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Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative Announces The New Avengers 100 Project

Sep 7th, 2010
by David.
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NEW AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!
100 Top Artists Assemble for Hero Initiative’s Next “Marvel 100” Project

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 7, 2010) – Over the last three years, The Hero Initiative, a charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, has enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight artists to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, The Hulk 100 Project, and the Wolverine: Weapon X 100 Project –collections of 100 original covers featuring great Marvel characters. This year, The Hero Initiative reprises the program with Marvel’s premier super hero team.

The call has gone out to create The New Avengers 100 Project, and dozens of artists are putting pen to paper. Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of New Avengers #1 to Hero, with artists involved including well-known stars such as Howard Chaykin, Ian Churchill, Mike Deodato, Terry Dodson, Steve Epting, Dave Gibbons, Adam Kubert and more.

“Every year, these projects get me back to the drawing board to work on some of my favorite characters,” said Hero Initiative Board member and longtime Marvel artist John Romita. “We have a great lineup of artists slated, and it’s even more fun for me to see the great covers come in than it is to draw my own!”

“The Hero Initiative does important work for some of our most treasured creators and Marvel’s glad to be part of that,” said Dan Buckley, Publisher & CEO, Print, Animation & Digital Media, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “Taking the hottest franchise in comics—the Avengers—and combining it with the top talent in the industry is a win all around..”

All 100 original New Avengers covers will be published in a book slated for release in 2011, and a public viewing of all covers will be scheduled as well.

About Hero Initiative
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call .

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

The Hero Initiative Membership Drive

Jan 4th, 2009
by David.
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Become a member of the only organization dedicated to assisting comic book creators in need

LOS ANGELES, Calif., January 5, 2009 – The Hero Initiative announced today that annual memberships for the organization are now available for purchase. There are four levels of membership: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Excelsior!

A Bronze membership costs $29 and includes: a personalized membership card (which will arrive approximately 4-5 weeks after you sign up), a quarterly newsletter and a Hero Initiative sketch card from a randomly selected artist. Artists include Mike Bencic, Dan Brereton, Dick Giordano, Bob Hall, Dan Jurgens, Mike Mayhew, George Pérez, Joe Quesada, John Romita Sr., Dave Simons, Jim Valentino, Carly Wagner, Bob Wiacek, Richard Zajac and more!

A Silver membership costs $99 and includes: all of the Bronze perks, plus a Hero Initiative T-shirt (your choice of Dawn or Hero Hand), a copy of the Marvel Then and Now DVD and a copy of The Unusual Suspects graphic novel.

A Gold membership costs $250 and includes: all of the Silver perks, plus invitations to Hero Initiative VIP Members-Only parties at 2009’s Wizard World Los Angeles and Wizard World Chicago.

An Excelsior! membership costs $500 and includes: all of the Gold perks, plus your flat item (maximum size 11” x 17”), signed and personalized by the one and only Stan Lee.

Download the membership form (PDF)

“I’m always amazed and happy to see the support that fans have shown Hero,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “Hopefully, this will be a new way they can show affinity, and get some nice goodies in the process.”

This is the first time memberships to The Hero Initiative have been offered. It was put into place with the fans foremost in mind and on consultation with GeekInTheCity.com, a website that covers all things geek, from comics to movies to games. As such, GeekInTheCity’s Aaron Duran is member #1, Jen Duran is member #2 and Stan Lee is member #3. Creator Paul Dini (Detective Comics, Madame Mirage) is also a member already, as is Mid-Ohio Con promoter Roger Price.

“The Hero Initiative does more than help people in need,” said Aaron Duran, explaining why he was eager to help start this membership drive. “They give back to those that inspired our hopes and dreams. They help artists and writers in need, artists and writers that inspired all our tomorrows. Please help the Hero Initiative protect theirs.”

To become a member of The Hero Initiative, fans can sign up at www.atomiccomicsstore.com/heroinitiative.html or on-site at The Hero Initiative booth at the following upcoming comic book conventions: Phoenix Cactus Comic-Con, Jan. 23-25; New York Comic Con, Feb. 6-8; WonderCon, Feb. 27 – March 1; Orlando MegaCon, Feb. 27 – March 1; and Wizard World Los Angeles, March 13-15.

