NEW Commander X Adventures and Knight Avenger Action Figure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4th Annual free “Commander X Adventures” comic book released by Nemo Publishing: New limited edition Commander X Knight Avenger collectible action figure ties into story



PORTLAND, MAINE (December 23, 2011) – Nemo Publishing, publisher of Jay Piscopo’s “The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli” all-ages graphic novel series and “The Sea Ghost” comic book, has released its 4th annual Commander X-Mas “Commander X Adventures,” a collection of pulp adventure stories and artwork featuring the renowned time traveler, Commander X, who is an integral character in the “Capt’n Eli” series.

This free comic book is available at – http://www.captneli.com/dailycomic.php.

“Depression-era comics were promoted as ‘all in color for a dime,’ which meant you were getting more than you paid for,” noted Piscopo. “That same spirit and enthusiasm is what the creators behind ‘Commander X Adventures’ bring. In the Golden and Silver ages, the stories were very plot driven and action oriented and, in their own way, reflected the times. There was a lot of crudeness in the art and storytelling and a certain exuberance and imagination really carried the day. This free comic is a wonderful opportunity to re-experience the fun and excitement that came from Golden Age comics and the pulps. And we always add in a lot of Christmas-themed material just for fun.”

Piscopo edited this free on-line comic book with a team of creators, including legendary writer Brian Augustyn with the debut of his new pulp character, Mr. Gabriel in “All Through the Night…A Mr. Gabriel, Angel of Broadway Adventure.”

“I’m honored to have Brian’s contribution,” said Piscopo. “He’s one of my heroes in the comics business and it’s great to see him join the ranks of the new pulp writers. Pulps preceded Golden Age comics and were all about hard-boiled action and mystery and Brian captures that perfectly.”

Regular contributor, Frank Schildiner, also wrote a story illustrated by Delfin Barral and there is a special Sunday strip by Robert J. Kelly and Dan O’Connor, the creators of the daily web comic “Ace Kilroy.”

Pinups were created by comics greats Michael Netzer and Mort Todd, Marvel cover artist Mike Fyles, Joe Zierman and Randy “Sarge” Sargent, Pierre Villeneuve, Harold Cupec, Jim Mohan, and Jay Piscopo.

Piscopo also wrote and illustrated a story called “SHIVA 99” in which fans meet Commander X as the Knight Avenger. In conjunction with this, Nemo Publishing has released the Knight Avenger as a limited edition Mego-style collectible action figure.

“This year, I also had a lot of fun featuring public domain superheroes in cameos and guest shots with Commander X,” continued Piscopo. “This whole story is an homage to the Golden Age of superheroes, a large number of which are now in the public domain (http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Public_Domain_Super_Heroes).”

The Knight Avenger is the seventh figure in the Commander X collectible action figure line. The other figures include: Golden Age Commander X, 1950s Commander X, Western Knight, Barbary Knight, Archer Knight, and the Undersea Knight. These eight-inch figures are created in a retro-style reminiscent of those made by the Mego Corporation in the 1970s and are designed by Piscopo and produced by Paul “Dr. Mego” Clarke. A short video about the variant collection can be viewed at this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/CaptnEli#p/a/u/1/ZyIxl_SBaS8

All seven figures are available exclusively at www.captneli.com at a special price of $15 (regularly $19.95) through February 15, 2011.

On the World Wide Web:
www.captneli.com
www.TheSeaGhost.com

CONTACT:
Tami Kennedy
Nemo Publishing
207-838-0816
tami@maine.rr.com

###

Blast Off with Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo on July 20

On Saturday, June 25, Space fans gravitated towards the Wenham Museum's new summer exhibit, Blast Off! Sky-High and Sci-Fi Space Toys. Jay Piscopo was there doing free sketches to celebrate the lift off. View photos at this link. He'll return in July to do a comics drawing workshop for kids.















Draw on Your Creativity with Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo
Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10am-12pm
Fee: $20.00 members, $25.00 recommended ages 7+
Pre-registration required
Comic book artist Jay Piscopo invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone, at any age, can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop! Watch a short video clip at this link.

Wenham Museum
132 Main St.
Wenham, MA 01984
(978) 468-2377
www.wenhammuseum.org

This Sunday: Maine Comics Arts Festival

WHAT:
3RD Annual Maine Comics Arts Festival
Hosted by Casablanca Comics

WHEN:
Sunday, May 22
10:00am - 5:00pm

WHERE:
Ocean Gateway
On the waterfront in Portland, Maine
Directions



COST:
Admission is $5.00 | kids 12 and under are FREE

FMI:
www.mainecomicsfestival.com

This is a family-friendly festival that celebrates the wonderful world of comic books, comic strips, graphic novels, web comics and more. This year's festival will feature over 100 comic creators, writers, artists and publishers. Special guest is Andy Runton, creator of the award-winning Owly, which features a kind-hearted little owl who's always searching for new friends and adventure.

Portland, Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo is the creator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli graphic novel series. He will be doing free super hero sketches for fans and highlighting his new Sea Ghost comic book which was just noted as one of the top aquatic super heroes of all time by Comic Book Resources.

Jay Piscopo interviewed on WCSH6

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Metropolis has Superman, Gotham City has Batman, and now Maine has its own superpowered protector.

Sea Ghost is the creation of Portland-based comic book artist Jay Piscopo. After years as a supporting player, the character is taking center stage as the star of his own title.

