Image & Multiversity Comics Host The Big Party at NYCC 2012

Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples, Sina Grace, Justin Jordan, Tradd Moore, and more appear at the Image Comics/Multiversity’s party on Friday, October 12, 2012 starting at 8:00pm during New York Comic Con! RSVP on Facebook!

Press Release: 

With 2012 being a big year for both Image and Multiversity, we thought that the best way to celebrate all the exciting things that’ve happened so far and everything that’s yet to come by throwing a bash for all of our friends. Not only that, but with the internet being home to passionate discussions recently towards the well-being of our favorite veteran creators, we thought it was important to use this event as a way to raise funds for a charity whose cause we feel passionate for. To that end, we at Multiversity alongside Image Comics will be hosting an event that we like to call The Big Party for this year’s NYCC, all to the benefit of the Hero Initiative, a charity that raises money to help support creators in need and gives to those who have helped foster, develop and pioneer the medium we all love so much.

Hosted by the Houndstooth Pub located on 8th Ave between 36th and 37th (a short 3-block walk from the Javits Center), the party will run from 8 PM to 12 AM in the Lower Level of the pub with a $10 donation to the Hero Initiative to get in. It’s a 21+ event, and will assuredly be a fun place for friends, fans and creators to meet, share a drink and mingle. The Big Party will also feature quite a few special Image guests, such as Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples (SAGA), Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore (THE LEGEND OF LUTHER STRODE), and Sina Grace, whose new graphic novel NOT MY BAG will be debuting at NYCC! Almost all of Multiversity will be in attendance as well, for those who want to talk beards and cats, and who knows — stick around and a few unexpected additional guests might pop-in as well.

To make this whole event even sweeter, we’re pleased to announce the attendance of Zac Wolf Photography’s THE DANGER BOOTH, an on-site photo booth that will allow attendants to pose for party pictures to their hearts delight. With easy access and props for extra fun, the Danger Booth will be available throughout the event and all photos taken will be uploaded to www.TheDangerBooth.com, where you’ll be able to buy prints with your smiling faces on them and download your favorite pictures from the evening.

We’re also planning a few additional things, so expect another announcement or two in the coming weeks.

So if you’d like to have a drink, groove to some music, share a chat and donate money to a great cause, please join us on Friday, October 12th for THE BIG PARTY. We look forward to seeing you there!

Houndstooth Pub
520 8th Avenue, New York, New York 10018

Kevin Brogan’s Harvey Awards Speech on Joe Kubert at Baltimore Comic-Con 2012

Via Hero Initiative:

Many at the 2012 Harvey Awards ceremony at Baltimore Comic-Con were touched by the speech Hero Initiative volunteer Kevin Brogan gave to introduce the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award on September 8, 2012. Some were moved to tears. We’ve been asked by many to share the speech, and with Kevin’s kind permission, it’s presented here:

As many of you know, Hero Initiative is dedicated to helping creators in need of financial assistance or dealing with medical issues. At the Harveys, we honor outstanding creators with two awards: the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award. But if you can indulge me for a moment…

When I was young, I read a book titled A Day No Pigs Would Die. It was the story of a pig farmer and his 10-year-old son. It went on for 300 pages, but the title was an allusion to the father dying of a heart attack, and the day of his funeral. On that day, in this one-industry town, the slaughterhouse shut down, the packing district emptied out, and Cannery Row closed as seemingly everyone turned out for the father’s funeral. On that day, “No Pigs Would Die.” The boy learned the value of his father and what made him such a great man to his friends and peers.

I suspect that on August 12, when we heard the sad news of Joe Kubert’s passing, the pens and pencils were place silently down on the drawing boards. It became “A Day No Comic Books Were Created,” as we all reflected on the greatness of this artist and his legend.

I was truly looking forward to seeing him again this weekend. I will miss him.

May God bless his family. That’s my eulogy.

Jim McLauchlin reminds me that I am Irish, and I need to celebrate the life and not mourn the passing. So let’s get back to the awards.