Media contact and questions:
Jim McLauchlin

About The Hero Initiative

In late 2000, a consortium of comic publishers came up with the idea to create a financial safety net for comic creators, much in the same fashion that exists in almost any other trade from plumbing to pottery. By March of 2001, the federal government approved The Hero Initiative as a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3).

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative (formerly known as A.C.T.O.R., A Commitment To Our Roots) has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Hero Heads For The Windy City Comicon

Oct 22nd, 2008
by David.
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LOS ANGELES (October 22, 2008) – The Hero Initiative is proud to attend the first Windy City Comicon on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at The Center on Halsted.

Not only is the convention special because it is premiering in Chicago for comic fans; the convention is run by Hero’s own Chicago area dedicated volunteer, Chris Neseman!

So swing by the Hero booth, buy incredible one of a kind products to benefit a good cause and meet such incredible talent as:

11-12: Tim Seeley
12-1: Mike Norton
2-3: Chris Burnham
3-4: Chris Moreno

“There is no charitable organization in the world of comics and comics culture that is more important than The Hero Initiative. Having their involvement at The Windy City Comicon was important to us from day one.” commented show co-promoter Chris Neseman. “Comics fans should make a point of checking out Hero at this or any other convention. Between the variety of exclusive products and the face-to-face interaction you can get with the industry’s top talent, their booth should be one of the first places on your list to find. Helping veteran creators in times of crisis is what makes them important, but the reason we love Hero is because they make giving to the cause a fun and fulfilling experience.”

For more information on Windy City Comicon, visit www.windycitycomicon.com.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

#    #    #

For further information, contact:
Janine Bielski


www.HeroInitiative.org

The Hulk 100 Project Hits Stores In December

Sep 18th, 2008
by David.
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Book features 128 pages of great Hulk art from a dazzling array of artists!

LOS ANGELES (September 17, 2008) – So maybe you didn’t win one of the auctions for The Hero Initiative’s fabulous original Hulk #1 covers. Now’s your chance to “own” every cover!

All 100+ Hero Initiative covers to Marvel Comics’ Hulk #1 are on display in The Hulk 100 Project! This great book, with art by J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Frank Cho, Terry Dodson, Dale Keown, John Romita Sr. and Jr. and many more features MORE covers and MORE pages than last year’s Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project…at the same great price! The book retails for $10 and will be available in stores everywhere in December. All proceeds benefit The Hero Initiative.

And through special arrangement with Marvel Comics, there will be ONLY ONE PRINTING OF THIS BOOK EVER! Get it now so you don’t blow your chance! The Hulk 100 Project is listed in Diamond Comics Distribution’s October 2008 Previews for items shipping December 2008. The book’s ISBN-13 is: 978-0-9797602-8-0

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

# # #

For further information, contact:
Janine Bielski


www.HeroInitiative.org

ComicsPRO and Hero Initiative Team Up for Steve Dillon Store Tour

Aug 21st, 2008
by David.
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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.

Hero Brings Van Sciver To Fan Expo 2008 In Toronto

Aug 21st, 2008
by David.
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LOS ANGELES (August 21, 2008) – The Hero Initiative has superb talent at the booth as well as the limited edition Gene Colan-themed prints! Ethan Van Sciver, Tim Sale, Marc Wolfe and Leonard Kirk are scheduled to stop by so come visit the Hero booth all three days to find out when you can meet your favorite artists and writers!

In addition, don’t miss the Gene Colan Captain America #116 prints! Hero in conjunction with Marvel Comics has produced a series of Gene Colan-themed, limited edition prints. The last of these three prints will be available for the FIRST time ever at FanExpo Canada, August 22-24. The final Gene Colan print is his cover from Captain America #116, featuring Cap and the Avengers. FanExpo Canada will also be the first time you can get ALL three prints, including the previously released Invincible Iron Man #1 and Daredevil #47.

Each print is a limited edition of only 250 pieces. All are available at the Hero Initiative booth at a cost of $25 each. Net proceeds from sales of these prints by the Hero Initiative will benefit Gene Colan.

For more information on Fan Expo, visit http://www.hobbystar.com/fanexpo2008/.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

#     #     #

For more information, please contact:
Janine Bielski
The Hero Initiative

Blake Bell And Hero Partner For Bill Everett Book

Aug 13th, 2008
by David.
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Toronto (August 11, 2008) — Author Blake Bell (Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko – the first critical retrospective of Steve Ditko, the co-creator and original artist of the Amazing Spider-Man) is proud to announce his partnering with The Hero Initiative for his next book, Bill Everett: Fire and Water. The book will be available in stores everywhere in July, 2009.