Piscopo recently shared his plans for Sea Ghost with NEWS CENTER's Lee Nelson.

Piscopo said Sea Ghost first appeared in "The Undersea Adventures of Cap'n Eli" series of graphic novels. The series began as a promotion for Cap'n Eli soft drinks, but took on a life of its own.

In his solo comic, Sea Ghost is transported to an alien world that is being ravaged by war between two races. One side is based underwater while the other lives in the jungle. Sea Ghost takes it upon himself to uncover the secret instigator behind all of the turmoil and bring peace to the planet.

Sea Ghost brings some formidable powers to his crusade. He is super strong, able to breathe underwater and shoots bolts of lightning like an electric eel.

Piscopo said he created Sea Ghost as an homage to the heroes of his youth. He said he was heavily influenced by the animation work of Alex Toth, who created such characters as Space Ghost for the Hanna-Barbera studio.

Piscopo named comic book artist Ramona Fradon as another major influence. She is best known for illustrating the adventures of Aquaman. Piscopo said he was honored to have her contribute a drawing of Sea Ghost for the inaugural issue.

Piscopo said he was pleased by the warm critical reception "Sea Ghost No. 1" was given by the comic book community. The popular industry website Comic Book Resources ranked the title character among its top six aquatic heroes of the year.

"Sea Ghost No. 1" is on sale at Casablanca Comics shops in Portland and Windham. You can also follow the character online by clicking here for a link to his website.

WIRED GeekDad Reviews Jay Piscopo's new Sea Ghost comic book

"Reading Jay Piscopo’s new all-ages comic book Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine invoked those familiar Saturday morning feelings of fun and excitement....I really liked Sea Ghost for its old school feel, classic character design and clean illustration. I was warmed by the fact that Sea Ghost was a father as well as an adventurer. My daughter liked Sea Ghost’s children, Coral and Triton. She thought it would be pretty cool to live under the ocean and have a superhero dad. I gave a copy of Sea Ghost to my wife’s second grade class and they all loved it too....

I’m giving Jay Piscopo high marks for Sea Ghost.

You can find out more about Sea Ghost and how to get your hands on a copy over at the Sea Ghost website."

~ Tom Stillwell, WIRED GeekDad

Read full review at this link.

Michael Netzer reviews the art of Jay Piscopo

I first met Jay Piscopo online soon after I registered at Facebook, early 2009, and began talking about forming an ongoing comics community event that later became Facebook Comic Con. Jay was one of the first enthusiasts for the idea and immediately volunteered to help put it together. In the few months that followed, he not only became an invaluable aide towards its success, but also reached out to young artists and writers seeking professional advice on their work. Jay became a cornerstone of what Facebook Comic Con set out to achieve, mainly to inspire an involvement and community spirit for the growing number of comics fans and professionals registered at the social network.

It all makes perfect sense when considering the colorful career that Jay is advancing in the comics industry and its periphery. Click HERE to continue reading.

"We live in times where popular entertainment has become so gritty and edgy that it raises serious questions about the sustainability of this direction for the comics industry that’s following in step, or perhaps even leading the trend. Jay Piscopo delivers The adventures of Capt’n in complete contrast to this trend. But the stories are not campy or silly in the way much of their inspirations are viewed today.

Jay Piscopo has taken the best of the Silver Age era and endowed it with a maturity that brings it into the 21st century – and earns a worthy place amongst the best of what the comics industry is offering today. The stories and language are simple enough for the young readers, yet pack a treasure of metaphoric allusions to our real world that make a poignant statement about our times and the human condition. There is something in the simplified complexity of the plot and dialogue that leaves a lasting taste of the adventures in the reader’s mind long after they’ve laid the books down. It is not a small achievement at all to have taken such a specific path with the story and transformed it into new mainstream potential." ~ Michael Netzer

GeekMom Dives into Capt'n Eli and The Sea Ghost

Check out what Jenny Williams has to say on GeekMom about Jay Piscopo's "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli" graphic novel series and his new Sea Ghost comic book. Read review HERE.

March 28, 2011
Jenny Williams

The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli and The Sea Ghost

On my exciting new journey to becoming a comic book person, I’ve gotten to read the beginnings of a series that is great for both kids and adults. Called The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli and done by Jay Piscopo, this series has origins in the world of root beer, yet has nothing to do with fizzy beverages. It’s about a boy with a mysterious past who is drawn to the sea. He joins others to help keep peace and keep people safe in the sea, and he finds other mysterious beings as well as whole cultures that are hidden from the surface.

The artwork in Capt’n Eli is a cross between old school styles and computer animated images. It contains both at the same time, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. But the drawings are simple and uncluttered. They instantly made me think of Jonny Quest.

I was sent the first two issues of Capt’n Eli to review. They started out with uncomplicated story lines that would be easy for kids to follow and get excited about. Not having a comic book reading background, I have little comic comparisons to make here, but the story beginnings remind me of shows like Scooby Doo and others from my childhood. As an adult, you see the obvious solutions to the problems that come up, but as a kid, you’re just along for the ride.

The series starts off with “The Mystery of Me,” which explains where Capt’n Eli came from and his back story. The series then continues with “The Mystery of the Sargasso Sea,” which takes everyone into the Bermuda Triangle area. Havoc ensues. Time travel figures prominently in the story lines, along with plenty of mystery, adventure, intrigue, and history, all surrounding the sea and its environs.

