Children First Academy
Free Comic Book Day 2010

May 11, 2010
Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona

Return to Photo Galleries main page

Kids Need to Read presented Free Comic Book Day to the students of the Children First Academy campuses in Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona. The program was made possible by Shawn Demumbrum of SpazDog Comics, with contributions from Marco Regalado of Pop Culture Paradise; illustrators Tony Parker, Tosh Delaney, and Armand Villavert; and 501st Stormtroopers TK-2035 and TD-0013.

Photographs © Denise Gary

Click on any image to view a larger version.

Left to right: Armand Villavert, TK-2035, Denise Gary, Tony Parker, Shawn Demumbrum, TD-0013, and Tosh Delaney © Denise Gary Denise had the pleasure of greeting the students and introducing the program participants. © Denise Gary SpazDog Comics owner Shawn Demumbrum (left) was aided by illustrators Armand Villavert, Eisner Award nominated Tony Parker, and Tosh Delaney, as well as Pop Culture Paradise owner Marco Regalado. © Denise Gary Two members of the 501st Stormtrooper Legion (TK-2035 and TD-0013) came to protect the students from super villains. © Denise Gary Shawn spoke to the children about what it meant to be a superhero and how they could apply the term to their own lives. © Denise Gary While Shawn talked about superheroes, the three illustrators sketched and the Stormtroopers kept a watchful eye. © Denise Gary Marco handed out prizes as the kids correctly answered Shawn's questions. © Denise Gary After the program, each of the kids picked out a free comic to keep. © Denise Gary Kids also received copies of Highlights magazines. © Denise Gary The kids got to meet and shake hands with the Stormtroopers after picking out their comics. © Denise Gary It was obvious how excited the kids were to meet the Stormtroopers! © Denise Gary A child looks up in admiration at an awe-inspiring hero without realizing that behind his back, he holds in his hands the most powerful, transformative weapon he will ever come to know—a book. © Denise Gary The kids gathered in groups to pose with the Troopers. One boy tried in vain to give rabbit ears to TK-2035! © Denise Gary The girls enjoyed the Stormtroopers as much as the boys. © Denise Gary Kids Need to Read is dedicated to empowering the students of CFA with the enlightenment and self-respect that reading can bring to their lives. © Denise Gary CFA Tempe Site Administrator Diane Fernichio received a Joker illustration from artist Tosh Delaney. © Denise Gary CFA Tempe Assistant Superintendent Jerald Lewis enjoyed getting his picture made with the Stormtroopers. © Denise Gary After the morning presentations in Tempe, we moved on to the Phoenix campus in the afternoon. © Denise Gary The principal of CFA Phoenix, Jarret Sharp, sat on the floor with his students during the program. © Denise Gary Tosh (and the other illustrators) drew sketch after sketch while Shawn talked to the kids. © Denise Gary A student eagerly raised his hand under the vigilance of Stormtrooper TK-2035. © Denise Gary Principal Sharp had fun posing for a picture with the stormtroopers. © Denise Gary