Famous Comic Book Illustrator Visits Nut Swamp Elementary

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Nut Swamp elementary school recently hosted Chris Eliopoulos, comic creator and illustrator of the New York Time’s bestselling picture book biography series “Ordinary People Change the World,” by Brad Meltzer.

Eliopoulos spoke to about 600 students from kindergarten to 5th grade at Nut Swamp on Jan. 18. Some of the kids dressed up as their favorite literary characters for his talk, or wore their favorite book-inspired clothing, such as the kids dressed in Harry Potter shirts and the girl with the head scarf, pictured.

Part of "Ordinary People Change the World" is actually being developed into a PBS series, which Eliopoulos is illustrating.

“Spending time with the kids at Nut Swamp was a wonderful experience," said Eliopoulos. "Drawing with them and talking about the values that make people heroic was rewarding for me as much as I hope it was for them. I just hope they left the day knowing that they have the potential to change the world!”

Eliopoulos began his career as a letterer for Marvel and has designed fonts for Marvel Comics in-house computer lettering unit and also contributed lettering work to DC Comics and Valiant Comics. His drawings and writings have been nominated for multiple Eisner, Eagle and Harvey awards. His illustrations for the “Invincible Iron Man” won the award for “Best New Series” at the 2009 Eisner Awards.

His well-known series has brought dozens of memorable historical figures to life including Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein, Ghandi, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, Neil Armstrong and Sacagawea.

"Someone like Chris is an important artist for the students to get to interact with," said Neil Leone, the principal at Nut Swamp School. "He has made an impact not only with his drawing, but also with his writing. I expect that some of our students will come away from today with an understanding of how different skills and talents can be put to use doing a job you love."

Eliopoulos writes for webcomics, has contributed cartoon strips to “The Complete Idiots Guide” and Sports Illustrated magazine, and has also published two graphic novels, including "Cosmic Commandos" and "Monster Mayhem."