To learn more about the history of the characters, the story lines also contain plenty of back story, often well-integrated into the story lines. Also, each issue ends with a bit of a cliff hanger, getting you to buy the next issue to see what happens next.

In the second issue, “The Mystery of the Sargasso Sea” continues. The story really develops here with plenty of sub plots, twists, parallel story lines, and quite a bit more complexity. Perfectly wonderful for kids, but also interesting enough for adults to read, you learn about life under the sea and see more of a glimpse into other characters’ lives. One of the major characters in the series, Commander X, is, to me, the most intriguing character. He, too, has a mysterious past, but is a responsible adult who tends to take matters into his own hands. The back of the first comic has comic book covers from Commander X’s days in the golden age of comics, in a more classic style. They tell his past like it is history, but is in the form of a comic book. It seems that in this universe, history is chronicled in comic books, which is pretty awesome.

The black page borders throughout much of the books make it feel a bit like you’re under water, which is where much of the series takes place. Little jokes are inserted for those who will get them, such as a transmitter called the Anti-M. A parrot is the plucky sidekick who tosses out sort-of-funny lines from time to time.

The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli was also reviewed over at GeekDad in 2008. Check out Brad Moon’s review there. He liked the series, too!

In response to the reception of the Capt’n Eli books, Jay Piscopo built on one of the characters in the series, doing a stand-alone comic on The Sea Ghost. The Sea Ghost artwork reminds me of the 1970s/1980s Super Friends! It’s a thin paper comic issue, instead of the longer graphic novel format with thicker paper that is the Capt’n Eli books. The plot is as simplistic as some of the beloved 70s shows, and some of the creatures look like they’re from Planet of the Apes. There isn’t a lot of character development and some of the dialogue is a bit corny, but it’s short and fun, and a good read for kids. Plus Sea Ghost’s uniform is awesome: black and white with a seahorse on his chest!

The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli graphic novels retail for $9.99. I recommend them to anyone, the young or the young at heart. Become a fan of the series along with your kids, and you’ll have one more thing in common to talk about. The stories are interesting, complex, and well done.

The Sea Ghost retails for $3.99. It is an interesting side story in the Capt’n Eli universe, but this one is better for kids than it is for adults. The comic isn’t necessary to the main story lines, but adds more background to one of the characters.

In addition to the comic books, there is a Capt’n Eli collectible card game and a coloring book. The Capt’n Eli website also has fantastic lesson plans for geography, history, and art subjects, using the comic books as reference, but expanding on them. For additional information on any of these, check out the Capt’n Eli website.

Note: I received copies of these comics for review purposes.

Dive into the Sea Ghost on the Aquaman Shrine

March 25, 2011 - The Aquaman Shrine's Rob Kelly dives into Jay Piscopo's new comic book "The Sea Ghost #1." Read it HERE.








It's been almost two years since the Shrine ran its last Undersea Heroes segment; I always intended to bring it back every so often but other things kept getting in the way.

But no more! We have a new hero to add to the pantheon of underwater heroes, and his name is The Sea Ghost!

The Sea Ghost is the creation of Jay Piscopo, a friend of the Shrine whose work has appeared here before--he's done three(!) different pin-ups featuring Aquaman and The Sea Ghost, an Aquaman costume re-design, and a sketch from my Aqua-Sketchbook.

The man is a fountain of creativity--I've lost count of how many characters he's created, and he's always posting something new on his Facebook page. Many people have remarked how prolific I am; Jay makes me look like Fran Lebowitz.

Anyway, last week Jay's undersea character The Sea Ghost got his own title, so I thought this was a perfect time to bring back the Undersea Heroes feature. CLICK HERE to continue reading the article.

"...the ideas and concepts are flying at the reader at a breakneck pace, and there's no winking at the camera--this is no post-modern ironic superhero: The Sea Ghost would have fit in perfectly in the back of DC comic from the 1950s, albeit with more eye-popping color." ~ Rob Kelly, The Aquaman Shrine

The Sea Ghost: 5 out of 5 stars

Invest Comics check's out Jay Piscopo's new comic book: THE SEA GHOST #1

Follow this link to read the review.

NEMO PUBLISHING GROUP
Art & Story: Jay Piscopo
Pin-ups: Ramona Fradon, Danny Kelly, & Robert Caine Jeffcoat
REVIEWER: Sebastian Piccione
March 20, 2011

This is one of those special comics. The kind you find out about through various facebook posts, and it just looks so cool, that when you see it PREVIEWS, you check it off with your special orders. I’ve been excited about this character since before I knew there’d be a book. And to make things even better, it LIVED UP to each and every one of my pedestal-placed expectations!

This book reads like the best of the old Aquaman and SpaceGhost cartoons. You can actually hear the voice overs and sound effects in your head as you read! Heck, even the caption bubbles ring with that old-school narrator voice.

No over rendered art, or decompressed story-telling. This book harkens back to when comics and superheroes were fun. It isn’t silly or campy. It’s just a good, fun, romp. And getting a pin-up by legendary Aqua-artist, Ramona Fradon just makes it perfect.

In fact, it was so good that I’ve got to tell my LCS to go ahead and order me the two volumes of THE UNDERSEA ADVENTURES OF CAPT'N ELI, in which Sea Ghost first appears.

THE SEA GHOST is one of the best books I’ve read in some time.

5 out of 5 stars.

