Nicholas Receives McDuffie Award, Featured in PhillyCurrent Magazine

By Caitlin Burns | November 29, 2018

By Lana Valente ’19

Arcadia University Art Gallery Assistant Jamar Nicholas was the subject of the feature interview in the November issue of PhillyCurrent magazine, “The Impact Issue.”

In the issue, Nicholas discussed growing up in Philadelphia and how his mother influenced his career as a graphic artist. A designer herself, Eula Nicholas taught her son how to work under pressure, build a portfolio, and be a professional in the field.

Nicholas’ most recent publication is his comic book, “Leon: Protector of the Playground,” which earned the 2017 Liberta Award. The comic book, which focuses on a hip, kid superhero named Leon, is family-friendly and focuses on his efforts to bring peace to his community.

In February, Nicholas received the McDuffie Award for Diversity for “Leon.” The McDuffie Award, named for the late comic and television writer Dwayne McDuffie, has the goal of promoting diverse creators in comic writing.

“Leon: Protector of the Playground,” is available on Amazon and from Jamar Nicholas Studios.