LOS ANGELES — What better way for aspiring writers to spend their summer break than with a new virtual comic book writing summer boot camp that launched June 24.
Shero Comics, the multimedia company behind the hit martial arts Japanese comic book “Young Grandmaster Choi,” is launching its first Shero Talks Summer Boot Camp — a live six-week virtual program designed to teach kids ages 7–12 how to create comic books from start to finish.
Led by Shero Comics founder and CEO Shequeta L. Smith, the boot camp is the next evolution of a series of comic book workshops conducted in Los Angeles Unified School District schools and multiple Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The in-person workshops have helped hundreds of students unlock their creativity, build confidence and explore storytelling through the world of comic books.
“After two years of seeing the impact our workshops have had in classrooms and community spaces, it was time to take this program online and reach even more young creators,” Smith said. “This boot camp is not just about comics — it’s about helping kids realize they have the power to create their own stories and be the heroes of their own lives.”
The six-week class costs $149 to attend.
Participants take part in one-hour sessions that include step-by-step lessons on character design, scripting, panel layout and comic completion. Participants will receive printable worksheets and comic templates and a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
According to the Los Angeles Public Library, manga is very popular at local libraries, particularly within the Teen Scape section. The library boasts a large collection of more than 10,000 manga volumes covering more than 900 series.
Smith is a former educator and writer, who has earned recognition for her work at the intersection of storytelling, education and representation.
In January, she was honored with the Woman of Diversity Award by the Los Angeles Lakers and Comerica Bank. This week, she is receiving the Innovation in the Arts Award from the Spectrum Circle for her contributions to youth creative education.
The class is open to 25 students to create a more personal learning experience.
For more information about Shero Comics and to enroll in the class visit www.sherocomics.com.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
