An artistic frenzy began at noon on Oct. 4 with “24-Hour Comic Day” hosted by Midwest Geekfest, a group that organizes events focused on the more “geeky” sub-cultures.

The competition lasted for 24 hours with the intended result being a 24-page comic book.

The challenge of writing a comic in 24 hours was originally a creative exercise that comic book writer Scott McCloud proposed to comic book artist Stephen Bissette to speed up his artistic process. The concept spread and eventually became a national event that welcomes all to take the challenge.

However, the challenge isn’t the end game for all of these artists. Many said they were looking forward to being around other comic book artists more than the challenge itself.

“It’s more just like a chance for comic book creators to kind of have some sort of social event because by nature, comic book creators aren’t the most social creatures,” said Scott Ziolko, comic book artist and event host. “It’s just a chance to get together and share an experience with other comic book creators.”

Even as artists worked intently, it always felt like a sociable environment. While hard at work, they conversed about the newest comic books, the recently premiered “Gotham” show or movie adaptations of comic books.

The comic book artists, both published and amateurs alike, came from all different genres and skill levels.

“The general spirit is anyone, regardless of their experience or skill level at comics, are invited to come and participate,” Ziolko said.

Several of the attendees weren’t attempting the challenge and just came for the social aspect, like artist Josh Nichols, who has attempted the challenge a few times previously.

“I can’t stay up that long, and I need sleep,” he said. “So I just kind of hang out.”

With the 24-hour challenge’s blinding pace, it causes many to look at their work more objectively. Although it was created to help Bissette, participants said it helps in several aspects of their writing and artwork.

“I have a tendency to overthink a lot of the stuff I do, so giving myself a precise and concise deadline like a 24-hour period kind of lets me focus on important things,” Ziolko said.

Artist Rodger Francis said the streamlined process improves his regular work.

“From an artistic standpoint, it creates a situation where if you can do this in 24 hours, then when you do your real work, you can still do quality work but cut down your time,” he said.

The authors hopped genres depending on what they wanted to do that day. Horror, sci-fi, fantasy, action, adventure and more were covered. The comic book creators were never tied down.

“People work in so many different genres,” Ziolko said. “We have people that do superhero books, we have people that do horror stories (and) some people do action.”

Participating artists said the event gives an opportunity for comic book writers to feel a sense of unity. As a scattered group, the writers enjoy the feeling of solidarity with other writers.

“It absolutely helps to have other people around you,” Francis said. “It, for nothing else, gives a sense that you’re not out there by yourself.”