I was working on my notes for the Giordano Humanitarian Award when I heard the sad news. I sent this introduction as condolence to Adam and Andy Kubert. I was asked to read it as I wrote.

I met Joe Kubert through the Hero Initiative back in our early days. He was very kind to this eager fan behind the booth.

It was such a treat for me to meet him. As a would-be artist, he is an inspiration to me. And the day he reviewed my art and told me that I had talent of telling a story validated my childhood passion. Through the years at conventions, I had the chance to work and speak with Joe often. And in 2007, I was honored to provide the introduction for Joe Kubert as he won the Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award.

But today we honor him again for his humanitarian efforts.

For me, as a military man and sailor who has seen life throughout the world, Joe’s effort in telling the tale of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising of 1943 in his book Yossel, or the story of members of a special forces operation in Dong Xoia, Vietnam 1965, or the horror of genocide just a generation ago in Fax from Sarajevo all depict the compassion of a man and his commitment to the truth, using his medium to tell the tale the way only he can. What the reporters would not tell or news stations could not show, Joe captured in his art to let the world know the true reality of heroism.

I spoke with Mr. Kubert often of these books and my military experience. I am privileged to have conversed with him at such a personal level.

And tonight, Hero Initiative is honored to award Joe Kubert the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award, where Joe, through his true-to-life stories, is Changing Comics One Day at a Time.

Accepting on behalf of the Kubert Family, Paul Levitz…

John Romita Jr. and Joe Kubert Honored by Hero Initiative Awards at Baltimore Comic-Con

Press Release:

JOHN ROMITA JR. AND JOE KUBERT ARE WINNERS OF 2012 HERO INITIATIVE AWARDS

 Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian Awards given out at 2012 Harvey Awards ceremony

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 9, 2012) – The Hero Initiative, the charitable organization dedicated to helping veteran comic creators in medical or financial need, has honored two of comics’ most beloved personalities with its 2012 awards. John Romita Jr. is the recipient of Hero Initiative’s Lifetime Achievement Award, while Joe Kubert was named the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year.

Romita celebrates 35 years as an artist at Marvel Comics this year. His Marvel debut was in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #11 in 1977. His incredible body of work includes long and well-remembered runs on Iron Man, Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men and more. Romita is also the co-creator of Kick-Ass, published by Marvel’s Icon imprint

Joe Kubert is the legendary artist known for his work on Sgt. Rock, Hawkman, and much more. He’s also the founder of the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic art in Dover, N.J. Kubert passed away on August 12, 2012, but the three-person panel that determines the recipient of the Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award had already chosen Kubert as the recipient of the year’s award.

Romita Jr. joins his father, John Romita, as recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The senior Romita won the award in its inaugural year of 2006. “I had a feeling when John was only 13 years old back in 1969 and suggested the ‘Prowler’ character in Spider-Man that he might follow me into comics and art,” said John Romita. “He’s carried on the family name with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in his craft. I’m proud as only a father can be of what he’s accomplished.”

Joe Kubert won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He is the first man to win both Hero awards. “My Dad was an unusually gifted man in many senses,” said Adam Kubert, Joe’s son and a fellow comic artist. “He has touched the lives of many people both directly and through his work. It’s an honor that he has received this award.”

Andy Kubert, another of Joe’s sons and yet another legacy as a fellow artist added, “For a man as talented as my father was, both in the arts and as a person, it is truly an honor for him to receive this award. It’s the first award given to him since his passing a short time ago. For myself, my family, and I’m sure for my father’s many fans, it’s impactful.”

The Awards are given out as part of the Harvey Awards ceremony at the Baltimore Comic-Con each year. Past winners of the awards are:

DICK GIORDANO HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD:

2011: Mike Gold

2010: Jerry Robinson, Tim Sale

HERO INITIATIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

2011: Stan Lee

2010: Walt Simonson

2009: Neal Adams

2008: Nick Cardy

2007: Joe Kubert

2006: George Pérez, John Romita

 

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.

 

For more information, please visit us at www.heroinitiative.org.

