Gary grew up in Salinas, CA and is a self-taught artist. his interest in comics and art first began at a young age, while in the sixth grade. Gary first created the independently produced comic book series Pakkins’ land in 1995, plotting out the stories and scripting, lettering, penciling, and inking the illustrations for the series.
Pakkins’ land tells the adventuresome and engaging tale of Paul, a young boy who finds himself in a magical world filled with talking animals, mystery and excitement. Pakkins’ land has been heralded for excellence by both critics and peers alike, accumulating an international following and numerous award nominations.
A series of strange adventures brings our hero, Paul, to a fantastic world called Pakkin’s Land. Befriended by talking animals, Paul must embark on a quest to find the lost King Aryah. Sure to appeal to fans who enjoy the works of C.S. Lewis and L. Frank Baum. Gary Shipman would go on to gain the accolades of the comic book industry, including 1997 Harvey Award Nominee in the category of Best New Talent. 1997 Russ Manning Award Nominee for Most Promising Newcomer. 1998 Eisner Award Nominee in the category of Talent Deserving Of Wider Recognition.
In 2016, the Gary Shipman Sketchbook 2016, a 45-page paperback collection of Shipman’s artwork, was self-published and offered online.
In late 2018, Gary Shipman 2018 Sketchbook, A full-color 70 page collection of his art, was crowdfunded in an Indiegogo campaign.
