The Hero Initiative

Hero Initiative 2012 Memberships: Now with Walt Simonson sketches!

2012-01-16T11:56:00.001-08:00

Yup. You can—and should!—still sign up for Hero Initiative 2012 memberships! At our highest Excelsior! level, membership even comes with a sketch of a character of your choice on a special Hero Initiative board by George Pérez or Walt Simonson.George showed off some of his earlier. Now Walt's deadlines have allowed him to join in.Speaking of "join in," you should, too!Jim McLauchlin

Hero Initiative at MegaCon, 2012!

2012-01-16T07:56:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's the proverbial three-ring circus and all.The Orlando MegaCon is one of comics' biggest and craziest conventions, and we at Hero Initiative would feel badly if we weren't doing our part to add to the crazy.So. Go get your tickets. And when you do, feel free to make a small donation to Hero at the same time. Down at the bottom of the page where it says "Please support the Hero Initiative,

Julius Schwartz Cover Proofs and JLA Auction at Tate's Comics!

2012-01-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

The social event of the season will take place Jan. 21, 2012 at Tate's Comics in Lauderhill, FL, in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area. Tate's famous Bear and Bird Gallery will have 297 vintage DC Comics cover proofs from 1964-1974 that once belonged to legendary DC Editor Julius Schwartz. These blank-backed cover sheets were the final printer's proofs Schwartz would review before a book would go to

Limited offer: Free Will Eisner poster!

2011-12-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

The Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation is a great organization that has done many nice things to help Hero Initiative. Here's one right now:We have a limited number of promotional posters from the 2011 Will Eisner's New York exhibit at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. While supplies last, if you purchase selected prints from Hero's eBay store, we'll kick in a FREE copy of this poster

Need help ID'ing some great Jack Davis art!

2011-12-29T11:03:00.001-08:00

Folks,Jack Davis kindly donated this art to Hero Initiative…but even he's not sure what it is! He thinks it might be a Time magazine piece. If anyone can ID, please let us know in the comments section here. Thanks!And a link to a mighty ComicArtFans.com gallery with this…here!Jim McLauchlin

Hero Initiative 2012 Memberships: Now with George Pérez sketches!

2011-12-27T14:40:00.000-08:00

The time is ripe to sign up for your 2012 Hero Initiative membership!And for those of you who feel very generous, you can get a head sketch of a character of your choice by either George Pérez or Walter Simonson! One smart guy already owns the Galactus, above!Maybe you can lay claim to this Scarlet Witch…Or if your tastes run more to willpower, there's always this great Green Lantern!Get ’em

Kevin Eastman's ENTIRE Studio auction: It's ON!

2011-12-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

The auction to end all auctions is up and running! Check it out, because:a) It's super-cool; andb) A nice slice of the proceeds go to Hero Initiative!Seriously. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman is auctioning off his entire studio in one fell swoop. This is one for the ages.And make sure you make the party at Meltdown Comics on January 4, 2012 as well, huh?Jim McLauchlin

Kevin Eastman studio auction: Video and list-out!

2011-12-21T11:43:00.001-08:00

Perhaps the craziest, coolest auction of all time!Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman has moved his entire studio into Meltdown Comics. AND he's gonna auction the ENTIRE thing off in one giant lot!The KEVIN EASTMAN ART STUDIO auction will run for 10 days beginning Dec. 25th, Christmas Day, at 9:00 PM (PST). It will wrap the evening of January 4th at 9:00 PM, which will be the

Hero Initiative 2012 Memberships: EVERYONE gets a tote bag!

2011-12-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

They're up!Hero Initiative 2012 memberships are now available. For as little as $29 a year, you can show your support for Hero and get some very cool swag.AND you can show the world you care by using your Hero tote bag to carry your sketchbook, hand sanitizer, and Doritos to your next convention.Get ’em while they're hot, folks!Jim McLauchlinP.S. We know "Excelsior" is spelled wrong on the sample

Hero Initiative's Deep Discount Quickee Christmas Items!

