Appearance Schedule

To book Jay Piscopo for school and library visits, please contact Tami Burke at tami@maine.rr.com.

May 7, 2016
Free Comic Book Day
Jay will be at Bull Moose in the morning and Casablanca Comics in the afternoon doing free superhero sketches

June 4, 2016
Portland Public Library
Portland, Maine

June 11, 2016
10:00 - 6:00
Concord, New Hampshire

October 23, 2016
Portland, Maine

12.31.2008

Mike Fyles - Pulp Master!

Stand by for adventure with this amazing Commander X pulp cover art by Mike Fyles! Mike is a master of nostalgic sci-fi and pulp cover art and sequential imagery. His style is influenced by the mid 20th century commercial illustrations that promoted “fringe” books, magazines and comics. He particularly likes the challenge of cover art because of the balance that must be struck between form, content, decoration, and narrative to tell what lies beneath the cover. Check out more of his work in the all new Commander X Adventures. This FREE downloadable comic was written and illustrated by a team of talented creators led by Jay Piscopo, author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all-ages graphic novel series.

12.30.2008

Down East Magazine -- Best of 2009 Pick!

You're in for a treat! Capt'n Eli's Root Beer is Down East Magazine's Best of 2009 pick! Read more HERE.

- Handcrafted in Maine
- Sweetened with natural cane and brown sugars
- Caffeine free
- Contact: Scott Doyle 207-761-0807 x7167

12.29.2008

Yo Sith Dog Yo

Charlotte, North Carolina Children's librarian Bill Corder (aka Darth Corder, aka Sith) has a motto: Boys Rule, Boys Read! and he and his fellow ImaginOn librarians have an engaging, hilarious blog of the same name that is a place for boys to find terrific books and tell other boys about great reading.

Check out Bill's recent post about Jay Piscopo's all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli HERE.

Read librarian Bill Corder's reviews of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli:
Volume 1
Volume 2

Stand by for a special announcement coming soon!...

12.26.2008

More from Mighty Joe

Joe Zierman (Mighty Joe of Big Bang Comics) did this amazing pinup of Commander X as a "Christmas bonus" for the new Commander X Adventures free downloadable comic book. This pinup is an homage to Jack Kirby who is a big influence on Joe's work as well as on The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli. For more about Jack Kirby (the king of comics) click HERE.

This image will be added to the downloadable comic soon! Colored by Jay Piscopo, author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series.

12.23.2008

Commander X-Mas has Arrived!

The new Commander X Adventures comic book is now available as a FREE download! Click HERE to travel back in time to the 1930s with Commander X.

This 31-page comic was created in the long-standing tradition of Christmas edition comics but can be enjoyed anytime of the year. "For those reading this over the holidays, our hope is the stories will bring back that nostalgic feeling of the fun of Christmas morning when you got your favorite toy or comic book under the tree,” said creator Jay Piscopo.

The stories are told in the spirit of the great pulp adventure yarns of the 1930s and 1940s and take place in the coldest and most remote spots imaginable – from Tibet, to the North Pole, to the moon. Featuring stories and art by a team of talented writers and artists: modern pulp master Ron Fortier; digital pulp artist Mike Fyles; a writing debut by comics letterer Michael Thomas; pin-ups by Joe Zierman, Lauren Monardo, and Jay Fife; and a special story and pin-up by Jay Piscopo.

Read the press release HERE. Check out the Commander X Mego-style action figure HERE.

12.17.2008

The Old is New Again

Who says they don't make heroes like they used to? Nemo Publishing of Portland, Maine announces the release of the Golden Age Commander X Action Figure. This figure is created in a retro Mego style. Commander X is an integral character in Jay Piscopo's all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli. Read the press release and see more photos HERE. Watch the promo HERE. Stand by for adventure!

12.16.2008

Stand by for adventure on December 23rd!

To celebrate the debut of the new eight-inch Commander X Mego-style action figure, starting December 23rd a free Commander X Adventures comic book will be offered as a download at www.captneli.com.

Jay Piscopo is the author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series and lead the creation of this action figure and special free comic.

"This free comic is created in the tradition of Christmas edition comics but the stories can be read anytime of the year," said Piscopo. "For those reading it at Christmas, our hope is the stories will bring back that childhood feeling of the fun of Christmas morning when you got your favorite toy or comic book under the tree."

