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The 24-hour comic was a challenge started by Scott McCloud (and others) for one artist to try and create and complete a full 24-page comic in 24 hours. In its most literal form, the challenge allows for no preparation of story, characters, sketches, etc. Scott McCloud initially suggested that "No sketches, designs, plot summaries or any other kind of direct preparation can precede the 24 hour period. Indirect preparation such as assembling tools, reference materials, food, music etc. is fine." There are several variations of the challenge; some work continuously on their comic until it's completed, even if 24 hours of the initial challenge are over. Others simply end their comic when the 24 hours have passed, even if they have not finished. I'm pleased that I've always completed the challenge within 24 hours; however, I see the challenge as a learning experience, and the "rules" more as guidelines. Although the conditions of the challenge aren't the ideal foundations for a 24-page comic, it's a great opportunity for an artist to break barriers within their work in terms of the length and scope of a piece. The challenge is usually run on a specific day and has become an international event. Groups gather all across the world (and Internet) to participate in the challenge. Coordination of the event is handled on 24hourcomics.com after McCloud handed over the reigns in 2008. I'd definitely recommend anyone, not just comic artists, to give it a try.

The Baby (25 pages) was my 2006 24-hour comic, started sometime on October 6th, 2006 and finished on October 7th, 2006. The Baby was my first 24-hour comic and I drew it with the fine people of Renate comics at C-Base in Berlin. I arrived in Berlin in late August and frequented the Renate comics library but hadn't actually met any of the more active members until the even at C-Base. Despite the flaws of this comic, and in my opinion, 24-hour comics in general, this was the first long piece I ever did. My comic style drastically changed after the event and I believe it had something to do with a newfound patience.

Mr. Scraps (26 pages) was my 2007 24-hour comic, which was unfortunately not drawn with the Renate people. Much to my disappointment I got pneumonia about a week before the official 24-hour comics day and spent that day (and subsequent week) in bed. On the 27th and 28th I got up the strength to conduct my own marathon comic session at home. The sense of community from working on such an intense comic was definitely missing at home, though I was very pleased with myself for getting it done.

I Never Look Up (26 pages) was my 2008 entry and a return to the Renate group and was drawn on the 18th and 19th of October. We were kindly hosted by Neurotitan and we filled their gallery space with quite a few people. For better or worse I had mostly been painting in the weeks before the comic marathon and found my hands adequately underprepared for the strain of drawing for such a long time. Aside from some sketching, I probably hadn't done any inking in at least a month before the event. I Never Look Up was an attempt at something a bit more serious as well as a deviation away from the "mindfucks" of the previous 24-hour comics. I'm not sure I succeeded, but I'm happy with the comic.

Caffeine: A Love Story (25 pages) was my 2009 entry, which I completed with the Renate Comics people on the 3rd and 4th of October.