2011-12-19T07:24:00.001-08:00

Ugga. So. Hero Initiative has a self-storage locker where we store our convention setup, more paperwork than you can imagine, extra inventory on our books, etc. The storage facility has lost its lease, and I get to move 13,000 pounds of books on January 2. Brother, can you spare a back brace?As it's easier, weight-wise, to move ’em one at a time, we'll help you with last-minute Christmas shopping

Josh Medors and Stan Lee prints…almost gone!

2011-12-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

The best of all possible Christmas gifts? Well, that would be the stellar Spider-Man print autographed by Josh Medors, Josh's recreation of Steve Ditko's classic Amazing Spider-Man #33 cover that ran on Roy Thomas. Alter Ego #105. Still available for tree-underin'!But those of you looking for a more rare bird best act NOW! Of the 250 prints, a mere 50 were signed by BOTH Josh and Stan Lee. Hero's

Darwyn Cooke's 12 Days of Christmas!

2011-12-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

It begins!Darwyn Cooke, raconteur, man-about-town, and occasional writer and draw-er of comics, has opened up the vaults once again for a STELLAR almost-fortnight of great auctions benefiting Hero Initiative. Last year, among other things, Dar helped pay for Russ Heath's new knee. This year? Who knows? Maybe we'll get someone a pancreas!Things get started with a killer Parker package (above), and

Kevin Eastman auctions off…his entire freakin' studio!

2011-12-13T07:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, you gotta admit: This is pretty cool!Kevin Eastman has moved his entire studio into Meltdown Comics in Los Angeles, including every item you see above.And because Kevin is a delightful kind of crazy, he'll be auctioning off the ENTIRE thing as one lot starting December 25. Talk about a Christmas present of crazed-out proportions! Won't fit under most trees, but still…And Kevin will be

JLA cover auctions—one down, two to go!

2011-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

The first round of our JLA cover auctions has been completed! And you can see the pics at Hero's page at PopCons.com!Next up, Tate's Comics, Jan. 21, 2012;And Orlando MegaCon, Feb. 17-19, 2012.We hope to see you there. Now check out the pics, including Mike Kunkel and daughter (below)!Jim McLauchlin

Some quick words from Jerry Robinson

2011-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Legendary comic artist and humanitarian Jerry Robinson has passed away, aged 89 years. There are many eulogies and obits already, I'm sure, trumpeting his works both in art and in service to his fellow man. And they are all well deserved. He was a great guy.The only thing I'd like to add are just some brief excerpts from an interview I did with Jerry back in 2002, while researching a Bill Finger

This party just got REAL!

2011-12-05T15:31:00.001-08:00

Parties are great. The only thing better? Parties with free food and drink!And so it comes to pass that the Hero Initiative/Golden Apple bash this Friday night, Dec. 9, will have free food and drink from the mighty Seyj Catering! All you have to do to participate and partake of our bounty is bring your your Ralphs Rewards card, or an old cell phone or ink cartridge!And there's even a GREAT raffle

Acme Comics Takes the Initiative

2011-12-05T14:18:00.000-08:00

Big thanks—like 3,095 times over—go out to Acme Comics of Greensboro, NC. The forward-thinkers at Acme came up with an idea that turned out to be great for everyone—Hero Initiative included.Acme asked its customers to bring in old, unwanted comics for Acme to accumulate. The staff there matched every book brought in with one of its own, tirelessly sorted and alphabetized the stock, and held a

Darick Robertson at Golden Apple Dec. 9!

2011-11-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

Folks,Truck on over to L.A.'s mighty Golden Apple Comics on Friday, December 9 at 7 PM to meet Transmetropolitan and The Boys artist Darick Robertson. And ’cause we're nice guys, you can even get a FREE copy of Transmetropolitan: All Around the World or The Ultimate Spider-Man 100 Project if you help Hero Initiative out in one of two totally painless ways!• Bring in your Ralphs Rewards card and

JLAs at Meltdown Dec. 3: Facts and figures!

