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I told my 8-year-old daughter I was reading a graphic novel about kids who want to draw comic books for a living. She comically poked her head into my eyeline, raised her eyebrow like The Rock, and asked, "Can I read that after you…?" Indoor kids. The '80s and '90s were full of them. I was one of them. I grew up in a neighborhood where going outside a bunch wasn't an option. Most of my time was spent in front of our fat back CRT or parked at my desk with a sketch pad. 

That was fine with me. 

I dreamt of drawing for Marvel or DC, immortalizing my favorite heroes on the page for the next generation of nerds. I filled countless spiral sketchpads with every character I could think of. From Savage Dragon to Wanda from Spawn, I stretched my imagination indoors on sheets of creative freedom.

Elementary School was no different. My art classes were my safe haven. Whenever I could, I would draw a superhero, be they well-known or wholly made up. The extra bit of fun came when my friends joined in, sharing their own creations and crafting stories around everyone's drawings. I would be so jealous of the skills of my buddies but praise their amazing artwork nevertheless. It made me want to improve at drawing the Ninja Turtles or a gangly McFarlane-esque Spider-Man. Our group art sessions made us better artists and encouraged us to keep pushing our craft.

The Cartoonist Club is an instruction manual for young artists

That is what The Cartoonist Club is all about. Written and endearingly illustrated by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud, The Cartoonist Club is a manual for my younger self. How do you start a Cartoonist Club? Well, here's how. What feels like a step-by-step guide to forming your own gang of artists and creators, The Cartoonist Club leads you to self-discovery, enthusiastic creativity, and freedom of expression.

This illustrated afterschool club comprises an eclectic group of students, all brimming with enthusiasm and excitement at the prospect of crafting comics. Students Makayla and Howard kickstart the club as they find a connection in each other's strengths. Makayla's ability to spin a yarn and Howard's deft with a pencil makes for a great comic creation team. As the club begins to take shape in the school library, shy Lynda (the resident fine artist) and Art (the experimental creator) join the group. Together with their teacher, Ms. Fatima, the aspiring cartoonists go on a quest to learn how to create comics. 

The group covers what you can use to create comics, how to get out of your own head when writing stories, and detailed guides on how to scope, sketch, print, and sell your own minicomic. It's no secret that the goal of the book is to instruct and inspire young people to get that comic idea down on paper, screen, or folded piece of cardboard.

A legacy of learning

If you have ever wanted to draw a comic book, you've probably heard of Scott McCloud and his Understanding Comics and Making Comics books. These invaluable tomes help aspirational adults pursue a life in sequential art. The Cartoonist Club is that, but for a younger audience, breaking down the aspects of homebrewing a comic, all the way to getting a booth in a comic convention. As a broke art student, I spent many free moments between classes at Barnes & Noble. Tucked away in a corner, pouring through Understanding Comics and other instructional books and magazines. On the hunt for a way to unlock the secrets of drawing way better than I did.

The Cartoonist Club reminded me of the days when I knew in my gut that I would draw comics for a living. You tend to lose sight of your childhood goals as you age and take on responsibilities. As I read, it sparked a memory. I have written, drawn, and printed a comic. It was for my Senior year of high school art brochure. My best friend and I drew a series of comics for the annual. They were printed and handed out at the end of the year. I recently found that book and presented it to my kids as a 'see, I was a cool nerd once' memento.  

Next-gen indoor kid

Remember my daughter? I mentioned her earlier. The goofball who likes drawing. She's an Indoor Kid too. Not by my making. It just sort of happened. No matter how often I tell her to play outside, she's glued to the couch. More often than not, she's drawing. Maybe it's genetic, but she has the creative bug. The young lady is constantly drawing or making a mess in the name of art. A lot like Art in The Cartoonist Club. Her caddy of markers, crayons, pencils, and paints gets a workout as she brings her ideas to life on the page. I've watched her skills grow sitting at the kitchen table, scribbling her heart out. 

I ended up buying a book called Draw With Dad, where we can sketch scenes together and build a book of stories. We are starting our own version of a Cartoonist Club. A close-knit one built on a mutual love of art and creativity. My hunt for sketchbooks has begun again; now, with the added bonus of disposable income, we will be drowning in bristol paper. Maybe we will make our own minicomic series. My buddies may be too old to gather in a library to sketch and tell stories, but that's the beauty of children. They give you a second chance at being awesome.

These kids also think you are the best artist ever. It's a solid ego boost. 10/10, I recommend.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.