`CB4J Presents:`

`“I Superhero” Workshop`

`“Imagination becomes resistance. Storytelling becomes healing.”`

The “I Superhero” Workshop is a signature 2-hour program developed by Comic Books for Justice (CB4J) that uses the power of comic book storytelling to inspire justice-impacted and at-risk youth. Through hands-on creation, visual arts, and legacy-based upcycling, participants channel their imagination into empowerment and social change.

This transformative experience helps young people define their own heroic identities, build emotional resilience, and creatively address the injustices they’ve witnessed or experienced. Whether they’re drawing themselves as powerful protectors or crafting wearable art from salvaged comics, youth emerge from the workshop with a stronger sense of voice, value, and vision.

Session 1: I Am a Superhero

Led By: Sean White, Patrick Schelle & Luis Roman

Duration: 1 Hour

Description:
In this foundational session, participants become the authors and artists of their own superhero stories. With guidance from our lead artists, youth dive into a creative process that encourages deep reflection, metaphorical thinking, and expressive visual storytelling.

Participants Will:

Create a unique superhero persona (name, powers, mission)
Design a symbol or costume that visually represents their character
Write a personal origin story tied to their real-life experiences
Choose a social injustice they want their superhero to fight (e.g. violence, inequality, environmental harm)
Share and illustrate their story in a supportive, collaborative space

This session fosters literacy, identity development, and critical thinking, allowing youth to express their inner strengths while imagining a better world.

Session 2: Power Pieces – Art from Legacy

Led By: Catherine Schuller & Maryellen

Duration: 1 Hour

Description:
In this dynamic, hands-on art session, youth transform damaged comic books into personalized accessories—rings, bangles, trays, keychains, and more—using sustainable methods of decoupage and design.

About the Program:

Power Pieces was created by Catherine Schuller-Gruenwald, legacy advocate of the late Mark Gruenwald, former Senior Executive Editor at Marvel Comics. When thousands of comic books were destroyed in a flood, Catherine repurposed them into wearable art that tells new stories—offering healing through transformation.

Participants Will:

Learn the history of Power Pieces and its roots in comic book culture and sustainability
Design and decorate an item of their choice using salvaged comic book pages
Use decoupage and resin techniques to create a one-of-a-kind accessory
Leave with both an artistic creation and a renewed sense of possibility

This session turns destruction into creation—reinforcing the idea that what is broken can be reimagined into something powerful and beautiful.