Superman. Spider-Man. Batman. Goddess of Sparkle. The Taco Boy.
Those last two might not be household names, but if Joe Einhorn has his way, it’s only a matter of time.
Einhorn is the founder of Loot, a new-ish — we won’t say store — more of an arts space in Carroll Gardens that allows kids to create their own comic books.
For a membership fee of $30 a month, youngsters can show up seven days a week and work with a revolving roster of experts on illustration, storytelling and all the other skills needed to put together a comic book.
And if that’s not enticing enough for the young graphic novel fan in your life, Loot is currently running a contest soliciting new character ideas from New Yorkers. Anyone under 18 can submit a pitch for a new superhero, including its design and special powers, and the winner (chosen on Jan. 31) will be allowed to produce an action figure of the character.
“When I was in junior high school, I came in second place in a big science fair, and I got to go to this place in Chelsea and make a hologram,” Einhorn tells The Post.
Einhorn, now 38, still has that hologram.
He hopes to spark creativity in kids in the same way that hologram sparked his.
Loot, which opened in July, is something like a clubhouse-meets-library. The walls are stocked with more than 300 comics that members can borrow (or buy for $5 each), but the real draw seems to be the classes.
Kids file in on weekends or after school to learn about character development or creative writing.
Einhorn, a lifelong comics fan, says he hopes to provide his young customers an alternative to staring at a TV or computer screen. And one that hones literacy skills.
“What we’re trying to do is come up with activities that are fun for families, wholesome, and ultimately providing an on ramp to maybe even a profession into the industry.”
The average Loot member is around fourth grade, though some older kids do come by. And half of the participants are girls.
Those who do complete a comic can post it for sale at the shop, and the author will be paid in store credit at Loot or the pizza shop downstairs if it sells.
Loot currently has more than 50 DIY titles on its stands, including “Wonder Mom,” “Castle Escape,” the popular “Annoying Family,” and yes, “The Taco Boy.” (Brooklyn!)
“The talent that we’re seeing from these kids is really extraordinary,” Einhorn says. “Not just artistic talent but critical thinking. Some of the stuff is so incredible, even at younger ages.”
Loot, 465 Court St., Carroll Gardens. For the action figure contest, submissions containing a character’s name, design and powers must be dropped in person at Loot or sent via direct message to instagram.com/loot. Contestants must be under 18 years old. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges on Jan. 31.