30 Jan Heroic Success: Comic Book in a Day 2026 Crowns Winners and Celebrates Community Support
Capes weren’t required, but creativity was in full force as the 13th Annual Noblesville Creates Comic Book in a Day Challenge returned to Fishers with record-setting energy, packed rooms of artists, and hundreds of newly created comic pages.
Hosted in partnership with the Hamilton East Public Library and Ignite Studio—and sponsored by Moonshot Games, Citizens State Bank, U Cre-8 Comics, Fishers Maker Playground, and Griffy’s Art Supply—the 2026 event brought families, fans, and creators together for an unforgettable weekend celebrating storytelling through sequential art.
Created by Noblesville Creates to grow and champion the comics community, Comic Book in a Day once again united collectors, professionals, students, and first-time artists alike. Nearly 300 participants and visitors flowed through Ignite Studio during the in-person competition day, with artists of all ages working side-by-side to bring brand-new stories to life—starting from blank pages and ending with complete comics in just hours.
Momentum began building weeks earlier with three free, sold-out pre-competition workshops led by professional comic creators. More than 30 aspiring artists sharpened their skills in drawing, pacing, and visual storytelling—setting the stage for a thrilling Challenge weekend.
Comic Book in a Day featured three competitive divisions: an in-person Youth Division, an in-person Teen/Adult Division, and a Virtual Division. Participants received guidance and encouragement from Host Artists Erik Lundorf and Victor Dandridge, along with Featured Artists and Judges Stuart Sayger, Gavin Smith, and Jackie Crofts. Throughout the day, contestants gained real-time feedback, learned professional techniques, and connected directly with working creators from the comics industry.
Across all divisions, artists produced an astounding 344 pages of original comic art, all of which will be professionally scanned and published in the official Comic Book in a Day 2026 Anthology—a lasting testament to the talent and dedication on display.
Ahead of the Challenge, Noblesville Creates hosted an exclusive VIP Night at Ball State Fishers, sponsored by Office Works and Vantage:Inhouse Productions. Nearly 60 guests attended the 21+ celebration, enjoying a lively Drink & Draw session led by Emmy Award–winning artist Joe Wos, along with games, prizes, and behind-the-scenes conversations with fellow creators. The evening raised $13,100 in support of Noblesville Creates and Central Indiana’s arts community.
Ignite Studio at the Hamilton East Public Library once again proved to be a cornerstone for creative programming in Fishers, generously supporting the event with space, staff, and resources. Noblesville Creates extends its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, partners, artists, volunteers, and participants for helping make Comic Book in a Day 2026 one of its most successful chapters yet.
The celebration continued at the Awards Ceremony held the following week at Ignite Studio, where 75 attendees gathered to honor standout achievements and rising stars across multiple categories.
Best Overall
- Adult/Teen: Phoebe Jean-Pierre
- Youth: Mason Young
- Online: Grace Brickson
Best Drawn
- Adult/Teen: Julia Owens
- Youth: Oliver Andrews
- Online: David Coffin
Best Page
- Adult/Teen: Jack Ludington
- Youth: Maggie Cheek
- Online: Adam Allery
Best Story
- Adult/Teen: Isabela Morgan
- Youth: Arthur Deckert
- Online: Iris Furuseth
Level Up Award: Bruce Nelson
Funniest: Maxwell Blake
Most Creative
- Youth: Harper Baker
- Adult/Teen: Lina Carter
- Online: Dustin Guinn
Most Ambitious
- Youth: Luca Guyer
- Adult/Teen: Nat Hicks
Emerging Talent: Alexandria Schmackers
Judge’s Choice Awards
- Helen Raza
- Youth: Eliza Hochstetler
- Adult/Teen: Greg Clack
- Henry Leopold
- Youth: Emily Irwin
- Jackie Crofts
- Youth: Lucas Muncie
- Adult/Teen: Phoebe Jean-Pierre
- Gavin Smith
- Youth: Naomi Owens
- Adult/Teen: Loch Ness
- Stuart Sayger
- Youth: Zoey Kreinbrink
- Adult/Teen: Henry Schmackers
Vote for the People’s Choice Award
Noblesville Creates is now accepting votes for the Comic Book in a Day 2026 People’s Choice Award through its Facebook channels. Fans can vote by “liking” their favorite comic in each division. Voting closes February 21, 2026.
Click here for the Adult/Teen Division Album or here to see the Adult/Teen Division Final Presentations.
Click here for the Youth Division Album or here to see the Youth Division Final Presentations.
Click here for the Online Division Album:
Click here to see more photos from the event!