San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 30, 2008 -- On October 18, 2008 more than forty Academy of Art University students converged for the school's first-ever 24 Hour Comics Day. Produced by ComicsPRO, this international creativity marathon inspires amateur and professional artists to craft their own innovative comic book in the span of just one day. Joining academic institutions and comic book retail stores from across the world, the Academy of Art University was one of nine host sites located in California.

"The Academy of Art University had a phenomenal turnout for our first year of hosting 24 Hour Comics Day. Over forty students from AAU's Schools of Illustration, Advertising, Animation, and Fine Art participated, with 25 completing the comic drawing marathon. I couldn't be more proud and excited about being a part of what these students accomplished. The atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm for what I am sure will be an even larger 24 Hour Comics Day next year," says Daniel Cooney, Academy of Art University School of Illustration instructor.

All 24 Hour Comics Day participants were challenged to craft a 24-page comic book written, drawn, and completed in 24 consecutive hours. Academy of Art University students produced work simultaneously with comic enthusiasts at sites across the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland.

"24 Hour Comics Day was more than just an exercise in making comics; it was a celebration of the craft as a whole. For me, it was an amazing opportunity to sit down in a room with my peers and tap into that creative current found when so many talented artists occupy the same space together," says Academy of Art University student Mars Elliot.

"The best part of 24 Hour Comics Day was the energy generated by having so many artists all working on their own completely original comics. It was definitely one of the most memorable parts of my experience so far at the Academy of Art University," adds Ed Davenport.

Academy of Art University would like to extend a special thanks to Bawls Energy Drink for providing refreshment and Blick Art Materials and Canson for providing drawing materials for Academy of Art University participants in 24 Hour Comics Day.

ComicsPRO, the comic book retailer trade organization, recently assumed the organizational reins for 24 Hour Comics Day with the enthusiastic endorsement of the event's founder, Nat Gertler, publisher of About Comics. Over the years, the 24 hour comic book challenge has thwarted and rewarded such comics luminaries as Kevin Eastman, Neil Gaiman, Scott McCloud, Dave Sim, and many others. Since the first 24 Hour Comics Day on April 24, 2004, the event has brought together legions of participants from all over the world.

For further information and images from the Academy of Art University 24 Hour Comics Day please contact Larissa Dozier at larissadozier@sbcglobal.net or visit http://24hrcomic-academyart.blogspot.com/

About Academy of Art University, San Francisco

With over 13,000 students, Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university. Established in 1929, the school offers accredited AA, BFA, M.Arch and MFA programs in 14 different majors, as well as continuing art education with classes in copywriting, fashion merchandising, interior design, new media, computer animation, sculpture, graphic design, cinematography, industrial design, digital photography and car design. Multimedia Communications is the school's newest major, offering BA and MA degrees. Students can also enroll in a flexible online degree program in art and design.

Academy of Art University is an accredited member of WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NASAD, Council for Interior Design Accreditation (BFA-IAD) and NAAB (M-ARCH).

For more information visit www.academyart.edu or call 1-800-544-2787.