Comic Book Idol 3

Well, CBR's Comic Book Idol contest has finally returned! It's been three years since the last one, in which I entered and didn't make it past the first cut. I also entered the first one to a similar result. My art wasn't up to snuff (it's an art competition) and it still isn't, at least as far as I know. It's been a while since I tried drawing a full page, so who knows?

Anyway, regardless of my own abrupt end in the competition, it was always a fun event to watch. You had celebrity judges and some pretty cool prizes. Last time the winner got to do a strip for Oni Press among other things. This time the main sponsor is the New York City Comic-Con, who is awarding the winner with an all expenses paid trip to the con to meet with publishers and editors and show off their work.

Past winners and contestants have landed gigs with Marvel, Top Cow, Image and more. CBR has a lot of pros active in the community, so a lot of eyes see the art meaning it's a great opportunity for artists to get their stuff scene by people that could make a difference.

One very fond memory I have of CBI has nothing to do with the competition itself oddly enough. I've mentioned it before in various places, but on the CBR message boards is where Scott (Wannabez) and I met. A bunch of us who entered the contest decided to do a DC jam poster. We were randomly paired up (me with the unbelievable Sergio Quijada, who I'm surprised isn't working for Marvel or DC yet). It was a great time, and even though we never finished the poster, connections made at that time have led to some cool things, including the excellent collaboration on Wannabez!

So whether I enter this year or not I will certainly be watching with anticipation. Reading the judges comments on others' art helps me also to know what is lacking in my own. While I do consider myself more of a writer these days than an artist I'm still not ready to let go of my first artistic love. One of these days...

B-Out