The Sea Ghost #1 -- Good Comics for Kids

Brigid Alverson previews Jay Piscopo's new comic book "The Sea Ghost #1" on School Library Journal's Good Comics for Kids.





Preview: The Sea Ghost #1
March 13th, 2011

Here’s something a little different: Jay Piscopo, who writes and draws The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novels, has spun off a comic featuring one of the characters from that series, The Sea Ghost.

I like Jay’s penciling, and he has a knack for classic characters. Check out the preview...and then check out the comic — it’s supposed to be in comics shops on March 30, but we hear it has been reaching the shelves a little early.

Seven by 6 | Seven Seas; Seven Superheroes

Seven by 6 | Seven Seas; Seven Superheroes
by Michael May
March 16, 2011

Read the full write up at this link.

MTV Geek recently ran a list of their 7 Best Superheroes of the Seven Seas and it got me thinking, as these things are designed to do. I love ocean-adventure comics and appreciate the topic, but on a list of superheroes, I think we can do better than One Piece and Last Airbender. Those are great characters; they’re just not superheroes. Superhero comics are full of fantastic, undersea heroes, so this is my list. To open up spots for some lesser-known (if not exactly obscure) characters, I decided to leave off the obvious Sub-Mariner and Aquaman. We can agree that they deserve to be here; I’m just not confident that I have anything new to say about them. I worried at first about picking seven characters for a Six by 6 column, but since the precedent has been set…here they are in reverse order:

7. Triton
6. Marine Man

5. Sea Ghost is probably the most obscure character on this list, but he’s also one of the coolest. Spinning out of Jay Piscopo’s The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli, Sea Ghost is as an homage to Space Ghost and other classic Hanna-Barbera characters and concepts.

Piscopo’s put a lot of thought into Sea Ghost and Capt’n Eli’s world. Though it’s a relatively new series, the allies and villains all have back-stories that give everything a sense of grandness, like every story is a special event. Even if you don’t know who Commander X and Lord Hydro are, seeing them team up with or fight against Sea Ghost is almost as exciting as if you’ve grown up with these characters and been waiting for this battle your entire life.

4. Mera
3. Namora
2. Marrina
1. Abe Sapien

So that’s my list. What’s yours? Any great, sea-based superheroes that I didn’t mention?

All Pulp Checks out Sea Ghost and Capt'n Eli

All Pulp's Tommy Hancock continues his tips of the hat to Jay Piscopo in these reviews for Nemo Publishing's The Sea Ghost #1 and The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli - Volume 2.

The Sea Ghost #1:
“FIVE out of FIVE Tips of the Hat – This one hit with me on all cylinders.” ~ Tommy Hancock, All Pulp

THE SEA GHOST is a rollicking tale that has a ton of stuff in it, but also stays very true to the 'undersea' nature of the character as well as evokes comic tales of times past, the ones that were full of wonder and excitement and just had the intention of telling one heckuva tale. Continue reading HERE.

The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli - Volume 2:
"FIVE out of FIVE Tips of the Hat - No doubt. This middle chapter of this great adventure had everything the first part had and more. If this were a movie, I'd be in line for Volume Three now." ~ Tommy Hancock, All Pulp

The first issue/appearance/episode of anything is the best, right? It's a law, someone surely has said, that sequels and/or continuations cannot stand up to the first time whatever great awesome concept it is we're encountering again made itself known. It's just not possible, right?

Well, maybe so...but that was all before Jay Piscopo released the second volume of THE UNDERSEA ADVENTURES OF CAPT'N ELI! Continue reading HERE.

Capt'n Eli: Five out of Five Tips of the Hat from All Pulp

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

HANCOCK TIPS HIS HAT TO CAPT'N ELI...A LOT!

TIPPIN' HANCOCKS' HAT-Reviews of Things Pulp by Tommy Hancock
THE UNDERSEA ADVENTURES OF CAPT'N ELI: VOLUME 1
Written and Illustrated by Jay Piscopo
Cover Art by Steve Rude
Nemo Publishing, 2008

WARNING!! If you are one of those adult type readers who believe that as you age, your reading choices should mature, become less exciting, more prose than picture, and border on bland and spoon fed to you, then STOP READING! This review IS NOT for you!

For the rest of you who actually probably enjoy life and love things both nostalgic and cutting edge, continue on with my blessing...

For those who aren't Facebookers like most of us, you might not know who Jay Piscopo is. If you travel in the social network circles most of our readers do, though, it is likely. Jay is an accomplished creator that has also proven to be one of the best I've seen at self promotion. Whether it be work on his original creations or his awesome takes on classic pulp characters or his breathtaking renditions of the work of others (He's the guy behind my much bally hooed YESTERYEAR novel cover), Jay has made a name for himself as being up and coming, awesome, and dead on with his work.

That reputation is furthered by this first volume of THE UNDERSEA ADVENTURES OF CAPT'N ELI, Jay's own tale put out by Nemo Publishing set in a wild and wonderful universe all his own. This graphic novel/digest like tome centers around Capt'n Eli, a genius of a boy who has a very familiar feeling origin and takes off almost from birth on adventures that while reminding some of us of things we've read or seen in the past, manage to be innovative, original, and exciting.

