SCPL announces Bucky Barnes art contest, local connection to Marvel Comics

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 4:46 AM

By Staff report

Captain America's sidekick, a character named James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes Jr., was born in Shelbyville.

Did you know that Marvel Comics has a local connection?

Captain America's sidekick, a character named James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes Jr., was born in Shelbyville, Indiana in 1925.

Create a piece of art celebrating our hometown hero during the Bucky Barnes 100th Birthday Art Competition through March 17. Entries will be judged by three age groups: 0-5, elementary, and teens. Any art or mixed media submission will be accepted at the youth department. Art will be displayed at the Shelby County Public Library. You may even win a prize bundle.

Originally introduced as a sidekick to Captain America, the Barnes character was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (cover-dated March 1941), which was published by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics.

The rest of the local birthday celebration includes Bucky serials (Episodes 1-15) at The Strand at 7 p.m. on March 27-28 ($7) and a birthday bash with vendor booths, an expert panel discussion, a lookalike cosplay contest, Bucky trivia and activities, birthday cake, and more at Blessing Opera House 2-6 p.m. on March 29.

For further information about the art contest, call the library at (317) 398-7121.