Think you can write, draw and finish a 24-page comic book in 24 hours?

Next Saturday, October 20 is 24-Hour Comics Day, an all-night comics exercise held all around the world and at The Burrow Art Centre in Toronto. The pencils will commence their sketching at 2:00 p.m. and won't stop until 2:00 p.m. the next day.

The idea originated in 1990 when future comic book theorist Scott McCloud (who we interviewed back in May) challenged Steve Bissette (Swamp Thing) to complete a comic book in 24 hours as a creative exercise. McCloud still acts as a Grand Marshal of sorts for the yearly event, archiving all successful 24-hour comics on his website.

Technically, this is not a team sport. You must work individually for your comic to be considered official. But The Burrow is also allowing "Non-Sanctioned Lightweight" teams to participate in a separate division where the rules are not so strict. If you're interested in participating, you must register in person at The Burrow (585 Markham Street, above the Wine Rack).

Photo of a 2006 24-Hour Comics Day in Austin, Texas by beyondbeyond.