Jay brings all his creative wonder to bear in this first volume of Capt'n Eli's adventures. Within this you see tips of the hat to adventures and creators of the past as Jay's influences for both art and story are pretty obvious. Capt'n Eli has traces of Johnny Quest, Superman, Doc Savage, Tom Swift, and the list goes on. But what makes this cool is although you, if you're a reader steeped in this Saturday morning/pulp magazine stuff, get all the references, they are simply that. References, little things that Jay does with the story or the art to put you in mind of what we all thought was a simpler time, a time when storytelling was about telling the story and the art backed up the story, but didn't overshadow it.

In this first volume, we get Capt'n Eli's origin, his first meeting with and hints of connection to Commander X, Jay's mix of Doc Savage and Captain Nemo that is DEAD ON, Eli's teaming up with a crack team of sea based heroes, and two of the coolest sidekicks in a long time-Barney, the knot tying dog and Jolly Roger, a parrot of some years who knows seventy languages. Oh, and time travel, strange ships, a historic moment (literally) and so much more!

Also included in the volume is a story from 'the golden age' of Jay's universe done very much in a golden age style that showcases Commander X in his hero days along with two others that make up the Big Three. Stir this in with words from Jay, a hit-the-head-on-the-nail introduction from argon Zark! creator Charley Parker, and pin ups by Steve Rude, Herb Trimpe, and Howard Chaykin, and you have one classic, now and later, tale that makes me want to watch Boomerang late at night to see more stuff like this!

The layout of the book is awesome, part action adventure comic, part edutainment (and not boring edutainment, but story supporting, mind enhancing edutainment), and part sunday newspaper comic strip! I enjoyed the size of the book, not a TPB size, more digest like, and the overall layout does what a layout should do, makes the book stand out among others and not only compliments, but adds to the tale it tells!

The only thing I found a bit hard to deal with at first was the mix of art with 3-D backgrounds. Although stunning in many places, I initially had a little difficulty with this, mostly because the look is a bit jarring at times. I will say, though, about halfway through the first read of this, I was not only adjusted to this mix of things, but actually enjoyed it quite a bit. It added a bit of uniqueness to the book as a whole.

THE UNDERSEA ADVENTURES OF CAPT'N ELI: VOLUME ONE is a high sailing, deep sea divin', time travellin', ocean explorin' story that cannot be missed!!!

FIVE OUT OF FIVE TIPS OF THE HAT-Probably the best comprehensive (touching many points of my inner fanboy) read that I've had in a long time! Thanks, Jay!

The Pop Culture Network Reviews new comic book: The Sea Ghost #1

The Sea Ghost #1

Friday, March 04 2011
DiRT takes a look at The Sea Ghost #1 by Jay Piscopo and Nemo Publishing!

As a father of two young children, I can appreciate an “all ages” title a little bit more than the average comic book fan. To most, the idea of a “family friendly” book usually carries a connotation that it's written for kids and won't appeal to their more mature senses. However, often a book comes along that isn't written for children as much as it's just so strongly wholesome that it finds itself often overlooked by fans who have grown accustomed to dark and gritty tales. The Sea Ghost #1 from Nemo Publishing isn't really aimed at children. In reality, it's more of a throwback to a simpler time in comic book publishing where wholesome was the norm in society. If it weren't for a few modern publishing touches, this could easily be a long lost silver age gem and comic book fans of any age should stop and take a look.


Spun out of the pages of the Capt'n Eli graphic novels, The Sea Ghost comes from Atlantis and hosts a variety of powers. He seems to be very strong, can shoot energy beams from his hands, and has psychic abilities. Of course, ha can also breathe underwater, but shouldn't everyone from Atlantis? The Sea Ghost seems to occupy a character space somewhere between the classic version of Space Ghost and the Superfriends version of Batman. He's smart as well as strong, and often mediates matters instead of simply resorting to fisticuffs. His look is classic Alex Toth and creator Jay Piscopo plays the Toth-esque style for all it's worth. For every aspiring artist who says all the good classic looks are taken, Piscopo has them schooled with my number one new choice of character dying for an action figure.

Despite the classic look of the characters, the overall art has many post modern touches. The word balloons are not white slabs covering the artwork, but instead are translucent cells layered over the artwork. All the lettering has that crisp look of professional typefaces and colors are vivid and sharp. In some instances, even the layout of the individual panels seem to be based off of 3D modeled figures, though they still appear hand drawn. When Piscopo often seems to be looking backward for inspiration in his characters, he also seems to be looking forward to blaze a new course in the production of the book.

The story is probably the best throwback for classic comic book fans. Anyone familiar with the Kirby-esque stories of the past will instantly feel at home. The Sea Ghost finds himself mysteriously transported to another world where a Cthulhu inspired tentacle monster feeds a war between two races. To end the war, The Sea Ghost must fight off a dragon, escape from prison, and unite the two opposing sides together in a battle against this monster. It's a whimsical sci-fi tale that still retains that inability to shy away from discussions of death and loss in tales of battle often seen in classical literature. It's certainly safe for children to read, but I think it really is geared more towards adults and mature minds.

For $3.99, you get 31 pages of story, several pin-ups, and a note from Jay Piscopo explaining how much he loves classic cartoons, Alex Toth, Jack Kirby, and classic comic book “cartoonist” Ramona Fradon. It's a $4 love-fest of classic comics books and super-hero culture and simply can't be beaten.

Great Comic Book Heroes recommends Sea Ghost #1

The Great Comic Book Heroes

Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Review of Jay Piscopo's Sea Ghost #1!

