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Russ Kazmierczak Jr.

Russ Kazmierczak Jr.Russ Kazmierczak, Jr. is a Phoenix-based cartoonist and the creator of Amazing Arizona Comics, a mini-comic book that satirizes local news, history, and culture with superhero adventure. He was the Phoenix New Times’ 2018 Best Storyteller and one of The Copper Courier’s “9 People Who Are Making A Difference in Arizona” in 2023. Russ has taught comics classes at Bookman’s in Phoenix and Mesa, Phoenix Art Museum, Gilbert HD South, and other venues throughout the Valley. Follow his work and inquire about his classes on Instagram @amazingazcomics.

My Maker Mantras: ‘Go All In’

For all that artists have to offer, they're often the most hesitant of any industry, plagued by pretension, procrastination, or self-doubt.

Metrocenter Forever

Metrocenter announces its permanent closure, then Batman Forever director Joel Schumacher passes away.

He-Man … or Has-Been?

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe family are experiencing a renaissance thanks to Netflix, Toy Hall of Fame nominations — and fans who have the power.

My Talk Show Life: Run With The Ball

Why do millions of people around the world stay up late and turn their eyes to Times Square? Could it be that the ball itself represents the leaps and bounds...

Fun Find Fridays: Bret Blevins Hulk Card

Fun Find Fridays is my series on the strange comic book related paraphernalia I’ve found at comic book shows, antique shops, swap meets, or buried in my closet...

Fun Find Fridays: Mr. T Puzzle

Fun Find Fridays is my series on the strange comic book related paraphernalia I’ve found at comic book shows, antique shops, swap meets, or buried in my closet...

Once A Nerd: A Bump on a Blog

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to blog more. Hey, that’s no more self-indulgent than “lose weight,” okay?  And, in fact...

Webcomics Wednesday: The Fall of 2012!

As 2012 drew to a close, the fate of America was still in the balance. Would we fall off of the Fiscal Cliff? According to this comic -- 2012 wasn't going down...

Fun Find Fridays: The Thing Pillow

Fun Find Fridays is my series on the strange comic book related paraphernalia I’ve found at comic book shows, antique shops, swap meets, or buried in my closet...

Fun Find Fridays: He-Man patch

Fun Find Fridays is my series on the strange comic book related paraphernalia I’ve found at comic book shows, antique shops, swap meets, or buried in my closet...

Once A Nerd: Super PAC, indeed!

Russ Kazmierczak Jr.: The collision of my interests in politics and superheroes spawned an epiphany: politicians and superheroes have a lot in common.