2011-11-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Folks,We're only a couple weeks away from the star-studded world premiere of ALL of Hero Initiative's Justice League of America #50 covers! The time and place is…Meltdown Comics7522 Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90046The event starts at 6 PM with your FIRST chance to pick up a copy of The Justice League of America 100 Project in both hardcover and softcover editions. SEVEN of the participating

MORE Hero Comics blank covers

2011-11-14T11:50:00.001-08:00

Including THIS great Hulk from Alan Kupperberg!Coming soon (or sooner or later) to an eBay near you.More details…here!

Hero at Mid-Ohio con!

2011-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

Folks,Hero had a rollickin' good time at the recent Mid-Ohio Con, anchored by our ol' pal Angel Medina (above). Hero volunteers Craig and Sandy Wetterman ran a tight ship as always, and FoH (that's Friend o' Hero) Mike Grell, below, also made the scene!But the best part was a last-minute appearance by our friend Josh Medors (below). Josh has been up and down the ladder a tad as he continues to

Meltdown JLA event December 3—BE THERE!

2011-11-07T15:37:00.001-08:00

Folks,All the cool kids are going to be at:Meltdown Comics7522 Sunset Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90046Saturday, December 3 at 6 PM.That's the world premiere of ALL 104 Hero Initiative original Justice League of America #50 covers—and we'll even be auctioning off the first 35 covers that night! Get thee to Meltdown for your ONE and only chance to see ALL this great artwork live and in person.And in

Darwyn Cooke, welcome to Long Beach!

2011-10-27T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hero Initiative is both proud and pleased to have writer/artist Darwyn Cooke as out guest at the Long Beach Comic Con this weekend, Oct. 29-30, 2011! Swing by booth #213 and chew the fat with Dar. And did we mention our pals at IDW Publishing also debut Parker: The Martini Edition at booth #201 this weekend? We just did? Well, okay then!And art lovers of the world, take note of the below: Darwyn

It's Hulktober at Graham Crackers!

2011-10-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

The calender—trust me—says it's Hulktober, soon to be Hulkvember. And in celebration, you can get Hero's stellar Hulk 100 Project softcover for HALF PRICE at Graham Crackers Comics when you buy Marvel's new Hulk #1 or Hulk #2.Check out Graham Crackers' nine Hulk-a-riffic Chicagoland locations, or the ever-popular Website.Jim McLauchlin

FREE stuff from Hero at Long Beach con!

2011-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

No matter if your tastes run to spiders, or…well, spiders, we guess—Hero Initiative has something for you at the Long Beach Comic Con, Oct. 29-30, 2011.Sign up your Ralphs Rewards card for Hero or bring us your old, unused cell phones and printer cartridges, and we'll give you great free stuff in return!If you like spiders (as in Spider-Man), there's The Ultimate Spider-Man 100 Project softcover,

Tom Ziuko reminds us: ANY time is a good time

2011-10-21T13:29:00.001-07:00

In terms of credits, well…Tom Ziuko has a raft of them as a comic colorist: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Action Comics, Superman, some Hellblazer stuff I remember very well, and the beat goes on. Dude has a resumé to die for.Alas…he almost did. Tom has been laid low by kidney problems of late, but always soldiers on. Hero Initiative has helped him in that soldiering of late, and…maybe it's best

Hero pics from New York Comic Con 2011

2011-10-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hero Initiative was honored beyond belief to have the great Al Plastino at our booth at the recent New York Comic Con. To see pics of Al and more, please hustle over to Hero's journal at the mighty PopCons.com!Jim McLauchlin

See? We TOLD you Hero Comics blank covers existed!

2011-10-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

See?This one from Sam Kieth!Jim McLauchlin

Clip and Save! Hero's New York Comic Con 2011 booth schedule!

