Media Release -- The Hero Initiative, the non-profit that raises money for comic creators in medical and financial need is travelling to Chicago's Wizard World Comic Con, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Hero is celebrating "M-Day," and bringing a new exclusive release and a whole lot more to booth #134/#136.
On August 12, 1996, beloved Marvel Executive Editor Mark Gruenwald passed away and on August 12, 2007, beloved Marvel artist Mike Wieringo passed away. Every year, the comics world commemorates these two gentlemen on what is now known as "M-Day." This year, on Sunday August 12, we'd like to celebrate the spirit of generosity and camaraderie amongst the comic book community that both of these creators embodied by encouraging their friends and fans to make a donation to the Hero Initiative. Go to http://www.razoo.com/story/M-Day-Mark-Gruenwald-Mike-Wieringo-Memorial-8-12 to make a donation. Fans in Chicago can or swing by the Hero booth and pick up the Marvel Apes #1 (with a Mike Wieringo cover) and the What If? Mike Wieringo tribute book at a mere $1 each.
Artist Barry Kitson is showing his support for Hero by auctioning off his FIRST sketch of the day for Hero Initiative on Friday, August 10. And this is no mere "sketch"—It's a full-figure, full-color watercolor piece! The only other sketches Barry will be doing at the con are simple head shots, so Hero Initiative's special eBay auction at http://qurls.com?i=51163 is the ONLY way to get in on this action!
And our new exclusive, 500-copy, limited hardcover edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #42 will be at Wizard World Chicago! The Hero Initiative cover features Batman and Grendel illustrated by Grendel creator Matt Wagner and colorist Ryan Brown, with all money raised going to Hero Initiative! You can pick yours up at the standard cover price of $35!
And as always, Hero has top talent at our booth, #134/#136, all weekend long!
Thursday, August 9 (con hours 12-8)
230-430: Joe Jusko
630-800: Ken Lashley
Friday, August 10 (con hours 12-8)
1230-130: Phil Hester
1230-130: Andrew Pepoy
130-230: Barry Kitson
230-430: Ken Lashley
430-530: Mike McKone
530-630: Ryan Stegman
630-800: Ken Lashley
Saturday, August 11 (con hours 10-7)
1030-1230: Ken Lashley
1230-230: Andrew Pepoy
230-430: Ken Lashley
430-630: R.B. Silva
Sunday, August 12 (con hours 10-5)
1030-1130: Ryan Stegman
1230-230: Bill Reinhold
230-430: Ken Lashley
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.
