Hawthorne High Becomes Epicenter for Comic Book Lovers

This past Saturday, comic book creators had a chance to meet fans at Hawthorne High School. At the event, comic creators like Jim Salicrup, the editor of Papercutz, writer Danny Fingeroth, inker Tom Schloendorn and writer Janine Frederick went face-to-face with local fans.

Many fans stood in line to receive a sketch from artist and writer Walt Simonson, who was recently thanked by the filmmakers in the “Thor” movie. Elements of his run on the comic book “Thor” were used in the Kenneth Brannagh film.

“I was really pleased with the movie,” he said. “I thought they did an amazing job.” He said that he and his wife, Louise (a writer who worked on the “Death of Superman” series) both enjoyed the film.

Simonson said he was glad to visit the comic convention — especially because it helped raise funds for the art department there.

“I had a great time drawing and, of course, I am here to help out,” said Simonson.

Art teacher Allen Rosenberg said he was grateful to work with creators like Simonson and the rest.

“All the money that was raised goes to the art department and this is good for the kids,” said Rosenberg. Who also said that the event was, unfortunately, to be the last one at the high school.

Writer Buddy Scalera taught a class to fans on breaking into comic books. He said that one of the best actions any potential creator could make is to meet other creators.

“If you are an artist, meet up with a writer and work with them,” said Scalera. “That is the best action anyone can take.”

Alexio Gessa, a resident of Hawthorne and up and coming comic book creator, called Scalera’s talk a “validation” to his creative efforts.

“I was one of the original people who started this club back when I attended Hawthorne High School and it is great to see people here for this,” said Gessa.

Pamela Resurreccion of Bergenfield, a graphic designer, said Scalera’s talk pushed her into pursuing comic book art work.

“He offered some great ideas and I plan on using them to market myself and my work,” said Resurreccion.

Her boyfriend Mark Hershberger agreed.

“[Buddy Scalera] was able to break down the idea of creating a comic book into three acts and it was great to see it from that perspective,” said Hershberger.

Artist Mark Mariano, whose work has appeared in Main Street Magazine and recently released the children’s book “No Sweets For Santa,” said he was glad for the opportunity to continue developing his artwork and getting the word about his work.

“I have been drawing since I was 3 years old,” said Mariano, of Fair Lawn. “I remember drawing a truck on my basement floor and I have not been able to stop.”

Now Mariano has been able to garner fans with his work and he said attending a convention helps him meet fans of his work.

After the show, Rosenberg reaffirmed he was glad artists, creators and lovers of sequential art could hang out and get to know each other while it benefitting Hawthorne High School. While he admits this is the last show and it will retire with him, the comic book industry has held an adage that Superman, Batman, Captain America, the Flash, Green Lantern, Robin and every other hero has learned…

“In comic books, nothing stays dead.”