Baltimore Comic-ConMedia Release -- Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that provides a financial safety net for comic book creators in need, will be traveling to Baltimore Comic-Con August 28 and 29 at the Baltimore Convention Center at One West Pratt Street.

Joining Hero this year is special guest and critically acclaimed comic artist Tim Sale. Sale, best known for Batman: The Long Halloween, Spider-Man: Blue and more will be sketching at the booth to raise money for Hero’s cause. Don’t miss your opportunity to get an amazing sketch from a hero himself.

And speaking of heroes, Hero Initiative is launching The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award as part of the Harvey Awards banquet. Giordano, who passed away in early 2010, was part of Hero Initiative’s Board of Directors. He was also a legendary artist, a guiding force at Charlton Comics and DC Comics for many years, a mentor to his colleagues, and a friend to all who knew him. His legacy epitomizes the caring and commitment Hero Initiative strives to achieve. In honor of Dick, The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will recognize one person in comics each year who has demonstrated the generosity and integrity Dick brought to the charity and to the comic book community at large. Be there Saturday to witness the start of a new tradition in comic book history!

With its recent release to customers and dealerships across the country, Ford will feature its all-new Fiesta at Baltimore Comic-Con. In addition, a check for $5000 will be presented to the Hero Initiative on behalf of Ford Motor Company, DC Comics and comic and TV writer Brian K. Vaughan. A check presentation ceremony featuring Hero Board members Dennis O’Neil, Brian Pulido and Mark Waid will occur at the Ford booth on Saturday, August 28 at 1:30 p.m.
And Hero’s exclusive hardcover edition of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #40 will be available at Baltimore Comic-Con. The limited edition of only 500 copies, with a great recreation of Conan #1’s cover by John Romita, Jr., was a near-sellout at San Diego, but we’ve managed to reserve a mere 10 copies for Baltimore. They’ll be available for sale at $35 per, with a strict limit of ONE per customer. So get to the Hero Initiative booth QUICKLY!

Hero Initiative’s booth schedule is as follows:

SAT. AUG 28 (CON HOURS 10-6)
1030-1200: Tim Sale
1200-100: Denny O’Neil
100-200: Cliff Chiang
400-500: Walt Simonson

SUN. AUG 28 (CON HOURS 10-5)
1030-1130: Walt Simonson
1200-100: Tom Raney
100-200: Tim Sale

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 $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 626-676-6354.