2011-10-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

Folks,As above. If your tastes run to Tom Raney or Matt Fraction or Steve Dillon, well, we can help satisfy that hunger!A quick note for you autograph collectors out there—and we know you're out there! Convention appearances by Ralph Reese, Chris Ivy or Robert Washington are exceedingly rare! So this is an outstanding opportunity to crack out those old back issues and get them signed.And over at

Hero Comics blank covers: Yes, they exist!

2011-09-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

And the next rare bird you'll be seeing: Hero Comics 2011 blank covers. Yes, they exist. But just barely.A mere 100 of these were manufactured in conjunction with IDW Publishing's release of, yes, Hero Comics 2011. Of those, 50 belong to our ol' pal Joel Elad. I'm sure he'll be sliding a few out into the marketplace soon enough. As for the other 50…Hero Initiative will likely be spreading them

More great PopCons pics; Dragon*Con Edition!

2011-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

George Pérez! Steve Dillon! Spider-Woman! Fabulous comic babes! Corsets! Starfire!Get thee to Hero Initiative's PopCons.com page to see our latest pics from 2012's Dragon*Con in the ATL! You'll be glad you did!Jim McLauchlin

New Hero video and New York Con Panel

2011-09-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

All,Check out Hero's YouTube page in general, or feel free to hop straight to a new cut of a Hero video, specifically highlighting some of the very specific people with very specific stories whom we've helped.And speaking of which, Hero will be at the New York Comic Con Oct. 13-16. On Friday, Oct. 14 at 11 AM, Hero will have a panel with some OTHER folks we've helped. Full details below. Hope to

Convention tickets and Hero bucks!

2011-09-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

The Long Beach Comic & Horror Con fast approaches! You'd best be making a beeline to the LBC Oct. 29 and 30 to make the scene! But to do that, you'll need Long Beach tickets! And while you're picking those up, we heartily encourage you to donate an additional $5 to Hero at time of purchase. Just click on the Hero Initiative logo as you're making your purchase, and slide us a few bucks. The con

Hero's (great-smelling) love affair with Black Phoenix

2011-09-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

There are some people and entities whom, in a behind-the-scenes sense, have been critically important to Hero Initiative's success and ongoing mission. Dave Sim is one of those people. Paradise Comics in Toronto is one of those entities. Steve Gerber. A lawyer name'a Harris Miller. Others. Someday, I may get to those stories.But today, it's Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's day to bask in some light.

More great Hero con pics: Albuquerque, San Diego, Chicago!

2011-09-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Get your peepers over to PopCons.com, and in particular, Hero's convention journals there! We just posted a bountiful bevy of new pics, including things such as…Joe Quesada on the Hero Initiative yacht at San Diego:Mighty Matt Wagner at Wizard World Chicago:And Bernie Wrightson and James O'Barr at the Albuquerque Comic Expo!Seriously, PopCons is a great repository for convention pics that YOU can

Hot dogs help Hero! Really!

2011-09-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hey, Hero Friends in California,It's time for the Labor Day tradition right up there with backyard barbecues and dreading school—the annual re-upping of your Ralphs card for Hero!On September 1, Ralphs wiped the slate clean, and we need to build back from Square One!When you register your Ralphs Rewards card with a Ralphs-approved charity, EVERY time you shop and use the card, Ralphs will kick in

Running for Hero at Razoo!

2011-08-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Folks, Razoo.com is a new-ish, Kickstarter-styled charity Website where, of course, Hero Initiative has a presence. And the BEST part is, individuals can start their own fundraisers as well! And so it comes to pass that Wendi Freeman (above) and Dan Bertwell (below) are running some 5Ks and marathons to benefit Hero. Check out their Razoo pages, and drop a nickel in the coffers. Of, if ya want

Separated at birth?

