Win Dinner with Fables Artist Craig Hamilton at NYCC 2010

In an unheard of decision, Vertigo Comics has approved the pre-sale of all 144 pages from the scheduled October 2011 Graphic Novel release Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland.  The book is currently being  worked on by writer Bill Willingham, layout artist Jim Fern, and penciller/inker Craig Hamilton.  This package of 144 pages of pencilled/inked artwork is being offered as one complete unit, a must have for the serious Fables collector.

The buyer of this artwork will receive all 144 pages of the graphic Novel, a signed/sketched hardcover from Craig Hamilton, and if the buyer so chooses, dinner with Craig Hamilton at the next New York Comic Con where he/she will receive their artwork over dinner with Craig.

Click here to bid on this auction…

The winning bidder of this auction agrees to non-disclosure of the artwork as it is currently in production.  For full details of this non-disclosure, please e-mail Bob Shaw at bob@comicarthouse.com.

Hero Initiative at SDCC with Stan Lee, Jim Lee, & More

Press Release:

Hero Initiative heads to San Diego to Celebrate Comic-Con’s 40th year!

Highlights include parties with Stan Lee, Jim Lee, Darwyn Cooke, and the premiere release of Hero Comics
Los Angeles, CA (July 14, 2009) – Hero Initiative travels to the 40th annual San Diego Comic-Con July 22-26 at the San Diego Convention center! Come celebrate with us and help us raise money for our cause. Hero will be at booth #907 all weekend with a great variety of guests, and the weekend is highlighted by three great parties featuring the top names in comics, and the premiere release of Hero Comics!

World-famous storyteller Jim Lee (All-Star Batman and Robin) has graciously agreed to host a cocktail party for five lucky fans benefiting Hero Initiative on Thursday July 23 at 4:15 pm at a four-star hotel located near the convention center.

In addition, the wildly talented Darwyn Cooke (DC: The New Frontier) has also agreed to

have a few cocktails with five adoring fans on Thursday at 5:45 pm. And each winner gets a brand-new copy of Cooke’s latest work, Parker: The Hunter from IDW Publishing!

And last but most certainly not least, the godfather of comics and co-creator of Spider-Man, the X-Man, The Fantastic Four and so many more returns! That’s right-Stan Lee will board the ComicBookResources.com yacht on Friday July 24 at 5pm. Five lucky fans will be personally escorted to the yacht to enjoy drinks and chat with the legend himself. In addition, each guest will have the opportunity to participate in a video interview on the yacht broadcast on ComicBookResources.com

To check out and bid on ALL the auctions for admittance to these parties, please visit Hero’s eBay store at: http://qurls.com?i=47916

And in collaboration with IDW Publishing, Hero Initiative also proudly premieres the highly anticipated Hero Comics at San Diego! This 32-page, no ads extravaganza features a bevy of great comic talent, and will be supported by a mega-signing with seven of its creators on Thursday, July 23rd from 3:30-5:30. Hero Comics will be on sale all weekend at the Hero booth, while supplies last.

As always, our amazing line up of guests will be on hand at Hero’s booth, #907:

WED., 22 JUL (CON HOURS 600-900 PM)
630-900 PM: Scott “Kaiser” Koblish

THUR., 23 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-700 PM)
1000-1130: Tim Seeley
1130-130: Dan Jurgens
130-330: Daniel Way
330-530: Hero Comics mega-signing w/Gene Colan, JG Roshell/Richard Starkings, David Lloyd, Bill Willingham, Art Adams, Laura Martin
530-700: Phil Hester

FRI., 24 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-700 PM)
1000-1130: Tony Parker
1100-1200: Chris Bachalo
130-330: Ron Marz + Stjepan Sejic
230-330: Mark Waid

SAT., 25 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-700 PM)
1130-130: Josh Middleton
130-330: Kaare Andrews (of Hero Comics)
330-530: Jim Valentino
530-700: Ken Lashley

SUN., 26 JUL (CON HOURS 930 AM-500 PM)
1000-1130: Kaare Andrews (of Hero Comics)
1130-130: Josh Middleton
130-230: Jimmy Palmiotti

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 $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.

Where to Find the “Special Guests” at Comic-Con International

Comic-Con International has updated their Special Guest List page with appearance information:

We’ve poured through our various schedules and listings to pull together the listed appearances of our guests throughout the convention. This information now follows the guest’s bio. These listings may not reflect all of their potential appearances. Some guests may also appear at company booths in the Exhibit Hall and other locations as well.