Jay Piscopo is the man! I've been seeing Jay Piscopo's fantastic creations on Facebook for a few years now. He is the kind of friend you want to have on Facebook! It seems like every day Jay is posting new and incredible drawings of the most interesting super heroes that you've ever seen! Jay has an incredibly inventive mind and prolific output.

Jay's done a number of books from the Cap'n Eli universe. I got to see Sea Ghost, a 30 page, full color one-shot. It’s a great book!

Jay's fit a lot of info into a very small space here! Not only does he introduce Sea Ghost and his children, Coral and Triton, but he gives a quick origin of Sea Ghost AND to top it off he has a whole slew of characters popping up on what seems like every page, and he does it seamlessly without slowing down the fast pace of the book! Now this is what superhero action comics are suppose to be (Marvel take notes)!

He even has a fascinating text page explaining his influences; people like legendary Ramona Fradon, who actually does a pinup for the comic; Noel Sickles; and most notably Alex Toth. Jay states, "Mr. Toth's body of work in comics and animation is vast and deep. Anyone looking to work professionally should study his work and philosophies."

With Jay's work you can really feel the Silver age Marvel, Kirby influence, as well as the great action cartoons of the 60's and 70's like Space Ghost (this influence being the most obvious) and the Herculoids! But you never feel like he is copying or ripping them off. No this is the best kind of homage that is all Jay!

One thing about Jay's work, like the Saturday morning cartoons they are influenced by, it is geared towards kids, ages 5 and up. Sea Ghost, as a character, is a strong man ready for any adventure and yet at the same time a loving father and devoted husband. This a great book to read to your children or indulge in yourself!

I highly recommend Sea Ghost to any lover of action and adventure! You can see more of Jay's great work here at his website -- The Undersea Adventures of Cap'n Eli.

Jay Piscopo at the library and in the classroom

Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo is now booking school and library visits for Spring and Summer 2011.

DRAW ON YOUR CREATIVITY: In this interactive drawing workshop, comic book artist Jay Piscopo uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Check out Jay in the CLASSROOM. Go behind the scenes in JAY'S STUDIO where he creates The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series.

Contact Tami Kennedy at tami@maine.rr.com or 207-838-0816 to book.

Spring appearances include:

April 27
JMG Career Development Conference -- Augusta, ME

May 3
Orono Middle School - Orono, ME

May - Date TBD
King's Highway Elementary - Westport, CT

May 21 - 22
Maine Comics Arts Festival - Portland, ME

June 23
4:30 - 7:00
Wenham Museum - Wenham, MA
Outer-Space Saturday
Space explorers celebrate the opening of the Blast Off! Space Toys exhibit with a moon bounce, games and sundaes that are out of this world! Get a free sketch from comic book artist Jay Piscopo, creator of the heroic Golden Age space traveler, Commander X. Tour the galleries during extended Museum hours.

June-September
Artwork featured in Blast Off! Space Toys exhibit at the Wenham Museum.

In Shops March 30: Jay Piscopo's new Sea Ghost #1 Comic Book

Jay Piscopo's The Sea Ghost #1 hits the shelves in March! Ask your local comic shop to order this for you. Check it out at KidsComics.com.




Sea Ghost #1
Publisher: Nemo Publishing
Diamond Code: JAN111269
In Shops March 30, 2011

“Sea Ghost #1 is a very fun read. Think Space Ghost but underwater. The art looks like it was taken from a cartoon. This a great all ages read for kids and those of us who will never grow up.” Ric Croxton, First Comics News

Forces of Geek Checks out Jay Piscopo's new comic book: The Sea Ghost #1

February 8, 2011

Read Stefan Blitz's review of The Sea Ghost #1 on Forces of Geek at this link.

Next month, Nemo Publishing will be releasing their newest comic, The Sea Ghost, written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo.

The character, who originally appeared in Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series, is a testament to the magic that super-heroes once had and in many ways is a love letter to classic Marvel and DC comics and Hanna Barbera cartoons.

But unfortunately, it's also the kind of books that most comic book stores overlook, which is why you need to be proactive and tell your retailer that you want it.

After the jump, check out the cover and press release for The Sea Ghost #1, as well as a phenomenal video that Jay created for retailers, but really does a fantastic job capturing his philosophies on both his work and the industry.

The Sea Ghost #1
36 Pages | Full Color | $3.99
DIAMOND CODE -- JAN111269

Comic Books Examiner: Capt'n Eli Review

The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli: A Review
Comic Books Examiner
By Robert Sodaro
February 4, 2011

If you are looking for adventure, the kind that can only be found between the covers of a book, then you’ll thrill to the epic Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli (Nemo Publishing), an ongoing story from the exhilarating, and engaging imagination of writer/artist Jay Piscopo comes a graphic novel series cut in the tradition of Jules Verne, Herge, and classic comic strips like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. “Capt'n” Eli is actually a young lad of mysterious origins (who, like that young lad from the planet Krypton, arrived in a futuristic pod to be raised by an elderly kindly couple). Accompanying Eli on his outstanding adventures is an eclectic cast of truly delightfully oddball characters, including Jolly Roger(a 200-year-old parrot), Eli’s faithful seadog Barney, the seafaring Seasearchers, the equally mysterious Commander X, Sea Ghost, and many, many others (including an entire undersea kingdom of mer-people), and, well, aliens.

