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In 2018, Lateef began hosting comic book workshops for an
after school program at Jones Leadership Academy and then
applied to be an art facilitator at the Art Supply Depot
downtown. Having been accepted, he has hosted three
month-long Saturday classes, and two week- long summer camps
as well as Cartoons and Cosplay drawing with a live model
during the third Thursday Art Walks. Additionally, he hosted
a Summer Comic Workshop at Owens Community College.
During the classes, the young creators are learning how to
make comic books using a variety of techniques and
approaches, from doing Jam Comics, where the artists
collaborate on drawing or painting one single comic to
spending time on developing characters, drawing out panels,
creating backgrounds and penciling and inking.
The
members of the most recent class, which ended Friday, July
26, were able to take home completed comic books that they
developed from start to finish during the intense, but
productive Summer Camp.
Earlier
this year, Lateef published his first full comic book,
Joon Bug Comics, which introduces young readers to a
tiny hero who uses a super suit to perform heroic acts. Joon
Bugs World is dedicated to this new hero and targets parents
and young children who enjoy seeing superheros that look
like them, with identifiable issues and relatable tales. A
variety of items to encourage junior comic enthusiasts like
coloring books, book marks and activity packets are also
available on the site and locally at Sean’s Anime and Comics
as well as the Art Supply Depot.
“I enjoy the conversation with the students when they share
their stories, characters, pop culture references and
memes.” stated Lateef. “I get the opportunity to inspire
young artists.” he continued.
The local comic scene is growing and is being sewn into the
fabric of the arts and culture community here in Toledo with
the increase of businesses that bring together gaming and
comics, traditional books, podcasts and cons such as The
Glass CIty Con, held earlier this month and GCBC, held
annually-typically during Black History Month.
Malcolm Davis, a 10-year-old illustrator and creator said of
the classes, “It gives me a chance to meet other people my
age who like art like me.”
This movement of sorts, is stirring up artists young and old
in Toledo, giving them an outlet to create, learn, and make
new friends while doing something they enjoy. Every class or
camp has been sold out, with waiting lists for the next
classes at the Art Supply Depot who has a second location in
Bowling Green.
The next event Lateef is hosting will be another Cartoons
and Cosplay live drawing event during September’s Art Walk
at the Art Supply Depot. To learn more about these classes
and workshops, please visit Joonbugsworld.com.
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