Comic-book artist Paul Milligan of “God of Rock” gives tips on how to complete a 24-hour comic

NORMAN — Comic book artist Paul Milligan has on four occasions completed the 24-Hour Comics challenge. 24-Hour Comics Day is an annual challenge for cartoonists to produce a 24-page comic book written, drawn and completed in 24 consecutive hours. Comic book artists, whether professional or amateur, young or old, are invited to check out a local venue or try the challenge on their own.

Milligan, of Norman, has completed the challenge multiple times by writing and drawing a comic based on his “God of Rock” character. The first three “God of Rock” stories have been collected in a “God of Rock” trade paperback, available at local comic shops and online via indyplanet.com. The fourth “God of Rock” story, completed last year, is viewable online at space-gun.com/godofrock/.

“Originally it was a whole band, and then I realized it would hard to draw the whole band,” Milligan said.

In the comic, the blond-haired god of rock is forced to take on the forces of anti-rock to make the world safe for rebellion.

This year’s 24-Hour Comics Day will be held on Oct. 20, and host sites and individual participants can sign up at www.24hourcomicsday.com. The comic book specialty retailer group ComicsPRO is organizing the event, and host sites that sign up by Aug. 31 will receive a packet of support materials.

Milligan offered some tips on successfully completing the challenge.

“You’ve gotta take a lot of breaks,” he said. “Don’t just sit there the whole time, you’ll get sick of it.”