Commander X Adventures features stories and art by a team of talented creators, including: Ron Fortier, Mike Fyles, Michael Thomas, Lauren Monardo, Jay Fife, and Joe Zierman.

Who says they don't make heroes like they used to? Check out the Commander X Action Figure trailer-promo. Shot and edited by Matt Power and starring Paul Drinan as Commander X, Jessica Peck as Polly Fontaine, and Lenny LeRoux as Dr. Diablo:

12.10.2008

Stellar Students in Skowhegan

The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli creator Jay Piscopo visited the amazing students in Frank Chin's art class at Skowhegan Area Middle School in Skowhegan, Maine. The students had created four-panel comic stories which were on display in the room. They tried their hand at additional comic art storytelling techniques with Jay. Frank Chin is an outstanding and inspiring educator. Stand by for adventure with comics in the classroom! Check out photos HERE.

12.08.2008

Capt'n Eli Reviewed on Comic Related

Don't miss Ron Fortier's review of Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series on Comic Related. Read it HERE.

This review is a real honor! Comic Related is one of the hottest comic review sites and podcasts in the biz and Ron Fortier is a 25 year veteran comics writer who has worked on projects such as The Hulk, Popeye, Rambo and Peter Pan. His two most popular comic series being The Green Hornet and The Terminator(with Alex Ross). Discover more about Ron at Airship27.

12.01.2008

Capt'n Eli is GeekDad Approved on Wired!

Every now and then, I stumble across something that is seriously cool and seriously different. ~ Brad Moon, Wired

Wired's GeekDad Brad Moon gives Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli a thumbs up! (And so does his 8-year-old daughter Natasha!) Read Brad's column HERE.
I enjoyed reading the comics, which reminded me of a 50s take on Jules Verne with large-scale undersea intrigue in a setting featuring Atlantis and, of course, the heroic efforts of Eli. My daughter, Natasha (age 8), got hold of my review copies and polished each of the 100+ page books off in single readings- she really liked them and was disappointed to find out I didn't have any more....The comic is a throwback to the golden age of comics, but Piscopo also incorporates an interesting blend of CGI-style graphics into the drawings. The combination really works and the series has received glowing praise...

11.29.2008

I Believe!

300 adventurous souls turned out for Santa’s arrival in Portland Harbor aboard Casco Bay Lines Ferry in Portland, Maine. Adventure lovers of all ages read Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli comics and enjoyed hand-crafted Maine Capt’n Eli’s Soda and tasty treats from Dimillo’s. Event organizer Rhonda Birkbeck urged the merry crowd to coax Santa and his elves from the North Pole by letting them know we still believe in the magic of Christmas by chanting I Believe. Rhonda Birkbeck is setting Portland’s historic Old Port on fire with The Twelve Days of Christmas promotion this holiday season. Her next challenge is to convince Portlanders to believe we can stuff a METRO bus with books and toys for kids in need this Friday, December 5! Our caps off to Rhonda, Caity Baker and the Casco Bay Lines crew for a fantastic way to herald in the season in Portland, Maine. View photos HERE.

11.28.2008

Books for the bus!

Purchase an Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel and, for every book sold, we'll donate a book to the METRO toy bus to help "stuff a bus" with toys and books for kids in need. Order HERE for a special WEB ONLY holiday price: $8.00 (regularly $9.99)or visit Casablanca Comics. Buy Capt'n Eli at Casablanca on Friday, December 5 and receive a free bottle of Capt'n Eli's Root Beer!

11.22.2008

Commander X-Mas

The Commander X Ultimate Adventurer Action Figure is now available for pre-order! Just $19.95 plus shipping. Click HERE to order. The first 100 people to order will receive Volume 1 of Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series for FREE!

The Commander X 8" action figure is based on the classic Mego-style. Developed by Mego customizer Dana Shaw and manufactured by Dr. Mego himself -- Paul Clarke. This new action figure will ship in December for Commander X-Mas!. More details coming soon on Commander X Action Figure variants! And be sure to stay tuned for new Commander X stories and art coming in December!

