Canon City comic-book artist helping boy with cancer

Posted: Jan 9, 2011 6:09 PM by James Amos
Updated: Jan 10, 2011 2:33 AM

Matt Campbell of Canon City is an illustrator and comic-book artist. And oh yeah, he helped give super-powers to a Washington State boy who needs them.

Campbell and other artists with Capstone Comics heard that 13-year-old Erik Martin wanted to be a super hero, and that the Make-a-Wish Foundation had made it happen this spring. But doesn't a super hero need his own comic book? Campbell and his fellow artists said yes.

"I think the thing that really touched my heart was, here's a boy, who is struggling, fighting, with a lot of challenges, cancer, and his wish was to save the world, you know?' Campbell said. "He wanted to be a super-hero, and help other people, at 13 years old, despite the fact that he was fighting so much himself."

Working since last spring, Campbell and the others created the 12-page comic book and gave it to Erik this fall. How did they come up with "Electron Boy?"

"We took a look at what he was doing on the day of his wish, and his name, and we put it all together and said he's Electron Boy, so he has the power over electrical energy."

Matt is the penciler, who sketches out the comic and shapes it from the script. Next an inker draws in the black lines and some adds color. The result is a lot of fun, unless you're the villain, Dr. Dark.

Campbell said Erik loves the comic book. "It was just heartwarming."

Will there be a second edition of Electron Boy?

"The subject has come up. I cannot confirm or deny," he said.

You can buy a copy, or get a free one and make a donation. To see Electron Boy, go here.