ComicsPRO, the trade association for comics specialty retailers, is announcing that artist Steve Dillon (Preacher, Wolverine, Punisher) will be hosted by a number of ComicsPRO member stores from September 22 – October 1, 2008.
The tour coincides with the artist’s visit to the United States for the Baltimore Comic-Con on September 27 & 28. Dillon constantly works on high-profile projects and rarely visits the United States from his native England. He has agreed to extend his visit by doing store appearances that will benefit The Hero Initiative, a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. “It’s very nice to meet the fans in the United States, and I know that when I’m hosted by ComicsPRO stores, it’s a first-class affair the whole way,” said Steve Dillon. “Raising funds for The Hero Initiative is also a top priority, so this should be a pleasure all the way around.”
ComicsPRO retailers hosting signing events for Steve Dillon during this tour have all agreed to support Dillon’s effort to raise funds and awareness for The Hero Initiative. Check with individual stores for their fundraising details.
“ComicsPRO retailers represent the leading edge of progressive retailers, working with all facets of the comic book business for a brighter future for all concerned,” said Joe Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord CA and ComicsPRO’s president. “This tour exemplifies the manner in which our members are willing to step up and do good things together.”
Tour schedule:
Monday, September 22nd 4PM-7PM
MAIN STREET COMICS
157 Dolson Ave
Middletown, NY
http://www.mainstreetcomics.com/
Tuesday, September 23rd 6PM-9PM
BRAVE NEW WORLDS
45 N. 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA
http://www.bravenewworldscomics.com/
Wednesday, September 24th 4PM-7PM
CAPTAIN BLUE HEN COMICS
280 E Main Street Ste 101
Newark, DE
http://www.captainbluehen.com/
Thursday, September 25th 6PM-9PM
BEYOND COMICS
5632 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD
http://www.beyondcomics.com/
Wednesday, October 1st 6PM-8PM
JIM HANLEY’S UNIVERSE
4 West 33rd St
New York, NY
http://www.jhuniverse.com/
ComicsPRO and The Hero Initiative will be hosting another fundraising tour with Jimmy Palmiotti and Darwyn Cooke in the first quarter of 2009. Exact schedule to be announced.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $300,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.
The Hero Initiative aims to create a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. The Hero Initiative is online at HeroInitiative.org.
ComicsPRO is a non-profit organization, comprising more than 120 retailer members in the U.S. and abroad. The goals of ComicsPRO are for retailers to speak with a united voice on important industry issues, to mentor new retailers in an effort to grow the comics specialty market and to supply group benefits to dedicated retailers to save money on shared common costs. ComicsPRO is online at ComicsPRO.org.