Starting at noon on Saturday a group of comic cartoonists from the Madison area will be gathering at Escape Coffeehouse. The goal? To create a 24-page comic in 24-hours. According to the 24 Hour Comics website that means "story, finished art, lettering, colors (if you want 'em), paste-up, everything! Once pen hits paper, the clock starts ticking. 24 hours later, the pen lifts off the paper, never to descend again. Even proofreading has to occur in the 24 hour period." No preparation can occur beforehand.

24-hour comic day is the brainchild of Scott McCloud who is considered the leading theoretician in the field of comics. McCloud has published three important texts on the topic including Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics, and Making Comics. 24-hour comic day is both a homage to the creation of comics and a challenge to help bolster creativity.

Daniella Echeverria (random: my spell check wants to turn her last name into "Cheeto") is bringing that challenge to Madison. Dane101 (who is also sponsoring the event) asked Echeverria questions about the event including why she wanted to bring it to Madison, what drives her comic creation, and of course the most important question which Jhonen Vasquez creation would win in a fight, invader Zim or Johnny the Homicidal Maniac.

So why did you want to bring 24-Hour Comic Day to Madison?

Well, I first heard about this event a few months ago. I figured that Madison would have events like this already planned and have been going on for years and years. At the end of August I found out that Madison didn't have anything planned. I knew that this was something I wanted to do. 24 Hour Comics Day, while bound to be the most stressful 24 hour period I've had in a while is destined to be a blast!

How has the response been? How many people are you expecting?

The response has been slow but very positive. A lot of people think it's a great idea but for some reason are hesitant. It might be the pressure of finishing something that long in such a short amount of time, and being half asleep for a lot of it. But I think what is great about this event is that you don't have to have any particular skill with drawing or writing to participate. This will be my first 24 Hour Comics Day and I'm expecting 6-15 people, which I think would be a great turnout for the first year.

Can just anyone walk in off the street and do a comic?

Absolutely!

What is the process?

All the artists and writers involved will bring their own creative style to the table. The way everyone chooses to make their comic is completely open. Some are using photos for panels, markers, pens, crayons, their computers… you can make it your own. When everything is finished we will ship photocopies (or links to websites) to the official 24 Hour Comics Day people and possibly be involved with the book they might be making.

How do you plan to help people make it through the night?

Lots of encouragement and a pot of coffee.

Personally, what is your experience creating drawing comics?

I have actually only ever done a handful of comics. Most of them are only a page or two long and have no plot whatsoever. That is something that I want to work on. Mostly I've done a lot of character drawings with no plots to accompany them. I am looking forward to this Saturday when I can finish something I've started.

Who are some of your influences?

Scott McCloud is definitely up there. His theories about comics are amazing. He is the one who thought up 24 hour Comics Day. He has also written a comic theory book called "Understanding comics" which is the first graphic novel I ever purchased. It has everything to do with why I have fallen in love with this art form. A few other favorites; Craig Thompson, Chris Ware, James Kochalka, Jhonen Vasquez , David B., and Jeffrey Brown (I'm hoping to add more women to this favorites list as soon as I find any comics written by women!).

Why do you think independent comics are important in society?

They are important for the expression of ideas that would normally not fly with a larger corporation or audience. Variety is the spice of life. This is true with independent media and independent music also. Every voice counts. Things like 24 hour comics day can be an excellent way to create and enjoy the many ideas of the artists.

Do you think you will try to do it again next year?

Definitely! I am looking forward to seeing what we create and would love to see what future Madison 24 Hour Comics days will produce.

Who would win in a fight Invader Zim or Johnny the Homicidal Maniac?

Ho-dang, that's a tough one! I am going to have to go with Zim on this one, but only if Gir was with him.

Visit the Madison 24-Hour Comic MySpace page.