Hero Initiative and Matt Wagner attend ImageExpoMedia Release -- Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that helps comic creators in need, is attending ImageExpo, the premier comic con experience of Northern California in 2012. The three-day event takes place at the Oakland Convention Center, February 24th-26th, located at 550 10th street in Oakland, Calif.

Making the trip with Hero is our very special guest, Matt Wagner! The 25-year veteran is one of comicdom's most respected creators, and the creator of the mastermind assassin, Grendel. Matt also wrote and drew the DC Comic series Trinity, and was the cover artist on the Kevin Smith-penned re-launch of Green Arrow. Matt will be sketching and signing throughout the weekend at Hero's booth, #64, so make sure you come by! As Matt is also a nice guy, a portion of proceeds of ALL Matt's sales will also be donated to Hero!

In addition, Brian K. Vaughan, writer of Y: The Last Man and Saga will be at our booth Friday, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and Rob Guillory, artist of Chew, will be at our booth Sunday from 1:30-230 p.m. Don't miss out!

Hero Initiative board member and Shadowline publisher Jim Valentino will be discussing what he looks for in new projects, the founding of Image, and more at his panel on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 1:00 p.m. in room A. Jim will also be doing portfolio review for a donation to Hero, so don't miss it!

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative 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 $500,000 to the comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.