Hero InitiativeOrlando MegaConMedia Release -- Hero Initiative will be traveling to MegaCon, the southeast's largest comic book, science fiction/fantasy, anime, toys and gaming convention. The event will take place March 12-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. You can purchase tickets directly by logging onto: http://heroinitiative.blogspot.com/2010/03/get-your-megacon-ticketsnow.html.

We have a whole lot going on!

First up, traveling along with us from Los Angeles is artist Joe Benitez, known for The Darkness, Batman, and Justice League of America! Stop by the booth and pick up an original sketch by Benitez. All proceeds benefit Hero Initiative.

Make sure you come back, because George Pérez, one of the most influential artists of all time, will be at the Hero booth. He'll be sketching as well, and this is one you don't want to pass up.

On Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a special 11-man signing of Hero's The Wolverine 100 Project will take place! Contributors Joe Benitez, Jim Calafiore, Mike Choi, Darwyn Cooke, Joe Jusko, Andy Smith, Bill Tucci, Mike McKone, Jimmy Palmiotti, Mike Perkins, and Brandon Peterson will be at the booth exclusively signing Hero's recent release. Get them while they are available, and get them signed by our team!

And that's not all! Florida resident and acclaimed writer Steve Perry will be visiting the Hero booth as well. Perry is best known as one of the original writers of the Thundercats and Silverhawks TV shows, and Timespirits comics. Perry was diagnosed with cancer in February, 2009, and being the single father of a 9-year-old son, he struggled to make ends meet while battling his severe illness. After being homelessness, having no work and living in his car with his son, Hero Initiative is proud to have help Perry pull him through this difficult time. He will be giving back to say "thanks" by stopping by. Thank you, Steve!

Lastly, Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia has generously donated approximately 40 items that will be available through a silent auction. Items include a Hugh Jackman autographed Wolverine 8x10 Photo, Johnny Depp autographed 8x10 Photo, Elijah Wood autographed Frodo 8x10 Photo, Robert Downey Jr. & Jeff Bridges Dual Signed Iron Man 8x10 Photo and a Spider-Man limited edition lithograph with actual film cel, to name a few. The items will be on display in the lobby and at the Hero booth. Part of the proceeds will go to Hero Initiative.

Our Schedule is as follows:

Fri., 12 MAR, con hours 1-7
130-330: George Pérez
200-300: 100 Wolverines: Joe Benitez, Jim Calafiore, Mike Choi, Darwyn Cooke, Joe Jusko, Andy Smith, Bill Tucci, Mike McKone, Jimmy Palmiotti, Mike Perkins, Brandon Peterson
400-530: Joe Benitez
530-700: George Pérez

Sat., 13 MAR; con hours 10-6
1000-1200: George Pérez
1200-200: Joe Benitez
200-400: George Pérez
400-600: Joe Benitez

Sun., 14 MAR; con hours 10-5
1000-1200: George Pérez
1200-100: Joe Benitez
100-300: George Pérez
300-500: Joe Benitez

About Grandstand Sports and Memorabilia:

Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia Inc. is a domestic and international provider of hand signed authentic sports memorabilia. Since it's inception the company has held a domestic and international presence in both retail and wholesale markets. The corporate office is located in New York City. Aside from our charity and retail presence, Grandstand works with numerous corporations including: top sports internet sites such as espn.com and major financial companies. Grandstand also provides exclusive memorabilia to both Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's by mail catalogs. Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia
148 Madison Ave14th Floor New York, NY 10016, 212-532-8900, 888-78-GRAND

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.