11.19.2008

Comicsbulletin - Review by Kara and Thom Young

"The Capt’n Eli series is great fun for fans of the classic kid’s stories we enjoyed as children. Yet it isn’t just a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane. Piscopo manages to tell blend contemporary elements with the Silver Age qualities that gives Capt’n Eli and his Seasearcher colleagues a timeless quality. This is a series that deserves to make it in today’s crowded marketplace...."
~ Thom Young, Comicsbulletin


Thom and Kara Young are a fantastic father/daugther review team on Comicsbulletin. Kara is 6-years-old and today she and her dad both reviewed the new all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli by Jay Piscopo of Portland, Maine. Read each of their reviews HERE.

11.18.2008

Extra, extra read all about it!

"Jay Piscopo throws the dial over to eleven and creates a book that’s even better than the first....Where all of this action needs a home, though, is a weekly half-hour spot on the Cartoon Network. This would look absolutely amazing."
- Jeff Marsick, Newsarama

Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli - Volume 2 is a Best Shot on Newsarama. Reviewed by Jeff Marsick.

I reviewed and praised Volume 1 a few months back and eagerly awaited Volume 2. Figuring and fearing that the sequel could only disappoint on the fun and adventure established in the pilot, I cracked the cover with a healthy dose of skepticism. Turns out I was completely wrong, as Jay Piscopo throws the dial over to eleven and creates a book that’s even better than the first, “The Empire Strikes Back” as it were, of the series.

It’s a heady read in the beginning, as Mr. Piscopo channels his inner Chris Claremont and lays down a lot of back story about two undersea utopias, Lemuria and Atlantis. Pretty standard Shakespearean fare tempered with some New Gods influence shapes the history, with villains and heroes and Princesses, oh my! It all leads up to the creation of the undersea kingdom of Aquarius, where our titular hero now finds himself, standing beside the enigmatic Commander X, the kingdom’s Lord Protector. Faster than Eli can say “Fraffle!” the kingdom finds itself under attack, and the story hits the hyperdrive button: Commander X goes missing. Eli takes command of Sub Zero to mount a rescue mission. The Sea Searchers are looking for Eli. The World Security Navy, led by Admiral Taw McGraw is trying to find Commander X to bring him to justice. There’s a new villainous Lord Hydro, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, with designs to carry on his father’s work of destroying Aquarius. And the Firehawks make their debut! All of this, on our planet, right there in the depths of the Sargasso Sea....
Click HERE for the full review.

11.17.2008

The Portsmouth Comic Book Show

Flocks of fans turned out for the Portsmouth Comic Book Show yesterday. Read all about it in the Portsmouth Herald. Check out photos of Jay Piscopo and the Capt'n Eli crew HERE. Adventure lovers of all-ages stopped by the Capt'n Eli booth to get a signed copy of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli and take home a free mini-comic and collecitble card game. All educators and librarians who stopped by received a free Undersea Adventures Triva Game library event kit. Great work by Jetpack Comics organizing a fantastic convention!

11.12.2008

Be a super hero this holiday season!

Jay Piscopo and the Capt'n Eli crew make it easy for you to gain the super power of sharing books!

Buy a book and the Capt'n will give a book! It's that easy.

Purchase an Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel at a special price, and the Capt'n will donate one to the METRO Toy Bus to help "Stuff a Bus" with books and toys for Maine kids in need!

Special WEB ONLY Holiday Price: $8.00 (regularly $9.99)

Or hop in your hydrocopter (or the METRO bus!) and fly to Casablanca Comics! For every Capt'n Eli graphic novel sold at Casablanca Comics between now and December 24 we’ll also donate a graphic novel to METRO.

ONE DAY ONLY SPECIAL:
Purchase Capt'n Eli at Casablanca Comics on December 5 and you'll also get a free bottle of Capt'n Eli's Root Beer!

Casablanca Comics
151 Middle St., Portland -- 207-780-1676
Rich Shopping Plaza, Windham -- 207-892-0056
www.casablancacomics.com

METRO's "Stuff a Bus" is part of Portland, Maine's The Twelve Days of Christmas festivities in the Old Port.

11.08.2008

METRO Stuff a Bus - December 5

If you live in Portland, Maine mark your calendar now for the METRO "Stuff a Bus" promotion on December 5! From 10am - 7pm bring a new, unwrapped toy or book, and join us at METRO Pulse, located on Elm Street (off Congress Street near the Portland Public Library), to spread good cheer as we “stuff a bus” with gifts for children in need.

