The Invincible Gene ColanMedia Release -- With more than 65 years at the drawing board, Gene Colan proved himself to be Marvel's most dedicated, and one of its most important artists. Now Hero Initiative and Marvel Comics have created a breathtaking collection that looks back at Colan's important career and phenomenal work as no other volume has before. The Invincible Gene Colan is a 128-page hardcover book that showcases Gene's amazing art, and includes important analysis from Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, John Romita, Walter Simonson, Neil Gaiman, Tom Spurgeon and Tom Palmer.

Originally solicited as a softcover, The Invincible Gene Colan is now a hardcover, at the same price of $19.99. Net proceeds will benefit Gene Colan. The book can be ordered in the Hero Initiative section of Diamond Previews, using order code DEC090880. Orders must be in by December 24, 2009, and the book will be in-stores February, 2010. Through special arrangement with Marvel Comics, there will be only ONE printing of this book EVER.

"As a fiction writer in the early 1990s, I had the profound good fortune of seeing Gene Colan illustrate several of my stories," said book Editor Clifford Meth. "Then, last year, Gene contacted me with the hopes of finally retiring. That call sparked the genesis of this book. The Invincible Gene Colan is a lasting and long-overdue tribute to perhaps the greatest master to touch the comic art form. Gene Colan is the Bob Dylan of visual storytelling. He is quite simply without peer."

"It's quite an honor to have the most iconic, respected and beloved comic book company, Marvel Comics, publish a book honoring my career," said Gene Colan. "It was apparent from the time I was a young boy that I had talent drawing. As I grew older, I began to sharpen my skills and point them in the direction of comics, my passion. Since 1946 it's been a thrill for me to be part of the Marvel family. And it really is a family! The Invincible Gene Colan is the culmination of a 63 year relationship with Marvel. I'm deeply grateful!"

Please place your orders with your favorite retailer immediately. You will not want to miss out on adding this amazing collection.

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strict 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.