Jay Sparrow is a traditional superhero-loving comic book “nerd” – but what the Cochrane-based artist chooses to do with his collectibles is anything but conventional.
Sparrow got his first comic – a G.I. Joe – when he was 12. Soon after came editions of The Flash, Batman and more. Losing himself in the elaborate worlds of the thin paper graphic stories was a great way for an only child like him to keep busy.
“I’ve just been collecting pretty much ever since,” said the Cochranite, adding his stockpile now tops more than 5,000 editions. “They’ve been a big part of my entire life, for sure.”
Steadfast fans like Sparrow usually keep their coveted collections in boxes in the basement or under the stairs, where the delicate paper remains in pristine condition. But one night, Sparrow and his son brought out his beauties and broke apart one of the books – turning it into a skin for a small table.
Sparrow said “it hurt” when he cut up his first comic – something many devotees would not be able to swallow.
“It stung a little bit. I’m not going to lie to you,” said Sparrow with a laugh. “(But) you can’t see it if it’s in a box. It’s hard to enjoy them.”
Sparrow was so pleased with the process – and the outcome – that he started scouring yard sales for more furniture to cover. It was during one of these weekend hunts a couple of months ago that Sparrow met fellow “comic nerd” Josiah Cook. The two got talking and Sparrow offered up a photo of one of his tables.
“I took one look at the piece of furniture ... and said, ‘You can sell this,’” said Cook. “They’re valuable collectibles.”
The two men partnered on the business idea, and last weekend, New Skin Innovations debuted its assortment of comic-covered curios at the inaugural Maker’s Market at Frank Wills Memorial Hall on Saturday. Sparrow was one of more than a dozen creators who showcased and sold their wares.
“It was the first Christmas market of the season,” said organizer Mary Lou Eckmeier. “Generally everything is made in Cochrane or the Cochrane area. That’s the whole premise of the market: making, re-making, upcycling, creating … whatever your artists-in-works are.”
At the New Skin display, patrons oohed and aahed at the furniture, including one table adorned with a 1996 Flash comic signed by celebrated award-winning writer Mark Waid, and a 1993 Batman bearing the signature of famed illustrator Norm Breyfogle.
“Those two books alone are $240,” Sparrow explained, adding it can take between a few hours and a full day to carefully craft the unique pieces. “It’s not just glue and paper – there’s a lot involved. It’s a functional piece of art.”
New Skin expects to sell its super-hero stock for between $100 and $600, depending on the rarity of the comics used and the size of the furniture. Customers can also order custom sets using their own special volumes.
After a successful opening weekend, the pair plans to travel in the coming months to comic conventions across Canada – where Sparrow hopes to inspire others to think about this new way to enjoy and share their cherished comic book collections.
“It’s time to kind of break the edge. Let’s use it,” he said. “This is to bring out the child in everybody.”
Sparrow will set up shop again at the next Maker’s Market on Dec. 17. Eckmeier said there are already about 17 local vendors signed on, and still room for about six more. Those interested in participating can text her at (403) 519-2575.
