LOS ANGELES, CA (January 14, 2009) – The Punisher is targeting the Marvel Universe again in January with a great new Punisher #1 from writer Rick Remender and artist Jerome Opena. And The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, has him in an exclusive limited edition.

The Hero/AtomicComics.com Punisher #1 features an exclusive black-and-white sketch cover limited to a mere 2,000 copies worldwide. This special edition of Punisher #1 is available now for $8 at http://www.atomiccomicsstore.com/287921.html

And, as a special double-bonus, Punisher writer Rick Remender will be at the Phoenix Cactus Comicon Jan. 23-25, and signing autographs at the Atomic Comics and Hero Initiative booths. It’s a GREAT chance to get your copy signed by the writer!

“The Hero Initiative is one of the best causes in comics, and Atomic Comics is one of the best shops,” said Rick Remender. “This variant is a chance to not only get a great, rare edition of the book, but it puts money in a good place as well.”

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. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 818-997-6114.

The Phoenix Cactus Comicon 2009 takes place Jan. 23-25 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ. For tickets and information, visit www.phoenixcomicon.com.

Atomic Comics, the Southwest’s largest comic book retailer, has been in business for more than two decades and operates four retail comics and collectibles stores in the greater Phoenix area as well as an online store and the comic community AtomicComics.com. Retail stores include its Mesa Superstore at Country Club and Southern, with additional locations in Phoenix north of Metrocenter, Chandler at Chandler Fashion Center and Paradise Valley just south of Paradise Valley Mall. For more information, visit www.AtomicComics.com.