Recognized as one of the “Best Books by Philadelphians,” Gallery Assistant Jamar Nicholas’ graphic novel Leon: Protector of the Playground received a 2017 Liberta Award from Artblog, a publication that fosters art and culture dialogue in the Philadelphia region.

In support of the fight to end misogyny and bigotry in the arts, Artblog celebrated “people who stand up to power” and “the fullest, most representative world of art making by all makers” through this year’s awards.

“The character of Leon has been in my head for 15 years, or at least the concept of a young hero who didn’t have a mentor– like Robin without Batman,” said Nicholas. “I wanted to have a superhero without the super heroics. It’s more of an emotional journey.”

Leon: Protector of the Playground follows a super-kid tackling villains, bullies, and elementary school dilemmas. Nicholas is working on a second Leon graphic novel, as well as a retrospective of his cartoons over the past 20 years.