2011-08-09T07:59:00.001-07:00

Super-Grendel fan Kanen Flowers (above) got some new ink recently while in Cabo San Lucas. If it looks familiar, it's with good reason… You can get one yourself, too (the book; not necessarily the tattoo). You can also get for half-price at August 11-14's Wizard World Chicago! See you there! Jim McLauchlin

Clip and Save! Hero's San Diego 2011 booth schedule!

2011-07-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

And thar she blows. In easy, carry-around format!We're booth #5003. See you there.Jim McLauchlin

Overstreet #41 land rush is ON!

2011-07-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

Folks,San Diego looms large and looming within it…this year's Hero Initiative-exclusive Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #41!As is befitting a tome of this stature, this year's guide features GREAT Hero-exclusive art by the all-star team of John Romita, Tom Palmer and Dean White. Only 500 hardcover copies have been made, and you get first crack at ’em at Hero's booth, #5003, at the San Diego con

George Perez at Acme Comics, July 2

2011-07-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

The inimitable George Pérez will be appearing at Acme Comics in Longwood, FL on Saturday, July 2 from 11 AM ’til 2 PM signing autographs and doing quick sketches for benefit of the Hero Initiative. Swing by and say "hi!"For directions, more info and blueberry muffins*, check out Acme's Website.Jim McLauchlin* NOTE: Blueberry muffins not included.

Some good Josh Medors news all around

2011-06-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Josh Medors is a comic artist with an exceedingly rare form of cancer which has attacked his spinal cord. Hero has helped him out with some dough, and much-needed medical referrals and resources.Recently, Josh was hospitalized again with a lung infection, resultant in part from a weakened immune system due to the chemotherapy he has to take. Chest tubes, ventilators, the whole nine.We're happy to

Dan Wickline and Phoenix Comicon rather kick ass

2011-06-27T13:57:00.001-07:00

The letter pretty much says it all. Dan Wickline, comic writer and all-around great guy, held a writing workshop at the recently completed Phoenix Comicon, and folks ponied up $20 a pop to attend. Dough to Hero, and at the end of the day, another $580 landed in our coffers to help out comic creators in medical and financial need.Thanks all around, and Hero plans even bigger and better at Phoenix

Your quote of the day: “Guy drew like a dream.”

2011-06-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from Jackie Robinson, who once said that, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”Many others are eulogizing and chronicling the life of Gene Colan today, as well they should. Here are a few anecdotes that speak to the impact Gene Colan had on others’ lives, from some people you might not know.Hero Initiative volunteer Wendi

Hero Comics 2011 Hits at San Diego; then July 27!

2011-06-20T07:53:00.001-07:00

The book, she is at the printer!Hero Comics 2011, the labor of lots of love and some gristle that IDW Publishing's Scott Dunbier has spent way, way, way too many unpaid hours shepherding, is finally ready to spring fill-born ’pon an unsuspecting populace.In addition to the knee-buckling reuniting of the original Sandman team of Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg and Sam Kieth we mentioned earlier…•

Last call coming, 2011 Hero memberships!

2011-06-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

Folks,Hero Initiative memberships run on a calendar year, as we'd feel pretty poorly about takin' all your money for less than half a year. That said, the DEADLINE to get in on memberships for 2011 fast approaches: June 30, 2011!If you're thinking about signing up, we suggest you do so QUICKLY! As a li'l reminder, one randomly selected 2011 member who sends us a pic will also win CUSTOM Walt

Putting the band back together: Gaiman, Dringenberg, Kieth

2011-06-08T08:18:00.001-07:00

When it comes to doing the impossible, there's a dude who doesn't really recognize that "impossible" exists. Ladies and gentlemen, there is only one Scott Dunbier. Accept no substitutes.Scott is the über-editor over at IDW publishing who has taken it upon himself to put together two Hero Comics anthologies. The 2011 version hits stores July 20 (yup, the same day the San Diego con opens), and

Take your left turn TO Albuquerque!

