As part of this year’s Unbox the Image Literary Festival, organized by the English Department, our school welcomed acclaimed authors, comic artists, illustrators, and academics to explore visual storytelling. The festival highlights graphic novels, manga, comics, graffiti, and photography, highlighting the importance of visual literacy.
On the first day, Monday, February 10, students were introduced to the theme through their English classes before participating in engaging activities. These included analyzing visual storytelling elements, exploring the conventions of graphic novels, comics, and manga, and debating whether graffiti is art or vandalism. Additionally, they examined political cartoons’ influence on public opinion and discussed superheroes as symbols of social declaration and empowerment. These activities fostered critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for visual media as a tool for communication and cultural reflection.
Students were also given templates in class to create their own one-page graphic representation, inspired by their reflections on themes explored during the recent Holocaust Remembrance Day event organized by the English Department. This successfully connected the two events, demonstrating how visual storytelling can commemorate serious historical tragedies. Additionally, some classes in C’ Gymnasium are exploring cultural and historical themes on an international level through selected readers, encouraging engagement with graphic novels as both a literary and artistic medium.

Tuesday, February 11 - Comics Workshop with Nikolas Stefadouros
On the second day of the festival, thirty A’ Lyceum students participated in a dynamic two-hour session with comic artist Nikolas Stefadouros in the school library. He introduced key conventions of comics, graphic novels, and manga, sharing insights into how these formats create immersive narratives. Demonstrating his artistic process, he showed how entire worlds come to life on the page, sparking students’ imagination.
In the hands-on session, students teamed up to create their own one-page comics under his guidance, displaying great enthusiasm and commitment. Their creations will be showcased in a school exhibition.
Mr. Stefadouros generously donated several of his published works to the library, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring artists. The workshop was an inspiring experience, reinforcing the festival’s theme and encouraging exploration of visual storytelling.
Wednesday - AI Image Identification Activity
As part of the literary festival, students explored technology's role in visual literacy through discussions and interactive games. A key topic was the challenge of distinguishing between original and AI-generated images.
On Wednesday, February 12, during lunch in the cafeteria, the English Sunny Days magazine Lyceum team organized a game where students identified AI-generated images.
The event was a success, sparking discussions on AI’s impact on creative fields and its implications for artists, writers, and consumers of visual content.

Thursday, February 13 - Visit by Manga Artist Odysseas Theodoratos
Today, Greek manga artist Odysseas Theodoratos visited our school for a panel discussion with all B Lyceum students in the Theater. He presented his manga Tomahawk Angel (Dark Horse Comics), sharing insights into his creative process and sources of inspiration. He also offered an exclusive look at some of his soon-to-be-published work.
Students were eager to ask him questions about his journey as an artist and the fictional worlds he has built. Mr. Theodoratos gladly signed autographs, gave advice to aspiring artists, and generously donated copies of Tomahawk Angel Volumes 1 and 2 to our school library, leaving a lasting impression on his audience.
Comics Workshop with Foivos Papachatzis
Pierce Alumnus and illustrator Foivos Papachatzis visited our school to lead an engaging comics workshop for C Gymnasium students in the library. He introduced students to the fundamentals of figure drawing, facial expressions, and other essential illustration techniques.
For their task, students created a one-page comic inspired by Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis. Their brilliant, entertaining, and unique storylines will be featured in an upcoming school comics exhibition, showcasing their creativity and newfound skills.

On Friday, February 14, our C Lyceum students had the incredible opportunity to attend a lecture by Kim Hoffnagle—an art director, illustrator, graphic designer, and teacher—on the power of street art as a voice for the underprivileged.
From its roots in the U.S. to its global influence, students explored how street art emerged as a raw, creative expression of marginalized communities, growing alongside hip-hop music to shape a new cultural movement. Through powerful visuals and historical insights, they discovered how art can amplify voices, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.
On Friday, February 14, students of C Gymnasium had the exciting opportunity to engage in a panel discussion with renowned comic artists Alexia Othonaiou and Antonis Vavagiannis. The discussion delved into the world of comic creation, political satire, and caricature, as the artists shared their creative process, sources of inspiration, and personal journeys in the comic industry.
With their imaginative work and candid answers, the artists captivated the audience, offering valuable insights into the power of storytelling through illustration. The event was made even more special as students had the chance to get their copies signed by the creators themselves!