Bell has announced that he will be donating 10% of his royalties from the project to The Hero Initiative in Bill Everett’s name, continuing the legacy of contributing to the well being of comic creators by the Everett family.

Says Jim McLauchlin, executive for The Hero Initiative’s Fund Raising Board, “Hero is honored to be selected for what is sure to be an amazing addition to the Bill Everett legacy.”

Bill Everett: Fire and Water, published by Fantagraphics Books, will be a welcomed addition to the 70th anniversary celebration of the release of Marvel Comics #1, the first comic produced by Marvel Comics, which features the late Bill Everett’s signature creation, the Sub-Mariner. Everett invented comics’ first anti-hero; an angry half-breed (half-man, half sea-creature humanoid) that terrorized humankind until uniting with the Allied Forces to conquer fascism’s march across Europe. The Sub-Mariner character has endured for 70 years, having also been optioned as a major motion picture.

But the reasons to celebrate Bill Everett’s monumental career don’t stop with his water-based hero. Everett was a master of many comic genres, and was one of the pre-eminent horror comic-book artists in the 1950s (before government and societal pressures led the comics industry to censor itself with the imposition of the Comics Code Authority). Says author Blake Bell: “Had Everett worked for EC Comics in the 1950s, and not Marvel Comics, he would be recognized as the top horror artist of the decade, and this new book will prove that assertion.”

The book is being produced in cooperation with the Everett family and will feature a definitive biography of the artist’s career, and how his personality informed his signature character, before his untimely passing at the age of 55 in 1973. Bill Everett’s daughter, Wendy Everett, says about the project: “My brothers and I are grateful and delighted that our father’s talent is being celebrated in this new work by Blake Bell. Bill Everett’s life work, centered in the Golden Age of Comics, is a treasure that we’re pleased can be shared with the rest of the art world.”

But the main focus will be the display of artwork that few artists can match in breadth and quality. Says Fantagraphics publisher Gary Groth: “Everett is highly respected among the cognoscenti but little known outside those circles. Everett was a stylistic virtuoso with a rich, textured, tactile inking technique, and we hope that Blake’s Fire and Water will do for Everett what his book on Ditko did for that artist: Give the artist his critical due while spreading an appreciation to a larger audience.”

Everett’s dedication to the industry also extended to his peers, and this book shall continue that legacy as well. Upon Everett’s passing in 1973, the Academy of Comic Book Arts (ACBA) had an ACBA Welfare Fund that they renamed The Bill Everett Fund in his memory, used to assist “artists in need of temporary financial aid and for other personal needs.” In 2008, The Hero Initiative (www.heroinitiative.org) continues this important work, and Blake Bell has committed to donating 10% of his royalties from the Everett book to The Hero Initiative in Everett’s name. Notes Bell, “Wendy and I are proud to represent Bill’s passion for comics in this regard, and we couldn’t think of a more worthy vehicle than The Hero Initiative.”

In addition to updates to Bell’s Bill Everett web site (www.ess.comics.org), the Yahoo discussion group Timely-Atlas () will be the place to join and participate in the selection of the imagery to be used in the book.

2009 will mark the year when the work of one of comics’ original pioneers is celebrated with this definitive volume from Blake Bell and Fantagraphics Books.

TITLE INFORMATION:
“Bill Everett: Fire and Water”
Written by Blake Bell
$39.99 Hardcover
220 pages, color, 9” x 12”
PUBLICATION DATE: July 2009

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

# # #

For more information, please contact:

Blake Bell
Author

Janine Bielski
The Hero Initiative

Stan's Soapbox: The Collection, Available In November

Aug 13th, 2008
by David.
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For the first time ever, all Stan’s columns collected in one mighty tome!

LOS ANGELES (August 13, 2008) — The wit and wisdom of the caliph of comics is on display for all to see in one mighty volume!

For the first time ever, ALL of Stan Lee’s groundbreaking, legendary “Stan’s Soapbox” columns from 1967 to 1980 are collected in one edition, published by The Hero Initiative. Stan’s Soapbox: The Collection will be available in both comic stores and bookstores everywhere in November, 2008.

