becoming a subtle love letter to its burgeoning independent comics culture.

Though primarily a documentary, 24 Hour Comic has an engrossing narrative arc, packed with underdog tales, compelling personal stories, and sheer grit. It's not only about creating comics, but also about the sheer joy of creating, the shared experiences of artists, and the victories and despairs felt by them during their creative journey.

In essence, 24 Hour Comic is a tribute, not only to comics as an art form, but to the passion, determination, and creativity of those who dedicate their lives to telling stories in this unique, visually expressive medium. It’s a must-see, not just for comic book enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in art, storytelling, and endurance of the human spirit under pressure.