Ages 8–17

Create. Publish. Showcase. Inspire.

This isn't just another art class.

It's a year-long creative journey where young artists learn how to create, publish, and showcase their own comic books while building confidence, artistic skills, and lifelong memories.

Guided by the team at Machete Comics, students experience what it's really like to become a comic creator—from the first sketch to holding a professionally printed comic in their hands.

By the end of the Academy, every student will have created original comic artwork, contributed to a published comic book, and had the opportunity to showcase and sell their creations at a real comic and art convention.

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Why Choose Rad Tales Comic Academy?

Unlike traditional art programs, our students don't simply complete projects that end up in a folder.

They create something real.

Throughout the Academy, students will:

• Learn professional comic illustration techniques

• Develop original characters and stories

• Design exciting comic pages

• Learn traditional pencil and inking techniques

• Explore digital colouring, lettering and page production

• Prepare artwork for printing

• Contribute to the annual Rad Tales comic book

• Learn how artists display, promote and sell their work

Every lesson builds toward real accomplishments that students will proudly share with family and friends.

What Makes This Program Unique?

Become a Published Comic Creator

Every participating student contributes to the annual Rad Tales comic book, available in both print and digital formats.

There is nothing quite like seeing your own artwork published in a real comic.

Turn Artwork Into Products

Students learn how artwork becomes more than just a drawing.

Selected artwork may be transformed into:

• Art Prints

• Trading Cards

• Magnets

• Stickers

• Other creative merchandise

Students experience how artists can share—and even sell—their creativity.

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Showcase Your Creativity

Holiday Pop-Up Showcase (December)

Celebrate the season while displaying artwork created during the Academy.

Rad Kids Comic & Art Con (Summer)

Our exciting year-end celebration where young creators become featured artists.

Students who meet the program participation requirements earn a complimentary artist booth where they can showcase and sell their comics, artwork, prints and creative products.

This isn't a classroom simulation.

It's a real event where families, comic fans and the community come together to celebrate young creators.

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More Than Art

The Academy develops skills that extend far beyond drawing.

Students gain:

• Creativity

• Confidence

• Communication Skills

• Storytelling

• Problem Solving

• Goal Setting

• Entrepreneurial Thinking

• Pride in Completing Long-Term Projects

Many students discover abilities they never knew they had.

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Why Families Love Rad Tales Comic Academy

✔ Small class sizes with personalized instruction

✔ Learn from professional comic creators

✔ Around 60 hours of guided instruction

✔ Two showcase events each year

✔ Holiday and Year-End celebrations

✔ Opportunity to become a published comic creator

✔ Opportunity to showcase and sell artwork at the Rad Kids Comic & Art Con

✔ Flexible scheduling with two weekly class options

✔ Missed classes can usually be made up by attending the alternate weekly class (subject to available space)

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Meet Your Instructors

Chris "Machete" Cochrane

Founder of Machete Comics, Chris has spent decades creating comics, illustrations and graphic art.

He studied at the prestigious Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art and completed Fine Arts studies at Sheridan College. Chris teaches traditional comic illustration, storytelling and professional comic production while encouraging every student to develop their own unique artistic style.

Lonnie Cochrane

Creative partner at Machete Comics, Lonnie specializes in digital colouring, lettering, graphic design and comic production.

She teaches students how traditional artwork becomes polished, professional comics ready for print while helping young artists build confidence in both traditional and digital creative techniques.

Together, Chris and Lonnie have created and published independent comics while mentoring the next generation of comic creators through the Rad Tales Comic Academy.

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Academy Membership Includes

✔ Approximately 30 two-hour classes (September–June)

✔ Around 60 hours of instruction

✔ Traditional drawing, comic illustration and inking

✔ Storytelling and comic page design

✔ Digital colouring and lettering

✔ Participation in the annual Rad Tales comic book (based on participation and completed work)

✔ Opportunities to have artwork developed into prints and other creative products

✔ Holiday Pop-Up Showcase

✔ Rad Kids Comic & Art Con

✔ Opportunity to earn a complimentary artist booth (participation requirements apply)

✔ Holiday Party

✔ Year-End Celebration

✔ Flexible make-up classes by attending the alternate weekly class (subject to available space)

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Program Details

Season: September – June

Schedule: Approximately 30 Classes

Class Length: 2 Hours

Age Groups: 8–18

Class Size: Limited Enrollment

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Academy Membership Options

Choose the membership that works best for your family.

Monthly Membership – Most Popular

$145 per month

September through June.

A simple monthly payment that keeps your child creating all year.

Weekly Membership

$50 per class

Ideal for families who prefer to budget weekly while remaining enrolled in the Academy.

Students attend one scheduled class each week throughout the Academy year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need drawing experience?

Not at all! Beginners and experienced artists are welcome. Every student receives guidance based on their individual skill level.

Are supplies included?

Most classroom supplies are provided. Families will only be notified if any optional personal materials are recommended.

What if my child misses a class?

We understand that family schedules can be busy.

Because the Academy offers two weekly class options, students who miss their regular class due to illness, vacation or another commitment can usually make up the lesson by attending the alternate class that week (subject to available space).

Advance notice is appreciated whenever possible so we can reserve a spot.

Does every student appear in the comic book?

Students who actively participate and complete work throughout the program will have the opportunity to be included in the annual Rad Tales comic. Inclusion is based on participation and completed work.

Can every student have a booth at the Comic Con?

Students who meet the participation requirements and have enough completed work to display will receive a complimentary booth at the Rad Kids Comic & Art Con.

Our goal is to help every student reach this exciting milestone.

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Limited Enrollment

To provide individual mentorship and maintain small class sizes, enrollment is intentionally limited.

Once spaces are filled, registration closes until the following Academy year.

Give your child the opportunity to become a published comic creator.

Registration Opens August 1

Join the Rad Tales Comic Academy and start creating something unforgettable!