So we’re less than 24 hours away from the Panel One Comic Creators Festival, or #P1CCF. It will be at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association in Calgary Alberta, from noon to 7 pm, and June 4^th, 2016 will be a special day for many people.

In many ways this is a culmination of what it was hoped Panel One would become when the first meeting was held to try and do more for the people who make comic books in this city and surrounding area.

On that day Alexander Finbow, Erin Millar and Jason Mehmel laid the foundation needed to try and help the local creators. Scott Kowalchuk played a key role too, giving ideas and a little push to get this off the ground remotely to everyone. Soon after Steven Charles Rosia and Ryan Ferrier joined and helped the group in those early stages as well.

Many of these people are still involved in the group, save for Scott, whose travels have taken him elsewhere, though his influence is still felt. The committee to get this event off the ground has also included Kate Larking, Aaron Navrady, Justin Heggs, and Joey Gruszecki, whose name I could look up to spell but never hope to pronounce. I want to also make special mention of Malory Lyness, who gives so much of herself. We’re all lucky to have met her, and she’s become a driving force along with Erin in so many of the little things that have been needed to make this come together.

The spirit behind this event is special. Panel One is not paying anyone for their efforts, people are volunteering out of the goodness of their hearts. Panel One isn’t taking any money for the organization either. That right there sets it apart from most other conventions you know. Once expenses are covered it all goes to the creators.

There’s also nothing but comics from comic makers. No toys, trinkets or longboxes of old books some store is trying to unload. Sorry, there’s no TV stars or cosplay contests, or anything like that either. Those are vital partnerships to the comic book industry and a lot of fun but this about showcasing the inventive, talented work of the people producing comics in town, because they deserve the spotlight this will give them.

It’s great to see how much the creators are doing to help each other, from the veterans to just those starting out. People of varying skills and experiences like Sam Hester, Stacy Bru and Nick Johnson are giving their time for workshops and discussions at the show. If you want to get into comics or have a young member of your family who does, then you want to come down to these. Entry is only $5, or $2 with a donation to the food bank.

It’s also notable that Riley Rossmo will be doing a workshop as well. Riley happens to be one of the most respected comic book artists in the industry, having been featured in USA Today and is penciling an upcoming issue of Batman, and he lives right here in Calgary. To have someone with his level of success give his time for this event speaks to the spirit of what Panel One is trying to accomplish, to give back to each other and the community. This goes for everyone who’s gotten P1 this far.

I’m so happy and proud to be a part of this, and to have the chance to be around these people. To know I may have played a little part in helping this occur fills my soul with warmth, and honors the memory of mother, because of what a good person she was and the values she and my father have passed on to me.

So I really hope if you live in the #YYC you’ll take the time to come down to #P1CCF, and talk to the people who are using this wonderful medium to tell their stories. Our ability to make art is what makes us unique as human beings, and you being there means you are helping someone to person their dream. Who knows… Maybe this will inspire you to follow your dream too.