A bottle of Capt'n Eli's Root Beer will be given to the first 100 people who donate a gift. The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli crew and Casablanca Comics are teaming up for a special promotion...stay tuned for more detail on how you can be a super hero this holiday season!

METRO "Stuff a Bus" is part of The Twelve Days of Christmas promotion in Portland's downtown.

11.04.2008

Next Stop: Portsmouth Comic Book Show!

Look for Jay Piscopo and the Capt'n Eli crew at The Portsmouth Comic Book Show Sunday, November 16 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire!

11.02.2008

Capt'n Eliot!

Hundreds of Capt'n Eli fans turned out in Eliot, Maine for a day of undersea adventure at Capt'n Eli's Family Fun Day at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center. Check out all the photos HERE.

Newspaper reporter Geoff Cunningham from Foster's Daily Democrat joined the fun to interview comic artist Jay Piscopo and talk with some Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli fans. Read Geoff's story HERE.

The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli creator Jay Piscopo spent the day drawing sketches and signing autographs while the rest of the crew handed out free comics, collectible card games, and Seasearcher tattoos to adventure lovers of all ages!

Families played the Undersea Adventures Trivia Game, tried their hand at coloring their favorite Capt'n Eli characters, met race car driver Sulo Burbank, rocked out with the Rick Miller Trio, enjoyed hilarious all ages improv comedy with The Escapists, and checked out real sea life with Blue Ocean Society.

10.31.2008

Capt'n Eli Comics in the Classroom

Stand by for adventure with Capt'n Eli comics in the classroom! "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli" all ages graphic novel series creator Jay Piscopo is touring schools and libraries with his interactive "Draw on Your Creativity" workshop. View photos of a recent school assemby HERE. Watch short behind-the-scenes videos of Jay in the classoom or at work in his studio.

Tomorrow (Sat, Nov 1) Jay will be at the FREE all ages Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day at the Regatta Banquet & Conference Center in Eliot, Maine.

In a couple weeks you'll find him at The Portsmouth Comic Book Show on Sunday, November 16. Free "Undersea Adventure Library Event Kits" will be given to all librarians who come to the Capt'n Eli booth at the show. Jetpack Comics has put together a great event! More to come!

10.29.2008

An Artist at Work

"I really dig Jay's style--its very simple and direct, very old school Classic Comic Book Art." - Rob Kelly

Rob Kelly's The Aquaman Shrine is a fantastic website for Aquaman fans. Jay Piscopo submitted a pulp sketch which Rob posted on the site. Read Rob's blog entry HERE.

Jay enjoys doing sketches that pay homage to his favorite comics legends as a way to keep fresh in his work on The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli. This pulp version of Aquaman was inspired by Alex Raymond. Get a behind the scenes look at Jay's artistic process and what inspires him to create by watching this new short video called "An Artist at Work" which was shot and edited by Maine surfer and filmmaker Ben Keller! Click Ben's name to check out his latest film "bluegreen" and see some really cool surf footage. Watch "An Artist at Work" HERE.

10.24.2008

Under the sea with Capt'n Eli Nov. 1

Foster's Daily Democrat
Article published: October 23, 2008

ELIOT, Maine - On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center in Eliot, Maine will host a free Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day, noon-3 p.m., to launch the new all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli, written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo.

Attendees will receive a free Capt'n Eli comic book and collectible card game and have the chance to meet the creator and get a free sketch.

Attendees will also have the chance to meet special guest, Sulo Burbank — a 12-year-old race car driver from Fryeburg — and take a look at his race car.

In addition, kids will have the opportunity to explore real sea life with Blue Ocean Society's hands-on display.

The Travis James Humphrey Band will start at Noon and The Escapists will perform interactive all-ages improv comedy at 2 p.m.

Capt'n Eli's origins are quite unique! He's the namesake of real-life World War II veteran Eli Forsley who was also the inspiration for Capt'n Eli's Soda. Read the story behind the story at www.captneli.com/gnseries/storybehind.html.

Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. He also cocreated The Scrap City Pack Rats, art directed the award-winning Fizz and Martina Math Adventures, and was an animator for ABC-TV's Squigglevision. For more information, visit www.captneli.com/artist.php

10.23.2008

Stand by for adventure at Prince Memorial Library!