The Special Guest List for this year’s 40th Anniversary of the convention includes:

» Michael “Doc” Allred
» Kevin J. Anderson
» Sergio Aragonés
» Ray Bradbury
» Brom
» Gene Colan
» Nicola Cuti
» Kevin Eastman
» Steve Epting
» Mark Evanier
» June Foray
» Ramona Fradon
» Hunter Freberg
» Stan Freberg
» Gary Gianni
» Jimmy Gownley
» Russ Heath
» Brian Herbert
» James Jean
» Geoff Johns
» Eric Jones
» Kazu Kibuishi
» Dennis Kitchen
» John Kricfalusi
» Hope Larson
» Jim Lee
» Francis Manapul
» Dwayne McDuffie
» Doug Moench
» Sheldon “Shelly” Moldoff
» Fabio Moon
» Patrick Oliphant
» Bryan Lee O’Malley
» Stephan Pastis
» David Petersen
» Darick Robertson
» Jerry Robinson
» Mike Royer
» Stan Sakai
» Lew Sayre Schwartz
» Seth
» Bill Sienkiewicz
» Gail Simone
» Leonard Starr
» J. Michael Straczynski
» Richard Thompson
» Lewis Trondheim
» Ramón Valdiosera Berman
» Jerry Vanderstelt
» Charles Vess
» Landry Walker
» Bill Willingham
» Gene Yang
» Leinil Yu

DC Comics Announces Panels for Comic-Con International

DC Panels at San Diego Comic Con

July 26, 2009 – July 27, 2009

THURSDAY, JULY 23

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 1 Room 4
11:45-12:45 Superman: Two Worlds Room 6DE
2:15-3:15 Spotlight on Geoff Johns Room 6DE
5:00-6:00 JSA: The Great Society Room 5AB
6:00-7:00 Vertigo New Ongoing Series/Crime Line Room 5AB

FRIDAY, JULY 24

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 2 Room 4
11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Darick Robertson Room 4
12:30-1:30 Batman: New Dynamic Room 6DE
3:00-4:00 DC Nation Room 6DE
4:30-5:30 Wednesday Comics Room 5AB
5:30-6:30 Vertigo: View of the Future Room 5AB
SATURDAY, JULY 25

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 3 Room 4
11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Francis Manapul Room 4
12:45-2:00 DCU Editorial Presentation Room 6B
2:15-3:15 Green Lantern: Blackest Night Room 6quad
3:30-4:30 Wildstorm: This is WildStorm! Room 4
4:45-5:45 Vertigo Voices: The Fables Forum Room 6DE

SUNDAY, JULY 26

11:00-12:00 CMX: Bringing Manga to You! Room 4
12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham Room 2
2:00-3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio Room 2
3:00-4:00 Making Webcomics Room 4

SAN DIEGO 2009 PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

Thursday, July 23rd

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 1
Come learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! We’ll discuss the different needs of the DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine and Zuda. This extremely informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and provide numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4

11:45-12:45 Superman: Two Worlds
Torn between New Krypton and Earth, The Man of Steel has only just begun his latest adventure. You’ve seen the stories. A new planet of Kryptonians. Scores of super-powered beings. The people behind Superman’s future are here to face the most trying times in his life. Meet the talented folks behind Superman as they give you a glimpse of what is in store for our favorite Super-family. Featuring Superman Group Editor Matt Idelson, Geoff Johns (Adventure Comics, Superman: Secret Origins), Greg Rucka (Action Comics), James Robinson (Superman), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Renato Guedes (Superman), and more! Room 6DE

2:15-3:15 Spotlight on Geoff Johns
He is the mastermind behind the smash-hit, critically acclaimed Flash: Rebirth and DC’s most anticipated book of the year, Green Lantern: Blackest Night. Wondering what makes Geoff Johns tick? Don’t miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, Group Editor-DCU, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in the DCU. Room 6DE

5:00 -6:00 JSA: The Great Society
DC’s legendary super-team enters a new era with top talent and explosive storylines in the second half of 2009! Get the inside scoop on everything JSA right here including info on the exciting spin-off title Magog and the main series Justice Society of America from the creative minds behind the franchise. Hosted by DC’s Senior Group Editor, Mike Carlin, with top talents Bill Willingham (JSA), Matt Sturges (JSA), Freddie Williams (Final Crisis Aftermath: Run), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Jimmy Palmiotti (Power Girl) and more! Room 5AB

6:00 -7:00 Vertigo New Ongoing Series/Crime Line
It’s a new beginning for Vertigo with the launch of new ongoing titles such as The Unwritten, Greek Street & Sweet Tooth. In addition to these titles we will be launching the highly anticipated Vertigo Crime Line with some of the top talents in the industry. Hosted by Senior VP – Executive Editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger and Senior Editor Will Dennis, this panel is not to be missed, especially considering the talent present: Peter Gross (Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, The Nobody), Jason Starr, Chris Gage, Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon and others! Room 5AB

