Ignite Studio will host Noblesville Creates’ 13th annual Comic Book in a Day Challenge on January 17, 2026 from 9 AM to 5 PM. The event is open to comic book artists, comic book lovers, and anyone who wants to explore something unique and creative. All ages and abilities can sign up for the challenge through Noblesville Creates. Spend the day creating, from scratch, a comic book of any genre with the help of professional featured artists!
Can’t make it on Saturday? A special virtual-only option is available for aspiring adult pros on Friday, January 16. Online competitors will log in to Zoom at 9 AM EST and work to complete their comic book by 4 PM EST. All art submissions are due at 4 PM EST, and contestants will present their stories to each other at approximately 4:15 PM EST. Sign up for the virtual option on Noblesville Creates’ website here.
Then, on Saturday, January 17, the in-person event will feature a Youth Division and a Teen + Adult Division. The Teen + Adult Division (Ages 13+) will begin with kick-off right at 9 AM in Ignite Studio at the Fishers branch of the Hamilton East Public Library. Contestants will have until 4 PM to complete their stories and submit up to 8 pages. Then the artists will present their stories to the assembly of judges and fellow artists at approximately 4:30 PM. The Youth Division (Ages 12 and under) is a shortened version of events – kick-off begins at 10:30 AM and contestants will have until 2:30 PM to complete their story and submit up to 4 pages. Youth artists will then present their stories to the judges and fellow competitors around 3 PM.
Non-competitors are encouraged to come to the event and support the artists! Shop for art, prints, and comic books. Participate in drop-in activities themed around comic books and superheroes. Our featured artists can show you how they create their work and how nationally published comic books are made! Come listen to the challenge artists present their stories and be amazed by their creativity.
Comic Workshops
To prepare for the Challenge or to celebrate your love of comics, you can also sign up for free one-hour workshops prior to the event at Ignite Studio during the month of January. Registration is required for these free workshops and opens two weeks prior to workshop date.
Comic Quick Tips with Erik Lundorf
Thursday, January 8 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Ignite Studio
Dive headfirst into starting your comic. Draw with confidence and learn the tools to take you there! Ages 8+
How to Draw Convincing and Meaningful Worlds for Your Story
Tuesday, January 13 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Ignite Studio
Sequential Art comes alive when a good story is brought to life in unique worlds. Learn how to make your comic environments convincing and meaningful. Ages 8+.
Comics 101 with Victor Dandridge
Thursday, January 15 | 6:30 – 7:30 PM | Ignite Studio
Learn the basics of comic narratives, art, and production. Ages 8+.
Other Special Events
Adults 21+ are invited to join Noblesville Creates for a special VIP event prior to Comic Book in a Day. After the online competition on Friday, January 16 from 7 – 9 PM, mingle with other comic book fans and learn how to support the comic arts here in Hamilton County. A special Drink & Draw hosted by Emmy award winning performer and cartoonist Joe Wost will be open to all skill levels during the VIP event.
Don’t miss the Artists’ Reception and Awards Presentation on Wednesday, January 21 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM! Come see the announcements of superlative awards and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners decided by our judges.
The competition art will be on display in Ignite Studio through February 14. All of the art will be on display during the February 13th Fishers Gallery Hop. Find out more information about Comic Book in a Day on Noblesville Creates’ website here.