Merry Christmas!

Inspired by the those lovely high-kicking dancers and the plucky high-flying hero, here is the very first Rocketteer!

Kung-Fu Panda!

I love this movie. :)

King of the Jungle

Disney's Tarzan is a pretty solid film and mainly overlooked because it has no princesses in it. The animation is so fluid and I enjoy the soundtrack, but I can live without the talking animals.

Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World!

This is pretty much what the last two weeks at work have been like.

Wowza!

Thanks to Halloween, I've been inspired by some sexy ladies. Here are Wonder Woman (by way of Jessica Rabbit) and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Enjoy!

Spider-Man versus Carnage!

My first published Spider-Man title as co-author with buddy Joe Merkel. There's a new web-slinger in town and he's faster, stronger, and meaner than our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Can Spidey put an end to this crimson crime wave? Features the art of the very talented Andie Tong with colors by Jeremy Roberts: http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Spider-Man-Classic-Mans-Big-City-Showdown/?isbn=9780061626142

My Bat Baby...

The first Batman book I authored was a dream come true; I got to write and design the book but also send my layout sketches to the talented men at MADA Design, Inc. who then brought my vision to life. Since it was my first book, I pulled out all the stops; the Joker busts a butt-load of baddies out of Arkham and Batman and Robin need to round up the rogues!
http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Batman-Classic-Gothams-Villains-Unleashed-John-Sazaklis?isbn=9780061878565&HCHP=TB_Batman+Classic:+Gothams+Villains+Unleashed!

The Cat's Meow!

The third Batman book written by yours truly and illustrated by the very talented Steven E. Gordon. This time around, the Dark Knight teams up with the Amazing Amazon to take down their feline foes! http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Batman-Classic-Feline-Felonies-John-Sazaklis?isbn=9780061885280&HCHP=TB_Batman+Classic:+Feline+Felonies

525,600 Minutes...

I saw RENT five times on Broadway before it closed and it's one of my favorites. Here's a doodle of three protagonists: Roger the musician, Mimi the dancer, and Mark the film maker. I dig the whole 'passionate artist struggling to create' angle as well as the songs and message. Enjoy.

Gotham's Villains Unleashed!

This is one of the many awesome spreads found in the first Batman book I wrote, 'Gotham's Villains Unleashed!'. On top is the rough sketch I sent to the talented gents at MADA Design and underneath is the amazing finished product. I love this book and its an awesome feeling to see your vision brought to life.

The Bat-Tastic Sticker Book!

Hey all, attached is the cover of my second book as a published author. This project was awesome because I got to write the book and then design the cover and the interior as well. It was a blast and it's fun for all ages. Get your copy now!

http://harpercollins.com/books/Batman-Classic-Reusable-Sticker-Book-John-Sazaklis/?isbn=9780061885396

POSEIDON

I saw the William Kentridge show at the MoMA and recommend you check it out. His large works with paint, charcoal, newspaper and canvas have inspired me to post my paintings as well. Here's the Greek god of the sea in his oceanic glory. Acrylics on canvas- 17" x 21".

Sea You Soon...

The lyrics are to the song 'Gorgona' (mermaid) by the Greek band Dytikes Synoikies. The image is inspired by the movie Splash. In both, an average joe crosses paths with an enchanting sea nymph who changes his life. -sigh-

Greek Independence Day!

March 25th commemorates the day Greece liberated herself from the clutches of Turkey's 400 years of slavery and oppression in 1821. Now if we could only do something about our current financial crisis...

Sweet Tooth

The pic pretty much says it all.

My Little Spartan

When outside forces threaten the glitter and pizazz of Ponyville, one stands his ground and prepares for glory!

So close...

This little fella was inspired by a t-shirt some guy was wearing on the subway. Now I can post it since it's Friday the 12th. Breaks the heart doesn't it?

Rocketeer to the Rescue!

I recently finished the Rocketeer: The Complete Collection by Dave Stevens and have been watching the movie non-stop. Damn, they're good!

Saz-Genie

"You ain't never had a friend like me!"

Man-Eater

I saw Jennifer's Body for the first time today. It was a bit uneven, but enjoyable. Megan Fox can have me for lunch any day. Yum!

Disgruntled Designer

Sazmagic has been working too much overtime. He is one angry elf.

Purple Zane

It's good to see Billy Zane (a fellow Greek) back on TV in his series 'The Deep End'. And while the Phantom movie from '96 isn't the greatest super-hero adaptation, I like the look and feel of it.

Triple X

Hey, little fellas!

Satan's Little Satyr

Monday was so nice out that I sat in Astoria Park with my sketchbook. This is what happened. I can't explain it.

Read My Lips

I drew this way back when I working on the Shrek books... but the message is timeless.

Workin' Hard for the Money!

This is what my soul looks like... and it's only Wednesday.

Dear 2010...

I'm going to kick your ass if you get in my way. Thanks.

Lookin' Sharp

I saw the Tim Burton exhibit today at the MoMA and it was amazing. It prompted me to post my own doodles inspired by the man's work as well as other things I love. Enjoy!

Edward & Selina

The awkward, angst-ridden artist woos the mentally fractured whip-wielding vixen and they live tragically ever after... -Sigh-

Minions of Gozer

One of the greatest couples in cinema history: Vinz Clortho, the Keymaster & Zuul, the Gatekeeper.

The Rocketeer

One of my favorite heroes and the star of a very underrated movie.

Indiana Jones

Another one of my favorite heroes. This sketch is based on his adventures in The Temple of Doom.

Spartan Royalty: King Leonidas & Queen Gorgo

Inspired by Miller & Snyder's version of the historical heroes as seen in the graphic novel/motion picture 300. Two words: Bad. Ass.

Spider-Man: Evil Comes in Pairs

The 1st in a series of chapter books published by HarperCollins. My creative cohort Joe Merkel and I designed the cover & interior layouts for these books but more awesome was drawing the interior art. Joe's pics are in the above title featuring our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in a symbiote smackdown! http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061626258/SpiderMan_Evil_Comes_in_Pairs/index.aspx

Spider-Man: The Secret Life of Black Cat

The 2nd book in the series, and the first to feature me as the illustrator. Pretty exciting, so check it out! http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061626265/SpiderMan_The_Secret_Life_of_Black_Cat/index.aspx

Spider-Man: The Secret Life of Black Cat page sample

Spider-Man: The Lizard's Legacy

This was the 3rd and final book in the series. The second book to feature me as an illustrator. It was pretty damn fun while it lasted. Buy your copy now! http://www.harpercollins.com/book/index.aspx?isbn=9780061626272

Spider-Man: The Lizard's Legacy page sample

One of the interior pages for the above title.

Spider-Man Sample Sketch

One of the many sketches I went through before submitting a final piece to Marvel. This was so they could approve me as an artist for the chapter book series by HarperCollins.

Black Cat & Spidey

A little doodle I did on the train whilst still in 'Spidey-Mode'.