2011-06-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Albuquerque Comic Expo is yet another kickass convention that's making it bone-simple to donate a couple of shillings to Hero!Just order your tickets, and when you do, right at the top of their "cart" page is an option where you can optionally add a donation of $1-$10 to Hero. Do it today, you'll be glad you did! Dropping a nickel in our coffers has NEVER been easier…and then you get to go to

Get thee to PopCons for great convention pics!

2011-05-27T07:18:00.001-07:00

All the cool kids know: If you want to see the best in comic conventions and all they have to offer—including creators, celebrities, art, costumes and more—PopCons.com is your one-stop source. They now have decades worth of photos from great conventions. Heck, you can even see Howard Chaykin wearing glasses that look like they've been repurposed into lenses from the Hubble telescope.And of course

Overstreet #41 Cover…the Process!

2011-05-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Process junkies of the world…unite! We give you the step-by-step on the STELLAR Hero-exclusive Overstreet #41 cover that will be available at this year's San Diego con!(And ya know what? No one guessed that that's what this piece was for!)It starts, of course, with the gorgeous pencils and amazing attention to detail of the inimitable John Romita!John, being a man of great taste and distinction,

Hero Memorial Day sale at Phoenix Comicon!

2011-05-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hero Initiative will be wheelin' and dealin' at the Phoenix Comicon over a looooong weekend, May 26-29 at the Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix. Look for special sales on TONS of Hero merch, with savings of up to 80% off regular prices!Get there, save a buck, help the cause, and walk away with some cool swag!Jim McLauchlin

John Romita/Tom Palmer art; take a guess!

2011-05-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Splendid, splendid, splendid stuff from two masters: John Romita and Tom Palmer!Anyone wanna guess what this is for? You'll find out soonly…Jim McLauchlin

Joe Madureira Ultimates art up for auction!

2011-05-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Joe Madureira is a heckuva nice guy. So much so, that a couple years ago, he donated some of his Ultimates 3 pages to Hero Initiative. Now Joe parts with his originals very dearly—it's a rarity when he lets them go. But he gave a few to us ’cause…well, as mentioned, he's a heckuva nice guy.The others were auctioned of a couple years ago at New York Comic Con, but we still have a two-page spread

Hero members FREEBIE at San Jose con, May 21-22!

2011-05-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

Folks,As we're such nice fellas, we love to show a li'l love to our Hero Initiative members. So if you're one of the anointed few, all you have to do is flash your Hero membership card at the San Jose Big Wow Comic Fest May 21-22 and get a FREE super-cool print!You choose from Frank Cho's Howard the Duck, Dan Brereton’s Iron Fist, or the Terry Moore/Matt Wagner Strangers in Paradise/Grendel! All

Hero product sale at Atomic!

2011-05-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

Folks,Books, button, prints, you-name-it. Practically the whole durned Hero product catalog is on sale this month at Hero's store at Atomic Comics!Heck, you can get Hero Comics for a mere 80 cents! Five-buck T-shirts! Hop to it! Sale runs through May 31, so get in while the gettin's good!Jim McLauchlin

If you buy ONE thing on Free Comic Book Day…

2011-05-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

…make it this:The Spider-Man print, limited edition of 250 pieces. Autographed by artist Josh Medors at $25, autographed by BOTH Medors and Spidey co-creator Stan "The Man" Lee at $100.Health permitting, Josh will be at Packrat Comics in Hilliard, OH in suburban Columbus, on Free Comic Book Day, May 7.You can also order via Packrat's blog.Thanks!Jim McLauchlin

Hero Comics 2011 is coming, Sam Kieth preview!

2011-05-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

Folks,Hero Comics 2011 is on its way, courtesy our pals at IDW Publishing!As part of the festivities, Editor Scott Dunbier is "putting the band back together," reuniting the ORIGINAL Sandman creative team of Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth and Mike Dringenberg. That trio will be doing an all-original story for the book, and one-third of that team will be taking you behind the scenes.Sam Kieth has finished

Order Long Beach tickets NOW and help Hero!

2011-04-27T18:23:00.000-07:00