This year we launched our first, of what I believe will be many, contests that give children the opportunity to learn valuable skills while creating something substantive and meaningful.

We called the contest The Dynamic Duo! 

Equipped with a teacher-created and approved RUBRIC, ground rules, and creative inspiration, children ages 11-17 were challenged to work AS A TEAM to write and draw a complete comic book.

The rubric, created by former teacher and Blackbird owner Candice, gave the young creators a roadmap that would allow them to flex their creative ideas while also meeting criteria of a well-structured story and the necessary components of sequential story telling.

The competition rose to the occasion and by May 30th, the deadline, we received a wide range of incredibly talented entries. 

Using the rubric, the entries were narrowed down to FIVE FINALISTS! These finalists' works were turned into PDFs and forwarded to an esteemed panel of industry judges. 

We will announce the winning DYNAMIC DUO at the end of June. The winning duo will receive a trophy, gift certificate, art supplies, AND we will print and sell their comic book on our NEW WALL and INDIE/SELF PUB sections - the creators receiving 100% of the profits!

Additionally, EACH of the FIVE FINALIST DUOS will receive art supplies!