As a comic, Capt'n Eli takes readers into a compellingly exciting world that comes complete with time travel, high-tech ships, flying mini-subs, robots, lost civilizations, and undersea empires in conflict. Capt’n Eli is a truly delightful comic that tells a more entertainingly dense story than you can find in most mainstream comics. Piscopo has an uncanny knack to capture the “educational” storytelling of Julie Schwartz heavily flavored with the wit and style of Stan Lee. His stories are fast-paced, informative, breezy, and move forward with the rapid fire syncopation of well-tuned Jazz.

These are stories that grab your attention right from the get-go and draw you in. His art is clean, sharp, and delivers a photorealistic 3D effect that will keep you coming back for more. Plus his comics are the epitome of what an all-ages comic should be. They are easily accessible for younger readers as well as engaging enough for older readers.

In the first of the two currently available digest-sized comics we meet Capt’n Eli, his family and several of his friends, as well get treated to some of his back story, plus meet the mysterious WWII hero apparently turned villain, Commander X. In some 100 pages Piscopo lays the groundwork for everything that is to follow, by hinting at some things, while shrouding others is mystery, he even treats us to a number of celebrity illustrated pin-ups and a 10-page “Golden Age back-up featuring Commander X and other Ultras (or Mystery Men), from the ‘40s. The second volume throws us pell-mell into an undersea war, court intrigue time travel and well, so much that you’re simply going to have to buy both issues to find out what is happening. Then when you’re done, head on over to the Capt’n’s website and see all of the other very cool things that Piscopo has prepared for you, you’ll be glad you did.

Newsarama: Jeff Marsick Reviews "The Sea Ghost #1"

"This was the kind of book I loved to read as a kid...and reading it with my own kids it inspires "oohs" and "whoas" with each turn of the page." ~ Jeff Marsick, Newsarama

The Sea Ghost #1
Written and Drawn by Jay Piscopo
Published by Nemo Publishing Group
Review by Jeff Marsick
February 1, 2011

Read full review below or at this link.

I've raved about the first two volumes of Jay Piscopo's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli in the past, especially what wonderful kid-friendly fare they are as digest-sized roller-coaster rides of thrills harkening back to the days of Hanna-Barbera animation (y'know, the Golden Age of cartoons). Jay's back, this time with a one-shot of the Sea Ghost, an Aquaman-type with Space Ghost inspirations and arguably one of the best characters from the second Capt'n Eli book.

The Ghost is living in the ruins of Atlantis with his two children, Triton and Coral, when he discovers a dimensional displacement doohickey that pinballs him around the universe to another aquatic somewhere, smack dab in the middle of a war between the underwater people called the Phlan, and land-dwelling humanoid simians called the Simas. Turns out both sides pledge fealty to a Lovecraftian supreme being called Vorrgoth and Sea Ghost smells something fishy about the whole thing. It’s up to Sea Ghost to reveal the truth and get the two warring factions to end their violent ways.

Jay Piscopo’s minimalist artwork is inspired by Kirby and with its bold colors the action practically leaps off the page. This was the kind of book I loved to read as a kid (before I got older and fell for grim-and-gritty), and reading it with my own kids it inspires "oohs" and "whoas" with each turn of the page. The Sea Ghost carries with him good messages for kids, about how choices shape our destiny, and how blind violence is not an acceptable means to an end. I only wish Sea Ghost had a little more going for him other than the cool costume and the ability to re-direct energy used against him.

Still, for thirty-six pages of book, it’s well worth the money. And that’s before I mention the guest artist pin-up of the Sea Ghost by Ramona Fradon, who, back in the fifties, used to draw Aquaman for DC and co-created Aqualad. Very cool indeed, and bravo to Jay for including her in this book. If you’ve got a little one who loves comics and you find acceptable material hard to find, look no further than The Sea Ghost #1.

Comic Books Examiner: Presenting Sea Ghost

Robert Sodaro of Comic Books Examiner takes a look at Jay Piscopo's new comic book The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine. Read the article HERE.


Presenting Sea Ghost
January 11th, 2011

For independent comicbook creators, getting their characters out into the marketplace is often very difficult. First of all, unless you are already an established creator with a fan following, you are essentially unknown to the public at large. Second, you have to compete with the better-known characters at the larger companies, not to mention you must compete with all of the other self-publisher and small-press publishers who are also trying to garner their share of the Indie market. Needless to say, all of this doesn’t even take into consideration how you are going to get your books distributed, not just in your own area, but across the country as well.

Here is where a savvy marketing plan, social marketing, and networking with other creators all comes into play. Take Jay Piscopo for example... Continue reading on Examiner.com HERE.

Undersea Knight Reviewed by Collectors' Corner

Boyce McClain reviews Nemo Publishing's new Commander X Undersea Knight on Collectors' Corner. Check it out at this link.

"This figures reminds me so much of my youth when I would go to a department store and marvel at the new toys on the shelf. Action figures were in their infancy and MEGO, G.I. Joe and Captain Action figures were all the rage. Thank you Nemo Publishing for this delightful trip down Memory Lane." ~ Boyce McClain, Collectors' Corner

Inspired by The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli's Commander X, Nemo Publishing presents the Commander in a new Limited Edition Action Figure.

The Golden Age Undersea Knight harkens back to the bygone age of the square jaw, straight lace heroes. The fully articulated figure stands approximately six to seven inches tall with the Commander's telltale mustached face peering out from behind a silver undersea helmet. The helmet rests on a silver sleeve that fits over the shoulders of the Commander.

