This just in from our very own Membership Coordinator, Eric Jansen... :)
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Hi! I’d like to officially welcome you to the Christian Comic Arts Society—or CCAS—Website! I’m Eric Jansen, the CCAS Membership Coordinator.
Thank you for being part of the CCAS Website! We’re over 400 strong and growing all the time. But there is much more to CCAS than the Website. CCAS has existed for over 20 years through the following:
ALPHA-OMEGA—The Christian Comics APA-zine! ALPHA-OMEGA—or A-O—is currently on its 144th bi-monthly issue! In case you don’t know, an APA-zine is an “Amateur Press Association magazine” and usually consists of photocopied pages of art, writing, and reviews on, in A-O’s case, all things Christian, comic book, and Christian comic books! This is an interactive forum, wherein members from all over the U.S. (and a couple of foreign countries) critique each other’s writing and art, and regular participation is expected. There are no dues except for postage and you must cover photocopy costs for up to 30 copies of your (con)Trib(ution). Please contact me if you are interested in joining—right now, we have room for 5-10 new members.
MONTHLY MEETINGS—Some of the founding members of the CCAS lived in the Los Angeles area and began having monthly meetings starting in 1988. So, the monthly L.A. meetings have played a very important part in the formation of CCAS and continues to this day as it has for over twenty years. If you are anywhere within driving distance of L.A. and are interested in attending, please contact me as soon as you can. And, actually, I would appreciate EVERYBODY reading this sending me their contact info—there may be enough Website members in certain areas to start new chapters! (San Diego and Florida are looking pretty good right now—and who knows where else!) We even have an African chapter that has recently begun—CCAS-Afriq!
CONVENTION MINISTRY—Members all over the country have represented CCAS at many comic book conventions across the country through the years. Please contact the Convention Organizer Ralph Miley if you are interested in helping at any CCAS table at any con—or perhaps starting one! We have maintained an especially strong presence at the San Diego Comic-Con (with a regular table/booth, a Sunday service, and a Spiritual Themes Panel), and the L.A. group has begun having regular tables at Wizard World L.A. and Wonder-Con in San Francisco.
PUBLISHING—For the most part, CCAS is not a publisher. But its members have always produced quality Christian comics, notably PROVERBS AND PARABLES headed by Ralph Miley and published by New Creation. A few others, however, are indeed considered CCAS publications—like Don Ensign’s annual GUIDE TO CHRISTIAN COMICS, and the STREET COMIX series which I edit (including the well-received LONELY LADY, HOMELESS HARRY, and VENGEANCE IS MINE) because CCAS has played a significant role in their creation and they carry the CCAS logo. Other books, like Gerry Lee’s SONS OF THUNDER have been submitted for and granted CCAS approval and also carry the CCAS logo.
THE CATALOG—Though not a publisher, we have put together a catalog offering our books and those of our friends. With over 40 comics, graphic novels, and ashcans offered, this is a must-have for anyone building their Christian comic library. SPECIAL OFFER!—Contact me immediately if you want to order A CHRISTMAS TREASURY! (84 pages, B&W, perfect-bound.) With 12 Christmas-themed works by pros like Gary Shipman and Ben Avery, as well as fun stories by myself, Kevin Yong, and Robert Flores, this is not to be missed! A $10 value, I will ship it to you immediately for only $5, plus $1 for postage! (Sorry for the late notice!)
Whether through the Website, Alpha-Omega, the Monthly Meetings, or even Convention presence, CCAS is the place for Christian writers, artists, colorists, and publishers to come together and create stories from a Christian perspective for fun, profit, and/or evangelism.
There is a LOT to CCAS! If you are interested in any of the above—or have any questions—please contact me, Eric Jansen, directly or Assistant Membership Coordinator Scott A. Shuford .
Thanks for your time! God bless.
Eric Jansen
Membership Coordinator
Hello Scott and Eric! Thank you for this wonderful article about the CCAS! This network has grown so wonderfully since it was created, it's truly beautiful! I've made some great friends in the Christian comic movement here and at CC.net and Cyberlight, I have been truly blessed.
I love "Alpha Omega", I must finish my 'trib and email it to you this week Eric. Way back when I didn't know there were any Christian comics, I remember reading Harry Miller's classified ad in a newsprint comic paper. You all have shaped my life since I became a member back then, very much.
Scott, welcome to the CCAS and congratulations on your appointment to the board! Though I haven't met you yet, I am really looking forward to chatting with you this coming year.
God bless each and every one of you here at the CCAS, your families and loved ones!
Gerry
Comments
I love "Alpha Omega", I must finish my 'trib and email it to you this week Eric. Way back when I didn't know there were any Christian comics, I remember reading Harry Miller's classified ad in a newsprint comic paper. You all have shaped my life since I became a member back then, very much.
Scott, welcome to the CCAS and congratulations on your appointment to the board! Though I haven't met you yet, I am really looking forward to chatting with you this coming year.
God bless each and every one of you here at the CCAS, your families and loved ones!
Gerry