A Saskatchewan artist is using his love for comics to help kids during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeff Burton, a teacher at Englefeld High School, is the creator of “The Adventures of Auroraman”, a Saskatchewan- based hero with the “Superpower of the Prairies”.
Burton was set to launch the seventh issue of series at the SaskExpo at the beginning of May, but due to COVID-19, the event has been postponed.
Despite the postponement, Burton decided to proceed with the release of the issue and donate the proceeds of an alternate cover, drawn by 15-year-old Sarah Leblanc, to Creative Kids Saskatchewan.
He adds that he decided to donate to Creative Kids because they helped his family out in the past, so it was important for him to give back.
“It was very important to me that they were going to be my first charity of choice, just because, as a teacher, I’m a big supporter of helping kids chase their dreams,” said Burton. “Obviously, I’m living not one, but two of my dreams as a teacher and a comic book creator. I was just like yeah, lets do this.”
Burton says that his comics have seen a slight uptick in sales due to more people being at home because of COVID-19, and says that it’s important for people to try and find a way to take a break from reality during these difficult times.
“Reading, the arts, whether it’s music, watching tv shows, movies, cartoons, or documentaries. Any of that kind of stuff us huge to help us give us something to occupy our minds and take our minds off the stress and the sadness that a situation like self-isolation can bring,” said Burton.
Burton adds that as the reality of COVID-19 started to set in, many comic book artists around the country gave away digital copies of their comics to people who were stuck at home.
He says that many artists, young and old, are taking advantage of the spare time and exploring their craft.
Burton says there are distinct advantages to “Auroraman” being from the Prairies, and that it gives the books a special flavour.
“This is a fun superhero story set in very familiar feelings,” said Burton. “People that are from the Prairies know that we have a different way of life, we have a different vibe to us, and that carries through in the comic books and it resonates with so many people that pick it up.”
One of the ways people can help out is by buying a copy of the regular comic in a bundle that includes a page of original artwork done by Regina artist Derrick Burns, that costs $45, with $15 going towards Creative Kids.
The other is to purchase the limited edition variant cover at www.bigcountrycomics.com, with all proceeds going to Creative Kids.