Jay Piscopo presented his "Draw on Your Creativity" workshop at Prince Memorial Library in Cumberland, Maine yesterday. Twenty-five intrepid Seasearchers had fun drawing along with Jay and discovering a few tricks of the trade.

Youth Service's Librarian Jan Hamilton treats her young patrons to imaginiative programs and a fantastic collection of books. The Undersea Adventure of Capt'n Eli is proud to be among them! Stand by for adventure at Prince Memorial Library! And be sure to ask for The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli at your own local library! View photos HERE.

10.14.2008

FREE Family Fun Day! November 1

On Saturday, November 1, the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center in Eliot, Maine will host a free Capt’n Eli Family Fun Day from Noon – 3:00 p.m. This day will feature a full afternoon of entertainment and celebrate the launch of the new all-ages graphic novel series The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli, written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo of Portland, Maine. Attendees will receive a free Capt’n Eli comic book and collectible card game and have the chance to meet the creator and get a free sketch.

The Travis James Humphrey Band will start at Noon and The Escapists will perform interactive all-ages improv comedy at 2:00 p.m.

Attendees will also have the chance to meet special guest, Sulo Burbank -- a 12-year-old race car driver from Fryeburg, Maine – and take a look at his race car.

In addition, kids will have the opportunity to explore real sea life with Blue Ocean Society’s hands-on display.

This event also features complimentary Maine-made Shield’s Hot Dogs and hand-crafted Capt'n Eli's Soda.

For directions click HERE.

FMI: 207-351-4623 – info@regattaroom.com – www.regattaroom.com

10.09.2008

DC in DC from Baltimore Comic-Con

At Baltimore Comic-Con, comics fan Jamie Greene stopped by The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli booth seeking a sketch from Jay Piscopo as part of his "DC in DC" image quest. Jay Piscopo was happy to oblige with his version of DC characters in Washington, DC.


Convention sketches are one of Jay's favorite parts of the day and Jamie was great to send along this scan of "The Supes in Front of DC Landmarks."

10.04.2008

Capt'n Eli Book Signing at First Friday Artwalk

Last evening, Casablanca Comics and Maple's Gelateria hosted Jay Piscopo and The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli crew at First Friday Artwalk in Portland, Maine.

Seasearchers of all ages turned out to meet Jay and enjoy handcrafted Capt'n Eli's Soda floats made with Maple's homemade gelato. Check out photos HERE.

Next stop for the crew is the FREE Capt'n Eli Adventure family fun event on November 1 at the Regatta Banquet and Conference Center in Eliot, Maine. Don't miss this free all-ages event! Jay Piscopo will be there doing sketches and giving out free comics. Entertainment by the Travis James Humphrey Band and The Escapists. Attendees will have the chance to check out real life sea creatures with Blue Ocean Society. Special guest is 12-year-old race car driver Sulo Burbank from Fryeburg, Maine. Stand by for adventure!

10.02.2008

Volume Two Launch!


The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli Volume 2 Launch Party!

Friday, October 3rd
5:00 - 8:00 PM (aka Art Walk)
Casablanca Comics & Maple's Gelateria
151 Middle Street, Portland, Maine
Free, Ages 5-13

We hope you will stop by and raise a frothy Root Beer Float to celebrate the release of Volume 2 of Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli. New to Capt'n Eli, my fair landlubber? No worries. We will be handing out free introductory comics to Eli's story.

We will also be playing an ocean trivia game to procure the latest Capt'n Eli collectible cards.

Look for us in Maples Gelateria where their gelato will be plunging into Capt'n Eli's Root Beer and across the hall at Casablanca where Capt'n Eli and all other fine comics are sold.

10.01.2008

Comicsbulletin - Penny Kenny Review


Fraffle! Check out Penny Kenny's Comicsbulletin review of Volume 2 of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli by Jay Piscopo. Read it HERE and stand by for adventure!

9.30.2008

Capt'n Eli Reviewed on Comicsbulletin

Don't miss these two fantastic reviews on Comicsbulletin by Thom Young and his six-year-old daughter Kara.

Thanks to all the readers and fans who stopped by The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli booth at Baltimore Comic-Con! Jay Piscopo and the Capt'n Eli crew are back at Seasearcher headquarters in Maine. Check out pictures from Baltimore HERE.

