Visit to New Gloucster Public Library

Wednesday, June 29, 2010: On a beautiful Maine summer evening, I presented my interactive comics drawing workshop for kids at the New Gloucester Public Library in picturesque New Gloucester, Maine.

The Capt'n Eli's Soda crew was also on hand to provide families with a taste of this Maine made soda.

Check out photos at this link.

I am the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series.

SPRING SALE - Commander X Action Figures

In celebration of the release of the new Commander X Archer Knight action figure, from now through Wednesday, June 30, 2010 all Commander X action figures will be available at a special price of $15.00 (regular price $19.95) exclusively at this link.

There are five variants in this collection (Golden Age Commander X, 1950s Commander X, Western Knight, Barbary Knight and the new Archer Knight). Photos of all the figures can be viewed at this link.

Who says they don't make heroes like the used to? A video clip about the figures can be viewed at this link.

This collectible figure is created in a retro-style reminiscent of figures made by the Mego Corporation in the 1970s. Nemo Publishing is working with Paul Clarke, known as “Dr. Mego,” to create this collection and additional variants are planned for release this year.

Commander X is an integral character in Jay Piscopo’s all-ages graphic novel series, “The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli.” Commander X is an amnesiac who has been sent from the future to save the earth from inevitable destruction. He is a based on the Depression-era heroes of the comic book and movie serials of the 1930s.

But wait, there's more!
When customers order a Commander X action figure they are automatically entered to win one of three super-limited-edition Sea Ghost action figure prototypes. The first winner was drawn Dec. 15, 2009 and the two final winners will be drawn July 15, 2010 and Dec. 15, 2010. Like Commander X, Sea Ghost is a key character in the “Capt’n Eli” graphic novel series. More details about the contest can be found at this link.

John Shableski presents free workshop in Maine

Educators and Librarians: Check out today's Portland Press Herald to read about John Shableski's "The World of Graphic Novels" workshop for librarians and educators this Saturday at 11:00 at the Portland Public Library. More detail about this FREE workshop is below.

Families won't want to miss Jay Piscopo's FREE Kids Cartooning Workshop at the Portland Public Library on Saturday at 10:00. Click HERE for more detail.

And be sure to visit Jay at the Maine Comics Arts Festival on Sunday!

The World of Graphic Novels
John Shableski, Diamond Book Distributors
This free presentation is for librarians and educators who are interested in the world of graphic novels and are looking for definitions, explanations, and advice on where to begin or expand your collection or how to effectively use graphic novels in the classroom. John conducts this workshop nationally with librarians and educators and is known for his interactive, conversational style. This is his first time presenting in Maine. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity!

WHEN: Saturday, May 22, 2010 – 11:00am

WHERE: Portland Public Library
5 Monument Square, Portland, Maine

THE PRESENTER: John Shableski is sales manager at Diamond Book Distributors, the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, and one of the biggest distributors of graphic novels in the U.S. through its Diamond Book Distributors division. John has been a panelist at BookExpo America, a moderator for graphic novel panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He's currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. His focus is on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.

FMI: Maine Comics Arts Festival

This Saturday: FREE Kids Cartooning Workshop with Jay Piscopo

WHAT: The Maine Comics Arts Festival presents a kids cartooning workshop with Jay Piscopo.

WHEN: Saturday, May 22 from 10:00–11:00am

WHERE: Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland

ADMISSION: Admission is FREE

DESCRIPTION: Kids Cartooning Workshop: In this hour-long interactive workshop, children ages 7-12 are invited to try their hand at cartoon art. Using simple shapes, comic book artist Jay Piscopo will demonstrate how to build figures and perspective to create art that tells a story.

For a behind the scenes look at this interactive workshop, visit this link.

Be sure to visit Jay at the Maine Comics Arts Festival on Sunday, too! For more information, follow this link.

Spain Club Batman exhibit features artwork by Jay Piscopo

Spain's Club Batman celebrates its 20th anniversary with
a special exhibit of Batman artwork. Agustin Padilla and Salvador Navarro will be at the opening on May 28. Poster illustration by Ernie Chan.

Portland, Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo was invited to exhibit three works in this exhibit.

More information about the exhibit at this link.

Boyce McClain's Collectors' Corner: Commander X Archer Knight

Follow this link to read Boyce McClain's review of the new Commander X Archer Knight on Collectors' Corner.

"There’s something very nostalgic about this figure. It reminds me of the cool Mega Toy figures that were put out a few decades ago....This is really a fun figure with a clever presentation." ~ Boyce McClain

Kids Cartooning Workshop - May 22