Friday, July 24th

10:30-11:30 Talent Search 2
Come learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! We’ll discuss the different needs of the DCUniverse, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine and Zuda. This extremely informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and provide numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Darick Robertson
Whether he’s illustrating Leatherface or reigniting super-teams like The Authority or launching videogame adaptations like Prototype, artist Darick Robertson has become synonymous with gritty, exhilarating artwork. Now’s your chance to hear the fan-favorite creator talk about his process and career alongside WildStorm Senior Editor Ben Abernathy. There’s no telling what these two might say! Room 4

12:30-1:30 Batman: New Dynamic
Now that the Battle for the Cowl has ended, what adventures lie ahead for the new Dark Knight? Join Group Editor Michael Marts, Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Dustin Nguyen (Detective Comics), Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), and more as they discuss the legend of Batman and what the future holds for the newest man behind the bat. Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 DC NATION
Calling all NATION recruits! Bring your friends and hear top talent discuss where the DC NATION is heading from 2009 and beyond. Sr. VP – Executive Editor Dan DiDio hosts this exciting discussion with Ian Sattler, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and more! Join them for a VIP look into the most talked about stories and events of the summer! Room 6DE

4:30-5:30 Wednesday Comics
Wednesday Comics gives a fresh twist to a grand comics tradition by reinventing the classic newspaper comics section and filling it to the brim with today’s top talent and characters! Learn all you need to know about DC’s excitingly innovative weekly 12-issue series from the title’s mastermind, DCU Editorial Art Director Mark Chiarello, and an all-star list of panelists! Believe us; you’ve never seen a panel or a project like this! Room 5AB

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: View of the Future
Vertigo, DC’s edgiest and most provocative imprint, returns to San Diego! Come and discover what’s going on at the imprint that birthed The Sandman, Preacher, Y: The Last Man, Fables and more? Wait ’til you hear about what new projects the Vertigo team is going to thrill us with next! Hosted by Senior VP – Executive Editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, Group Editor Shelly Bond, and Senior Editor Will Dennis, with Jason Aaron (Scalped), Mike Allred, Mark Buckingham (Fables), Josh Dysart (Unknown Soldier), Peter Gross (Unwritten), Amy Hadley (Madame Xanadu), Jeff Lemire (The Nobody), Chris Roberson, Matt Sturges (House of Mystery), Matt Wagner (Madame Xanadu), Bill Willingham (Fables, House of Mystery), G. Willow Wilson (Air), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), and others! Room 5AB

Saturday, July 25th

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 3
Come learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! We’ll discuss the different needs of the DCUniverse, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine and Zuda. This extremely informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and provide numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Francis Manapul
The hot up-and-coming artist Francis Manapul takes the stage to discuss his kinetic art on one of the most anticipated projects of the year: Adventure Comics with Geoff Johns! Hosted by Group Editor Matt Idelson see what’s it like illustrating the return of Superboy. Come find out from one of the freshest artists in the biz! Room 4

12:45-2:00 DCU Editorial Presentation
Dan DiDio, Senior VP / Executive Editor DCU, Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor-DCU, and countless DCU talent are gathering for a discussion that’s not to be missed. Now that Blackest Night is upon us, what lies ahead for your favorite heroes? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There’s no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6B

2:15-3:15 Green Lantern: Blackest Night
The dead are rising in the DCU – who will survive when the Blank Lantern Corps attacks? This is your only chance to hear what’s coming up in Blackest Night, the most anticipated comic event of the year! Featuring all the key figures behind the biggest, coolest threat to the DCU in years! Hosted by Group Editor Eddie Berganza with Geoff Johns (Green Lantern), Pat Gleason (Green Lantern Corps) and others! Room 6QUAD

3:30-4:30 Wildstorm: This is WildStorm!
Get the inside scoop on what’s upcoming from DC’s wildest imprint from WS-VP Hank Kanalz, Senior Editor Ben Abernathy, Fiona Staples (North 40, Trick ‘r Treat), Kurt Busiek (Astro City), Adam Beechen (Killapalooza), Christos Gage (Wildcats, Dante’s Inferno), Darrick Robertson (Prototype), David Tischman (Red Herring), Liam Sharp (Gears of War), Jason Craig (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash), Brian Wood, Rebecca Isaacs, and more! Find out about what’s new in the WildStorm Universe! There will be tons of info and sneak peaks for Wildcats, The Authority, Gears of War, World of Warcraft, Ex Machina, and much, much more! Room 4

4:45-5:45 Vertigo Voices: The Fables Forum
It’s the Fables Forum – San Diego style! Come armed with your best questions and find out everything you want to know about Fables. Featuring the creators behind Fables, Jack of Fables, and House of Mystery: Vertigo Group Editor Shelly Bond is joined by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Matthew Sturges, Steve Leialoha, Lee Loughridge, Shawn McManus, Andrew Pepoy, Chris Roberson, Chrissie Zullo and Todd Klein. Room 6DE