The Soapbox columns will even be presented in a historical context, so you can immerse yourself in the flavor of the day, and get a sense what was happening right outside Stan’s window when he penned ‘em. Some are poignant, some informative, some touching, and some funny. But they’re all memorable! In addition, a bountiful bevy of celebs also write about their most memorable columns, including:
• Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada
• Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige
• Former Marvel Editor in Chief and comics historian Roy Thomas
• And a vast variety of great names from the fields of comics, literature, politics and academia

“Wow! What a kick it is for me to see all my old Soapbox columns printed in one great volume!,” said Stan Lee. “Reading them now is like taking a trip back through the history of Marvel in those great ol’ days when the fans and I would rap about how our batty Bullpen was exploding with new heroes, new villains and more far-out, fun-filled, fantastic new ideas than you could shake a radioactive spider at! And, best of all, every Stan’s Soapbox book sold means more money for the great Hero Initiative cause. No wonder I’m so proud of this book and the cause that it serves! Heck, I might even buy two copies!”

Coming in at an amazing 144 pages, this full color trade paperback will retail for $14.99.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

# # #

For more information, contact:
Janine Bielski
Hero Initiative

Hero Brings Perkins And Hulk To Wizard World Chicago

Jun 24th, 2008
by David.
1 comment

LOS ANGELES (June 24, 2008) – The Hero Initiative is at booth #1050 at this year’s Wizard World Chicago with Mike Perkins and a ton of talent along with the official launch of the Ultimate Hulk #100 covers!

BOOTH SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 26 (con hours 4:00-7:00)
5:00-7:00: Mike Perkins
[7:00-8:30: Hulk 100 party: Mike Perkins, Joseph Michael Linsner, David Finch, Peter David, Tim Seeley, Arthur Suydam, Angel Medina, Whilce and JoAnn Portacio]

Friday, June 27 (con hours 9:00-6:00)
10:00-11:30: Mike Perkins
11:30-1:00: Humberto Ramos
1:00-3:00: Gene Ha
3:00-4:00: Whilce Portacio
4:00-5:30: Mike Perkins

Saturday, June 28 (con hours 9:00-7:00)
10:00-11:30: Tim Seeley
11:30-1:00: Mike Perkins
1:00-2:30: Adi Granov
3:00-4:30: Gordon Purcell
4:30-6:00: Mike Perkins

Sunday, June 29 (con hours 10:00-5:00)
10:30-12:00: Mike Perkins
1:00-2:00: Ethan van Sciver, Shane Davis, Adi Granov, Aaron Lopresti “Win, Lose or Draw”
2:30-4:00: Mike Perkins

WIN LUNCH WITH CGC EBAY AUCTION

Visit http://qurls.com?i=35563 for a chance to win the ultimate collector and grading/restoration detection experience with CGC with CGC President and Primary Grader Steve Borock. Get the ultimate inside scoop from the grading and restoration experts at CGC, our hobby’s only independent third party certification company. Borock will show just ONE lucky winner how top-flight grading is done and how restoration is detected. The class and lunch will take place on Sunday, June 29 at 12 pm.

WIN LOSE OR DRAW ON SUNDAY, JUNE 29

Win the chance to play Win, Lose or Draw with hot comic book artists Ethan Van Sciver, Shane Davis, Adi Granov, Greg Horn and Aaron Lopresti! Two fans will be chosen to compete with the artists for huge prizes! Tickets for the raffle ($2 for one ticket, $5 for three tickets) will be on sale at the Wizard booth. Raffle will take place at the Win, Lose or Draw Panel on Sunday, June 29 at 1 pm in the Steve Gerber room. You must be present to win and all proceeds go to benefit Hero.

HULK “GREEN ROOM” EVENT REMINDER

As a follow up to the successful Hero Ultimate #100 Spider-Man Project, Hero has procured 100 exclusive, original Hulk covers on Marvel Comics’ recent Hulk #1. All 100 will be on display for the ONLY time at a special gala “Green Room” event at Wizard World Chicago on Thursday, June 26. You can get tickets to this event only at Wizard World Chicago. And your ticket also gets you a chance at a one-of-a-kind Hulk collectible!

The Green Room will be a star-studded event, with talent on hand to include Mike Perkins, Arthur Suydam, Peter David, Angel Medina, Tim Seeley, David Finch, Joseph Michael Linsner and more. Admission is a mere $5, OR $3 if you wear purple pants, FREE if you wear torn-up purple pants! Tickets will be on-sale starting at 6 PM at the door at rooms 4/5. And be advised: ONLY 200 tickets will be sold!