Dressed entirely in a black leotard, form-fitting outfit the Commander also sports blue gloves, black half boots and a black belt with the Commander's trademark yellow 'X' on a red background.

Included with the bubble packed figure is a long lance or spear that fits easily into the Commander's hands. A full color illustration of the Undersea Knight is seen in action directly left of the figure. On the back of the bubble pack is a series of head illustrations of the Commander in his various guises.

This figures reminds me so much of my youth when I would go to a department store and marvel at the new toys on the shelf. Action figures were in their infancy and MEGO, G.I. Joe and Captain Action figures were all the rage. Thank you Nemo Publishing for this delightful trip down Memory Lane.

Infinite Hollywood Reviews "The Sea Ghost #1"

Read Newton Gimmick's review of Jay Piscopo's new comic book The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine on Infinite Hollywood at this link.

Here are a few excerpts from the review:

As someone who loves reading old comics from publishers like Gold Key or Charlton, the style that Piscopo exudes is right in line with the classics. This comic could have easily been on the shelves in the Silver Age of comics and yet, never feels dated or contrived. Jay has a love for the simple but fun storytelling style that has an emphasis on adventure. Sea Ghost takes us to many fantastic worlds and shows off some incredible creatures and battles, but unlike many modern comics that overloads us with complicated story or complex art, everything here is kept simple but effective.

It's a classic comic, done in the same sort of excellent tradition that got so many of us into comic books in the first place.

I think everybody can identify with Sea Ghost on some level. He's an inspired creation that feels so natural. One part Space Ghost, one part Aquaman, yet he never feels like some sort of clone. That's part of what makes all of Jay Piscopo's creations work... They're genuine. There are hundreds of comics on the shelf today, from some of the best artists and writers and the biggest publishers in the world, but few if any have the heart and soul that Sea Ghost does.

The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine
Published by Nemo Publishing
Written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo
36 Pages | Full Color | $3.99
DIAMOND CODE -- JAN111269
Check it out on p.298 of January PREVIEWS

Meet the Sea Ghost: A Message to Comic Book Retailers

Follow this link or watch below to check out a special video for comic book shop owners.



You'll meet creator Jay Piscopo at work in his studio as he talks about his new comic book, The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine.

You'll see his influences, learn about his creative process, and meet comic shop owner Rick Lowell at Casablanca Comics in Portland, Maine.

Rick and Jay talk about who the audience is for The Sea Ghost and what makes comics like this and Jay's The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series fun and affordable for readers of all ages.

The Sea Ghost #1 is available now in Diamond Previews (Code: JAN111269 -- Page 298). Check it out on Previews World online at this link.


The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine
Published by Nemo Publishing
Written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo
36 Pages | Full Color | $3.99
DIAMOND CODE -- JAN111269
Check it out on p.298 of January PREVIEWS

More at www.TheSeaGhost.com and www.CaptnEli.com.

Nemo Publishing’s new “The Sea Ghost #1” featured in Diamond Previews

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nemo Publishing

Contact:
Tami Kennedy
207-838-0816
tami@maine.rr.com

Nemo Publishing’s new “The Sea Ghost #1” featured in Diamond Previews

PORTLAND, ME – (January 5, 2011) – Sea Ghost discovers a dangerous secret when a mysterious sphere transports him to an alien world locked in an endless war. Can he convince the Simas and Phlan to stop fighting and unite against the real enemy? Find out in “The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine!”

Go directly to the Diamond Previews listing at this link.

“The Sea Ghost #1” is a 36 page, full color comic book featuring A and B covers of this aquatic superhero. The story is written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo and includes a pin-up by legendary illustrator Ramona Fradon. View story pages at this link.

Retailers can order “The Sea Ghost #1” from the new Diamond Previews (Diamond Code -- JAN111269). This book is listed on page 298. Look for the kid friendly stamp.

Piscopo is the author and illustrator of “The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli” graphic novel series. Sea Ghost is an integral character in the Capt’n Eli universe and has a long career fighting evil above and beneath the waves.

The origin story of this avenging spirit is revealed in “The Undersea Adventure of Capt’n Eli” Vol. 2.

In Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 of “The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli,” fans also meet the Sea Raider, who is the Sea Ghost's former identity during WW II.

“Capt'n Eli” Vol. 1 is offered again in January Previews (Diamond Code: JAN111270 | ISBN 978-0-9817132-0-5) and “Capt’n Eli” Vol. 2 is still available (Diamond Code AUG084227 | ISBN 978-0-9817132-1-2).

Sea Ghost returns in “The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli” Vol. 3 which will be released in the spring of 2011. Follow this link for a short video clip of Piscopo talking about the Sea Ghost character.

Ordering information:

“The Sea Ghost #1: The Sea Ghost in the Machine”
Published by Nemo Publishing
Written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo
36 Pages | Full Color | $3.99
Order from January Diamond Previews – Page 298
DIAMOND CODE -- JAN111269

What they’re saying:
“A ripsnorting, old-school adventure with great characters, a terrific story and out-of-this-world art.” ~ Brian Augustyn, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

“The kind of comic I loved as a kid and still love today. FUN!” ~ Brendan Deneen, Flash Gordon

“Sea Ghost #1 is a must have for readers looking for a fun, intelligent, action based story and for fans who miss the glory days of Saturday morning cartoons.” ~ Penny Kenny, Comics Bulletin

www.TheSeaGhost.com

www.CaptnEli.com

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