WAKE UP AND DRAWMedia Release -- The Hero Initiative, the charitable organization dedicated to helping veteran comic creators in medical or financial need, is giving YOU a present to celebrate the birthday of Jack "King" Kirby.

On August 28, 2012, Hero recruited 100 artists to celebrate Jack Kirby's birthday on "Wake Up and Draw" Day. Neal Kirby, Jack's son, and artist Tim Seeley led the charge in a special YouTube video on the event at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUfyWIhOY94&feature=youtu.be

Fans followed the action all day on Twitter with hashtag: #WakeUpAndDraw, and all the art was displayed in a gallery at www.ComicArtFans.com/WakeUpAndDraw

Now, Hero Initiative will auction off the art starting September 18. Each week over the next four weeks, approximately one-quarter of the drawings will be auctioned at ComicArtFans.com. Anyone can register for free at ComicArtFans.com, and get in on the bidding!

"It was a great and fun day seeing all the 'birthday cards' so many talented artists sent to my father on his 95th birthday," said Neal Kirby. "I know my father would have been among the first to support Hero Initiative and its mission, so I hope these great works of art go for some great prices and continue to pay things forward in the wonderful comics community."

"Wake Up And Draw was one of those innovative ideas that I knew we would want to support, and it was a pleasure seeing all the artwork created to celebrate Jack Kirby's birthday," said Bill Cox of ComicArtFans.com. "We're excited to see this year's project through fruition by selling these items for Hero using our auction service. Hopefully we'll get to see this idea continue through Jack Kirby's 100th birthday and beyond!"

About The 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 $500,000 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 626-676-6354.

For more information, please visit us at www.heroinitiative.org.