Sunday, July 26th

11:00-12:00 CMX: Bringing Manga to You!
Manga remains one of the hottest areas in literature and CMX, the manga imprint of DC Comics, is right in the thick of it. Join Director of Manga Asako Suzuki and Editor Jim Chadwick as they discuss the latest releases from one of the most diverse lines on the market today. We are excited to talk about upcoming new series and the ongoing series such books as Crayon Shinchan, Broken Blade, Fire Investigator Nanase, Ballad of a Shinigami, The Lapis Lazuli Crown, Emma, and much, much more! Room 4

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham
Both a master storyteller and an incredible artist, Bill Willingham has created a huge following for his best-selling books. His credits range from the DCU’s Justice Society of America, Salvation Run and Robin- to the already- classic Vertigo titles Fables and Jack of Fables and the new House of Mystery. Hosted by Vertigo Group Editor, Shelly Bond with Fables co-horts Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha. Room 2

2:00-3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio
As the con comes to a close, sit back and unwind as Dan DiDio and friends invite you to a relaxed Sunday afternoon comics discussion. Share your opinions and listen to others as some of comics’ biggest names talk about their love of all things comics. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Room 2

3:00-4:00 Making Webcomics
Join Ron Perazza (ZUDA COMICS), Kwanza Johnson (ZUDA COMICS), Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I RULE THE NIGHT), Cameron Stewart (Transmission X, VERTIGO), Molly Crabapple (Act-i-vate, Dr. Sketchys Anti-Art School) and others for an inclusive, roundtable discussion about the advantages, challenges, questions, solutions, costs and benefits of making webcomics for fun and profit. Topics include working with a publisher, self-publishing, promoting yourself, best practices, style and moving from web to print (or vice-versa)! Room 4

Source: DC Comics.com

Hero Initiative Offers Hero Comics at SDCC

Top Writers and Artists Create Hero Comics, a Hero Initiative Benefit Book

Industry superstars Howard Chaykin, Bill Willingham, J. Scott Campbell, Matt Wagner and more contribute with all proceeds benefiting Hero

Los Angeles, CA (May 18, 2009)—Hero Initiative is very proud to announce the release of Hero Comics.

The 32-page, no-ads comic, edited and produced by Scott Dunbier, special projects editor at IDW Publishing, will be released in late July with two covers, Eve by J. Scott Campbell, and Grendel by Matt Wagner. The fundraising book will contain great, all-new content including an original American Flagg! story by Howard Chaykin, and original stories by Gene Ha, Bill Willingham, David Lloyd, and Kaare Andrews.

In addition, Arthur Adams will recreate three classic Marvel Comics covers, and Hero Initiative beneficiaries such as Gene Colan, Bill Messner-Loebs and Josh Medors will tell their own personal stories, detailing their severe struggles, and Hero’s involvement.

An excerpt from Josh Medors’ story reads:
“When I am feeling almost ready to give in to my cancer, ready to throw my hands in the air and say ‘I quit!,’ I get a call from the Initiative. ‘Just wanted to see how you are doing.’ It may not seem like much, but let me assure you—When the monster bites and the pain pills aren’t working, a call like that is more effective than a Super-Soaker filled with holy water against the ol’ Count.”

This special edition comic retails for $3.99, and will be on sale at comic stores worldwide on July 29, 2009. It’s available in the Diamond Previews catalog for August-shipping items in the IDW section, order code JUN090950 .

“I’ve been an active supporter of the Hero Initiative since I was first asked to help out,” stated Howard Chaykin. “It’s particularly important in this volatile era that we remember the men and women who made our industry, and make certain that they have the happy endings they richly deserve.”

Fans will be able to get their hands on this epic treasure early at the San Diego Comic-Con, July 23-26, 2009 as well. Copies will be on-sale at the Hero Initiative booth, #907.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work on a book like Hero Comics. The job that the Hero Initiative does, helping comics creators in need, is a noble endeavor, one all of us should get behind,” said Dunbier.

All proceeds from the book benefit Hero Initiative, as all creators involved have donated their services. IDW is donating its publishing services, Comicraft is donating lettering and book design, and Try Vision Company, Inc. of Los Angeles is donating printing.

About IDW
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. As a leader in the horror, action, and sci-fi genres, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry including: television’s #1 prime time series CBS’ CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Paramount’s Star Trek; Fox’s Angel; Hasbro’s The Transformers, and the BBC’s Doctor Who. IDW’s original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. In April 2008, IDW released Michael Recycle, the first title from its new children’s book imprint, Worthwhile Books. More information about the company can be found at http://www.idwpublishing.com.

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 $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.

« Previous Page