 

Hero Initiative Headed to Baltimore Comic-Con 2012 with John Romita, Jr. and Tom Brevoort

Press Release:

Hero Initiative at Baltimore Comic-con With John Romita Jr. and Marvel Comics’ Tom Brevoort!

Los Angeles, CA (Sep. 4, 2012) Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in need, is travelling to Baltimore Comic-Con, September 8^th and 9^th at the Baltimore Convention Center. Famed artist John Romita Jr., one of the signature artists of Amazing Spider-Man, will anchor the Hero Initiative booth, #1705-1706.

In addition, don’t miss the Marvel Boot Camp Seminar, benefitting the Hero Initiative. This special ticketed seminar takes you behind the scenes into the inner philosophy of Marvel Publishing, as SVP – Executive Editor Tom Brevoort shares with the public for the first time the training indoctrination lecture he gives to the Marvel editorial staff. Revealing how Marvel editors think about the business of storytelling as well as inside secrets and tricks-of-the-trade, this lecture will be followed up as time permits with an open Q & A in which attendees can probe Tom’s mind on any and all questions relating to finding a career in the industry. And the proceeds all go to an excellent cause! Tickets will be available throughout the show at the Hero booth #1705-1706, at $10 per person. Be there!

 

Hero’s talent schedule at the booth is as follows:

Saturday, September 8 (con hours 10-6)

1000-1100: Chris Ivy

1100-100: John Romita Jr.

100-200: Gene Ha

200-330: Herb Trimpe

300-500: John Romita Jr.

400-500: Jeff Lemire

500-600: Mike Choi

Sunday, September 9 (con hours 10-5)

1000-1100: John Romita Jr.

1100-1200: Jeff Lemire

1200-100: Chris Ivy

100-200: Herb Trimpe

200-400: Chris Ivy

 

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.

For more information, please visit us at www.heroinitiative.org.

NYC – Dare2Draw with Dorian Vallejo

Special guest Dorian Vallejo appears at the Society of Illustrators on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 6:00pm to share some thoughts and tips in an informal chat! Featuring 90 minutes of dynamic figure drawing, with live-action models & props and our signature Dare2Draw “Quick Draw” Contests, with all art done on Blue Line Pro boards. The pro art is auctioned for artists-in-need, by Hero Initiative. More details at the link.

RSVP on Facebook!

Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065

CA – Happy! Launch Party

Co-crreator and artist Darick Robertson signs at Golden Apple Comics on Wednesday September 26, 2012 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. There will also be a live performance by the band Magnolia Memoir with a new song inspired by the comic book Happy! and a charity drive for the Hero Initiative.

Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

 

Press Release:

HAPPY! COMIC RELEASE PARTY & HERO CHARITY DRIVE

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Golden Apple, world famous comic book & pop-culture store, is having another amazing event. On Wednesday evening September 26, 2012 from 6-9pm we are hosting the official release party for HAPPY!,  the highly anticipated new series from Image Comics. Created by Industry favorites Grant Morrison & Darick Robertson, this comic debut is sure to be the next overnight success!

To celebrate the release, Golden Apple is throwing a party with Co-Creator & Series Artist Darick Robertson. He is also the mastermind behind some of the coolest & most successful alternative titles printed, Transmetropolitan & The Boys. His unique style of art and storytelling has captivated fans for over 20 years. When asked about the party, he exclaimed, “Anything to further the HAPPY-ness!”

In addition to having the creator autographing comics on the first day of release, Golden Apple has teamed up with the Hero Initiative to add a charitable element to the soiree. This year, we are encouraging fans to designate the Hero Initiative as their charity of choice at Ralphs supermarkets. If you register your Ralphs Rewards card for Hero, the organization will receive money from Ralphs every time you buy groceries at NO cost to the consumer! Just fill out the forms onsite at the event, and Hero initiative will give you a “special” present, guaranteed to make fans Happy!.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a party without music, so we will have a special live performance by LA’s own Magnolia Memoir. Their self-titled debut album has already been labeled, “…an instant classic” by fans like Grant-Lee Phillips, Margaret Cho, and Mark Flanagan, owner of  the legendary Largo-Los Angeles.  The adventurous, genre bending five-piece ensemble is heralded as one of Los Angles’ trending breakthrough bands. Critics seeking to capture the vibe of this band have described it as, “…Multiple shades of Amazing” and “Fiona Apple meets the Killers with a dash of the Clash”. Sweet, sexy, nuanced, and smart -with a healthy dash of irreverence – find out what critics and audiences have been raving about.