9.28.2008

Capt'n Eli at Baltimore Comic-Con

Jay from Comic Seeker visited Jay Piscopo and The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli crew at Baltimore Comic-Con yesterday. Comic Seeker is a fantastic website for collectors seeking rare comic books. More pictures and news from Baltimore to come this week!

9.23.2008

Granite State Comicon

Jay Piscopo and Brandon Mazer had a great day at Granite State Comicon connecting with fans of Capt'n Eli and introducing new Seasearchers to the graphic novel series. Enjoyed meeting the Sky Pirates of Valendor creators in person and Gibran from BangPop! made a special trip down from Maine to be at the show.

9.21.2008

Commander X Action Figure Prototype Revealed!

With the help of Mego customizer and prototype designer Dana Shaw and Dr. Mego himself, Paul Clarke, Nemo Publishing has created an exciting new addition to the world of action figures! A limited edition, 8", Commander X action figure based on the classic Mego-style will debut at Baltimore Comic-Con.

This collectible toy is a must have for Capt'n Eli fans and Mego collectors! In December, just in time for "Commander X-Mas," the figure will be available for $19.95 (plus S&H)from the Capt'n Eli webstore. Look for collectible variants at comic conventions in 2009!

In December, we'll also debut a free new prose pulp Commander X adventure story on the website written by Michael Thomas with illustrations by Jay Piscopo.

Stand by for adventure and the release of more prototypes of Capt'n Eli characters. Sculptor Troy Younger has Capt'n Eli and Sea Ghost prototypes in the works!

9.17.2008

Volume 2 Launch!

Volume Two Launch!
Friday, October 3rd
5:00 - 8:00 PM (aka Art Walk)
Casablanca Comics & Maple's Gelateria
151 Middle Street, Portland
Free, Ages 5-13

We hope you will stop by and raise a frothy Root Beer Float to celebrate the release of Volume 2 of Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli. New to Capt'n Eli, my fair landlubber? No worries. We will be handing out free introductory comics to Eli's story.

We will also be playing an ocean trivia game to procure the latest Capt'n Eli collectible cards.

Look for us in Maples Gelateria where their gelato will be plunging into Capt'n Eli's Root Beer and across the hall at Casablanca where Capt'n Eli and all other fine comics are sold.

9.16.2008

BangPop Hop

Nothing more surreal after arising at 4AM and driving North for many hours than to emerge from the car and stumble over the robes of a Tuscan Raider.

We had arrived at --BangPop!. The brave Gibran Graham and cohorts launched the first comic book / pop culture show in the wilds of Bangor, Maine this weekend to grand success.

Capt'n Eli was soon caffeinated and handing out free comics and card games to teachers, librarians and young readers. Joining us for the first time was our new Seasearcher member, Yunhee O'Brien (pictured) who raised the uncooperative banners and greeted comic book readers often with a BangPop! attendee's baby on her hip.

We were psyched to share our corner of BangPop! with Maine graphic novelists, Anne Sibley O'Brien (who drew dragons with brilliant kids and help man a young artist) and (oh, so groovy) Sugary Serials superstar, Josh Alves, creator of Araknid Kid (and his charming sidekick).

Also met and shared a fine stretch of carpet with the amazing illustrator, Gareth Hinds and his Gal Friday, children's bookseller and PW columnist, Alison Morris.

Thanks to all that stopped by and to the Tuscan Raider who said, "Your banner looks cool, man."

Hot Off the Press!


"The moment you open this book you know you have found something very special."
~ Robert Black, Synergy Magazine

Capt'n Eli was just reviewed in Australia's Synergy Magazine. Read the full review HERE.

Volume 2 premieres at Baltimore Comic-Con and you can be the VERY FIRST to own this book by ordering from the Capt'n's on-line store.

9.14.2008

More Fun than a Barrel of Monkeys

This weekend, Jay Piscpopo and the Capt'n Eli crew joined Chris Proulx of Double Midnight Comics and illustrator Jeremy McHugh at the 3rd Annual Manchester Boys and Girls Club Day for Kids in Manchester, New Hampshire. What an amazing event! Jay and Jeremy drew free sketches for hundreds of kids -- literally non-stop from 10:00 - 3:00! We handed out Capt'n Eli comics and Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli Collectible Card Games to kids of all ages (and a few monkeys....) and Chris provided free comics and buttons from Double Midnight. Check out photos HERE.

