Back in the 1990s, the international comics community began holding an annual 24-Hour Comic Day: the challenge is to produce a 24-page comic in 24 hours. No preparation (except materials, music and food), from initial concept to full art, with even proofreading completed within one day. You can nap, but the clock keeps ticking. There are two ways to not quite make it: in the Eastman variation, you sail past the deadline and keep going until the work is completed; in the Gaiman variation, you stop at whatever point the time runs out.
Since 2008, the growing Phnom Penh comics community has joined in this global sharing and along the way created what is called the ‘Cambodian variation’: the event is open for 24 hours, but participants produce one page in one hour; you can drop in, be brilliant and head off again. This scenario is more appropriate for local artists, because it allows those with jobs, second jobs, studies and/or family responsibilities to take part without having to commit to the more intense 24-hour version.
“The operative word here is ‘fun’,” explains organiser John Weeks, from the Siew Phew Yeung/Our Books group. “Each day has had a great informal atmosphere that brought the community together: amateurs, professionals, local and international artists.”
Globally, the day set aside for this event is October 5, which falls on Pchum Ben this year; the Phnom Penh event has been brought forward to the weekend before. Java Café and Gallery will host an exhibition on the evening of September 27 to showcase examples of work from previous years, then the scribbling and scrawling fun begins on September 28 at 8 am.
“Artwork will be shared on October 13 via social media, to remind participants that a Cambodian contingent has also contributed,” says John. The ability to connect electronically has contributed to the success of the event in recent years. Compilations of contributions are published afterwards for sharing throughout the comics world. There are plans to compile and distribute collections from the Cambodian events in the near future.
The format is simple and designed to maximise participation. A couple of local artists, including Sao Sreymao and Moeu Diyadaravuth, will be on hand as guides to welcome, assist and encourage. “It is a great chance to get together and share,” says Sreymao, who has been involved in the event for years. She knows it’s hard for people to put aside the time, especially when it’s for love not money, but emphasises that this actually is a way to meet new friends and to make a connection with people with the same interests. “Sometimes it’s funny that you know someone, see them every day and then find out oh, you also make comics!”
Spectators are welcome, but don’t be surprised if a pencil is thrust into your hand. Who knows? You might change your life.
WHO:Established and budding comic-book writers and the comic-book curious
WHAT: 24-Hour Comics Day
WHERE: Java Café and Gallery, #56 Sihanouk Blvd.
WHEN: From 8am September 28
WHY: Experience the Cambodian variation on comic books