For the event, Magnolia Memoir plan to debut a new song inspired by the comic HAPPY!

For more information,. Visit www.MagnoliaMemoir.com

*Cocktails & snacks will be served.

GOLDEN APPLE INFO:

Golden Apple Comics has been the premier comic book & pop culture store in Los Angeles for over 32 years.  Known worldwide as the, “Comic Shop to the Stars”, the family owned business is always cutting edge & proactive in the community. Moreover, it has been has always been THE place in L.A to host groundbreaking events for creators & celebrities alike looking to make their mark in the Comic Book Industry.

For more information,. Visit www.goldenapplecomics.com or call (323) 658-6047

HERO INITIATIVE INFO:

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.

Wake Up and Draw for the King’s Birthday

Press Release:

The Hero Initiative, the charitable organization dedicated to helping veteran comic creators in medical or financial need, celebrates the birthday of Jack “King” Kirby on August 28 with a little help from The King’s family.

Hero has recruited 100 artists to get up on the morning of August 28, 2012 to simply “Wake Up and Draw.” This new event is a way for artists to limber up, get the creative juices flowing, and celebrate the day by drawing and sending a “birthday card to Jack.” All 100 drawings will be featured in a special gallery on Comic Art Fans, and fans can follow the action through the day on Twitter searching hashtag: #WakeUpAndDraw. All drawings will be auctioned to benefit Hero Initiative at a later date! Neal Kirby, son of Jack, and artist Tim Seeley are featured in a special YouTube video on the event. EDIT: Gallery is now up at Comic Art Fans!

And Jillian Kirby, Jack’s granddaughter, has spearheaded the “Kirby4Heroes” campaign. Jillian has recruited a number of comic stores to donate a percentage of their sales to Hero on August 28, and encourage their customers to make donations as well. Fans can donate via the PayPal link at www.HeroInitiative.org, and type in “Kirby4Heroes” in the special instructions box. Jillian has teamed up with Seth Laderman, head of production from the Nerdist Channel, to produce a video spotlighting the campaign. Check out Jillian’s YouTube video on the event.

“Though my grandfather Jack unfortunately died the year before I was born, I am surrounded by books, artwork, and of course family stories and anecdotes so much that I feel like I’ve known him my whole life,” said Jillian Kirby. “Even though I never had the opportunity to know him personally, I have learned my grandfather was a very giving and charitable man. I know my grandfather would have been the first to lend the Hero Initiative his support.”

Neal Kirby adds, “By supporting the Hero Initiative through the ‘Kirby4Heroes’ campaign and ‘Wake Up and Draw,’ comic book fans can honor my father on his 95th birthday in the same manner that he would have.”

IL – Ladies Night Charity Event

Special guest comic artist and illustrator Jenny Frison appears at Graham Crackers on Wednesday August 1, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00pm! Jenny will be doing sketches to help raise money for the HERO INITIATIVE as well as discussing her career and techniques with the ladies attending.

Graham Crackers Comics – CHICAGO LOOP
77 E. Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602

ON – Hero Initiative Signing & Fundraiser

Ken Lashley, Leonard Kirk, Richard Zajac, and Agnes Garbowska sign at Stadium Comics on Saturday, June 23rd 2012

RSVP on Facebook!

Press Release:

Stadium Comics is pleased to announce our next event and signing which will happen on Saturday, June 23rd 2012. This signing will be a fundraiser for the HERO Initiative, and we are super excited about the lineup of artists that will be joining us:

Ken Lashley – Comic book artist on numerous titles such as Blackhawks, Flash, Black Panther, Deadpool, X-Men, Batwing, and more! Plus lots of Star Wars related work for Hasbro, Lucasfilm, and LucasArts!