Speaking of kids: be sure to check Lori Henderson's write up about Capt'n Eli on Good Comics for Kids!
Look for Jay and the crew at Double Midnight's Granite State Comicon next Sunday!

9.08.2008

Undersea Adventure Card Game at All Things Fun!

The Capt'n Eli Undersea Adeventures Collectible Card Game was featured this weekend at All Things Fun! in West Berlin, New Jersey.

The promotional card game featuring Jay Piscopo's artwork and characters from the graphic novel, was designed by All Things Fun! co-owner, Ed Evans.

One of the highlights of the day for Jay was meeting Rob Kelly, creator of The Aquaman Shrine. Check out Rob's blog and Jay's Aquaman sketch HERE.

Thanks Ed, Dina, John and DJ for having us down in the hurricane remnants!

More photos of the event HERE.

9.01.2008

Newsarama Review by Jeff Marsick

"Blink while perusing a Previews and you would probably miss the solicit for this book, a mash-up of classic adventure cartoons like Johnny Quest, Golden Age super-heroics of Aquaman and the Defenders, and some Jules Verne and Seaquest for good measure.

It all begins when a futuristic mini-sub of sorts washes ashore off the coast of Maine and within is discovered an infant boy. A kindly lighthouse keeper and his wife are quick to adopt him as their only child and name him Eli, soon marveling at not only the boy’s innate swimming abilities above and beyond his peers, but also his technological savvy. Where he came from may be a mystery, but where he is destined to go is clear. He can’t be much more than twelve when he’s taken his pod and some spare parts courtesy of the US Navy, and built himself a mini-submarine: The Guppy. Accompanied by his bowline-knot-tying dog, Barney, and a two-hundred-year old parrot who speaks seventy languages, Eli sets out for answers and adventure on the high seas. His journey will make him a team member of the Sea Searchers, an aquatic version of G-Force, as they seek the mystery of the Sargasso Sea and the time-displacing vortex of the Bermuda Triangle. Opposing their mission are the nefarious Hydrons, squadrons of Ralph Hammeras-inspired Nautilus analogues, while occasionally assisting from the periphery is the enigmatic Commander X and his equally mysterious and technologically advanced Sub X.


This is simply a terrific and fun book, drawn in a combination of 3-D graphics and comic book-style penciling, with vibrant colors that practically leap off the page. Jay Piscopo has done a magnificent job of creating an adventure tale that never takes itself too seriously and never allows itself to become kitschy and cute. While I think the average comic-reading adult may find it perhaps a little too juvenile (especially those who feel the Marvel Adventures line of books are for kids), it is certainly a book that younger readers can enjoy without feeling “talked down to”. Science and eco-awareness are inherent elements of the story, but are subtle enough to be appreciated and learned from, while remaining far from being preachy or heavy-handed. If you are looking for something a little different than the tights-and-fights stories of most comic books, especially for younger readers, then I highly recommend that The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli be at the top of your list."

8.26.2008

All Things Fun!

On Saturday, September 6th, All Things Fun! in West Berlin will celebrate its 4th anniversary as the area’s premiere game and comic retailer by featuring the free Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli Collectible Card Game, designed by All Things Fun! co-owner Ed Evans and Portland, Maine comic book creator Jay Piscopo.

The collectible card game is a companion to Piscopo's new all ages graphic novel series, The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli. Piscopo will be on-hand at the event signing his graphic novel and handing out free card games and Capt’n Eli comics as part of the larger All Things Fun! celebration.

The event will be held Saturday, September 6th 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM at All Things Fun!, 185 Route 73 North in West Berlin. Other activities include: a storewide comics and games sale, box tournaments, Capt’n Eli’s Root Beer tasting, and other games and prizes.



8.21.2008

Boys Read, Boys Rule!

Our new (and everlasting) superhero is librarian, Bill Corder at Imaginon in Charlotte, NC.

Not only is he throwing a big Capt'n Eli Shindig in September, but he wrote this great review and did an author interview on his blog, Boys Read, Boys Rule.

What this guy and his fellow Jedi Knights do for comics, boys, and reading in simply unbelievable! Cheers Bill!!