Acclaimed artist Steve Dillon (Preacher, Wolverine, Punisher) will be hosted by a number of ComicsPRO member stores from September 22–October 1, 2008. Dillon’s tour is done in conjunction with The Hero Initiative, and Hero benefit events will be featured at each stop. ComicsPRO is the trade association for comics specialty retailers, and The Hero Initiative is the charitable organization dedicated to helping comic creators in financial need.
The tour coincides with the artist’s visit to the United States for the Baltimore Comic-Con on September 27-28. Store stops include:
Monday, September 22nd 4PM-7PM
MAIN STREET COMICS
157 Dolson Ave
Middletown, NY
http://www.mainstreetcomics.com/
Event: Auction of variant covers, promo items and more
Tuesday, September 23rd 6PM-9PM
BRAVE NEW WORLDS
45 N. 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA
http://www.bravenewworldscomics.com/
Event: Steve will do head sketches in paperbacks or hardcovers purchased on-site at Brave New Worlds for an additional $15 benefiting Hero.
Wednesday, September 24th 4PM-7PM
CAPTAIN BLUE HEN COMICS
280 E Main Street Ste 101
Newark, DE
http://www.captainbluehen.com/
Event: Steve will do head sketches in paperbacks or hardcovers purchased on-site at Captain Blue Hen for an additional $15 benefiting Hero. In addition, both silent and live auction items will be offered by Captain Blue Hen, and “first in line” privileges will be auctioned off.
Thursday, September 25th 6PM-9PM
BEYOND COMICS
5632 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD
http://www.beyondcomics.com/
Event: A pub night in honor of Steve will be held, with donated items offered by Beyond Comics as well.
Wednesday, October 1st 6PM-8PM
JIM HANLEY’S UNIVERSE
4 West 33rd St
New York, NY
http://www.jhuniverse.com/
Check with individual stores for specific details on their special events.
“I’m looking forward to a fun and productive trip, which helps out The Hero Initiative all at the same time.” said Steve Dillon. “A splendid time is guaranteed for all.”
“ComicsPRO is happy to welcome artist Steve Dillon into a number of our member stores, especially for such a good cause as The Hero Initiative,” said Joe Field, ComicsPRO president.
And be on the lookout: 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 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. 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.