Leonard Kirk – Comic book artist on numerous titles such as X-Factor, X-Men, Supergirl, Superman, Sigil, Star Trek, New Mutants, Incredible Hulk, Aquaman, JSA, and more!

Richard Zajac – Inker on a number of projects including The Huntress, G.I. Joe, Soulfire and more! Richard also has contributed pencils to Hero Initiative books, and Thoughtless!

Agnes Garbowska – a fan favourtie at Stadium, Agnes has worked on several projects for Marvel Comics including Girl Comics and Spider-Ham. She also is the creator of several titles such as Waking Up Abbey, Imagination Station, and You, Me, and Zombie! Agnes contributes regularly to Saturday Morning Webtoons as the artist on Boo Bear and Flo.

Each artist will be sketching to raise money for Hero. There will be blank covers available for people to have sketched on, and there will be some really cool Hero Initiative merchandise, such as the Ultimate Spider-Man 100 project, the Hulk 100 project, and the Wolverine 100 project comics – which some of the artists that are attending have worked on!

We’ll also hold some raffles, and a big sale on merchandise inside the store!

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 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.

Stadium Comics
499 Main Street South, Brampton, ON L6Y 1N7

Hero Initiative at Phoenix Comic Con 2012

 

Artist/writer Stuart Immonen (New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man) will raffle off four sketches each day of the Phoenix Comicon (Phoenix AZ, May 24 – 27, 2012) to benefit the Hero Initiative. This is a rare opportunity to commission a sketch as Immonen famously declines requests as outlined in his book 50 Reasons to Stop Sketching at Conventions.

Press Release:

Hero Initiative, the non profit organization that helps comic creators in need, is spending its Memorial Day weekend at Phoenix Comic Con, May 24th thru 27th at the Phoenix Convention Center Hyatt Regency, booth #1048-1050.

Artist Stuart Immonen will be helping Hero out at the con! The artist of Marvel Comics’ X-Men and Fear Itself will be at his own artist alley table, but sketching ONLY for Hero! Stuart will do four full-size 11-by-17-commission sketches per day. To get in in, you MUST purchase raffle tickets at $1 each. Four tickets per day will be drawn, and winners will pay $200 for a single-character, full-figure grey marker wash drawing. Drawings take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at noon!

In addition, you MUST buy the Spawn/Lady Death Phoenix Con print with art by Andy Arias and inked by Todd McFarlane! Both McFarlane and Lady Death creator Brian Pulido will sign each print, limited to 250 serial-numbered pieces. All proceeds benefit Hero Initiative.

And go see John Layman! Layman, writer of the Image Comics hit Chew, has sat on both sides of the pitching process as an editor and as a creator. He’ll be putting on a special panel Sunday, May 27 at 130 p.m. to tell you what it takes to develop a winning pitch for your comics and graphic novels! Tickets to this in-depth workshop and Q&A are available ONLY with a $25 donation to Hero Initiative. Seating is limited!

And Hero’s booth schedule at the con is as follows:
Thursday (May 24) con hours 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
4:00-6:00: Mike Stewart
5:00-6:00: Denae Frazier
6:00-7:00: Ben Glendenning
7:00-8:00: Jason Gonzalez

Friday (May 25) con hours 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
12:30-1:30: Mike Stewart
1:30-2:30: Marat Mychaels
2:30-4:00: Jason Gonzalez

Saturday (May 26) con hours 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
12:30-1:30: Mike Stewart
3:00-3:45: JLA 100 signing: Andy Kuhn, Bill Tucci, Chris Moreno, Francis Manapul, George Perez, Marat Mychaels, Mark dos Santos, Ryan Cody, Scott Koblish, Scott Kolins, Stuart Sayger, Tony Parker

Sunday (May 27) con hours 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
11:30-12:30: Jim Hanna
1:230-1:30: Mike Stewart
1:30-2:30: Jay Fotos
2:30-4:00: Jason Gonzalez
4:00-5:00: Jim Hanna

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