Evan Quiring and Victoria Free, the creators of the “Los Luchadores Mysteriosos” comic book series, taught skills and techniques associated with comic books and graphic novels during a workshop at the Estevan Public Library on August 13 and 14.

“We taught them everything from the production side, and also how to pitch it to publishers, and how to approach editors,” said Quiring.

Quiring and Free went through the resources and the tools that artists need to use. He provided a drawing demonstration, and he explained how they can make their drawings look more professional.

“This was our first workshop,” said Free. “They seemed very interested. And they seemed very happy with what we were telling them.”

One participant in the workshop could probably submit material right now and find work in the comic book industry, Quiring said. The others need to refine their skills, but if they continue to practice, they will notice a big difference in six to 12 months.

Most of the people at the workshop have already dabbled in the type of writing and art associated with comics, they said.

“Some of them want to be writers, and some want to be artists, so that’s why we tried to tell them a little bit about everything,” said Free.

Comic books represent a personalized medium, Quiring said. It’s fun to concoct and execute creative ideas, and it’s satisfying when other people appreciate his efforts.

Quiring is the writer and the designer of “Los Luchadores Mysteriosos.” Free colours the characters. The comic tells the story of masked Mexican wrestlers who fight crime, aliens and monsters in the 1960s.

Sales of the comic have been okay, Quiring said. Approximately 400 copies have been purchased since it was released in April.

“I have about 20 (issues) plotted out,” said Quiring. “It depends how much interest we can garner in the series. We’ll get to 20 and then take it from there.”

Issue No. 2 will hopefully be released in October, he said, and he is optimistic that it will generate more interest for the series.