SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Comics can spark a reader’s imagination by taking them to places they’ve never been before. Local comic book store is creating new initiative to connect comic book fans with creators.

An artist hopes to share how art turns into history while overcoming a challenge of its own.

“I have always drawn and have a background in fine arts and painting, but I have always loved comics,” said Victor Alpi, comic book illustrator.

Comics are Alpi’s passion. He graduated in 2015 from Savannah College of Art and Design and is looking to make his mark in the comic book industry.

“It’s a lot of hard work. Basically you just have to make pages. I decided to make a terrible book instead of loving the perfect book, which is what I wanted to do, ”Alpi said.

He was fortunate enough to do this project as part of Neighborhood Comics’ Comic Artist-in-Residence program in Savannah.

“For us that means a local comic book artist works in the store for a month on a personal project or a project for a publisher and interacts with customers,” said owner Lee Heidel. “And show them literally and actually what goes into creating a comic book.”

The program will give Savannah-area comic book illustrators the opportunity to interact with audiences by showcasing their skills, work in progress, commissioning opportunities, and selling original artwork.

It takes a lot of detail and a keen eye to make sure the art turns out perfect, but the sight of Alpi makes it a challenge.

“I’ve had days when I can barely see what’s in front of me,” he said.

He has faced astigmatism throughout his life in addition to other eye problems. Alpi has had eye surgery to correct the problem and is hopeful it has stopped his sight loss.

“Going to the drawing board and not being able to see is like my worst nightmare,” Alpi said.

He strives to create characters and storylines that he hopes fans will love while also sharing art and culture with the community.

“It’s a really great place, great energy, and it’s getting bigger and bigger every day. I just wanted to draw comics in a comic book store, ”he said.

Different local artists will be sharing their work each month at Neighborhood Comics. Artists can still register for the program.