HERO TO AUCTION OFF TEN ORIGINAL HULK #1 COVERS

In the spirit of all things green and purple (or red!), The Hero Initiative brings you yet another fantastic opportunity to own one of the first ten exclusive Hulk #1 covers! The auction will take place on-site at this year’s Wizard World Chicago, which runs from June 26 to June 29. The first ten covers include the following fabulous talent: Chris Bachalo, Tom Brevoort, Michael Choi, Alan Davis, Mike Deodato, Leonard Kirk, Joseph Michael Linsner, Whilce Portacio, Javier Pulido and Arthur Suydam.

Visit http://heroinitiative.org/NewsDetail.asp?NewsId=141 for more information and to view the covers. Proxy bidding will also be available for interested bidders unable to attend Wizard World Chicago. Visit the link for full information on proxy bidding.

SECOND GENE COLAN PRINT AVAILABLE AT HERO BOOTH

The second of Hero’s Gene Colan prints will be available first at Wizard World Chicago, this one featuring the cover art to Daredevil #47, the legendary “Brother, Take My Hand” story by Stan Lee and Gene Colan. Only 200 prints will be available at the show at a cost of $25 each. Net proceeds from sales of these prints by the Hero Initiative will benefit Gene Colan. And Iron fans take notice: A heretofore unannounced special variant cover edition of the smash-hit Invincible Iron Man #1 will also be at the Hero Initiative booth. Colorist Stéphane Peru unfortunately passed away while working on Invincible Iron Man #1, and Marvel Comics has created a mere 100 copies with the notation “In Memoriam, Stéphane Peru, 1981-2008” on the cover. All 100 copies have been autographed by writer Matt Fraction and artist Salvador Larroca, and will be available for sale by The Hero Initiative.

KRYPTON COMICS HESTER PRINT

Omaha Nebraska’s Krypton Comics will be selling an exclusive Phil Hester comic as a Hero benefit. Hester will be signing on Saturday from 2-4 pm at both the Krypton Comics booth and the Spud’s Emporium booth with 50% of variant sales going to The Hero Initiative! Don’t miss out on the super limited variant cover of The Darkness #1 Krypton Comics/Spud’s Emporium Exclusive Foil Edition!

For more information on Wizard World Chicago, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-ch.html.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

# # # #

For more information, please contact:
Janine Bielski
The Hero Initiative

Hero Initiative Brings Second Gene Colan Print To Wizard World Chicago

Jun 18th, 2008
by David.
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Limited Edition, 100-copy Invincible Iron Man #1 also available!

LOS ANGELES (June 18, 2008) — The Hero Initiative will hit Wizard World Chicago in full force June 26-29, with spectacular exclusive product!

The second of Hero’s Gene Colan prints will be available first at Wizard World Chicago, this one featuring the cover art to Daredevil #47, the legendary “Brother, Take My Hand” story by Stan Lee and Gene Colan. Only 200 prints will be available at the show at a cost of $25 each. Net proceeds from sales of these prints by the Hero Initiative will benefit Gene Colan. Another 50 prints will be available at a later date, with plans to have them autographed by both Gene Colan and Stan Lee.

And Iron fans take notice: A heretofore unannounced special variant cover edition of the smash-hit Invincible Iron Man #1 will also be at the Hero Initiative booth. Colorist Stéphane Peru unfortunately passed away while working on Invincible Iron Man #1, and Marvel Comics has created a mere 100 copies with the notation “In Memoriam, Stéphane Peru, 1981-2008” on the cover. All 100 copies have been autographed by writer Matt Fraction and artist Salvador Larroca, and will be available for sale by The Hero Initiative.

“Wizard Entertainment is fully committed to the Hero Initiative cause and we’re thrilled we could provide a platform and venue to help raise money for this tremendous cause,” said Wizard Senior VP/Operations Joe Yanarella. “I urge all comic fans to donate to the cause to help out those in need who have helped provide a lifetime of entertainment.”

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates 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. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call or visit 

With a library of over 5,000 characters built over more than sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios) and publishing (via Marvel Comics), with emphasis on feature films, home DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR ARTWORK PLEASE CONTACT:

Arune Singh
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Janine Bielski
Hero Initiative

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