Hero Initiative Hits MegaCon 2012 with George Perez and More
February 9, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Top Stories
Press Release:
HERO INITIATIVE HITS 2012 ORLANDO MEGACON
George Pérez, original covers and top costumers are among the highlights
Los Angeles, CA (February 7, 2012) Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need, will be adding to the craziness at the Orlando MegaCon, February 17-19 at the Orange County Convention Center located at 9800 International Drive in Orlando, Fla.
When you purchase your tickets for this amazing weekend, make sure you “Become the Hero!” and make a small donation to our cause. Down at the bottom of the page where it mentions, “Please support the Hero Initiative,” you can add in $1, $5 or $10 as you buy your tickets. Please purchase your tickets at: http://megaconvention.
When you get to the convention, make sure you get your picture taken with the Hero Initiative costumers just inside the D1 lobby doors. These peeps know their stuff, and they’re some of the top costumers in the nation.
The one and only George Pérez will be at the Hero booth all weekend, located at #531. Make sure to get your sketches and signatures from George here! And while you’re waiting, you’ll have the first chance to see the NEW Fantastic Four #600 original covers, our newest “100 covers” project!
Art lovers will NOT want to miss the FINAL leg of Hero’s original JLA cover auctions! The last 34 covers go up on the block Friday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 PM in Room 240c. Be there!
And to top off your weekend, the Geeks of Comedy are there to tickle your funny bone. Check out their great comedy show Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 PM in Room 221B&E.
Hero Initiative’s booth schedule, booth #531:
Friday, Feb. 17 (con hours 12-7)
All day: George Pérez
130-230: Nelson DeCastro
300-345: “100 JLA” book signing with Cully Hamner, Dan Jurgens, George Pérez, Mike Perkins, Alex Saviuk, Billy Tucci
Saturday, Feb. 18 (con hours 10-6)
All day: George Pérez
1030-1230: Allen Bellman
1240-130: Tim Sale
130-230: Phil Hester
Sunday, Feb. 19 (con hours 10-5)
All day: George Pérez
1130-1230: Darwyn Cooke
1230-130: Nelson DeCastro
130-230: Phil Hester
About The Hero Initiative
The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative 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 comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.
Nerd Nation Podcast to Spotlight Indy Creators at MegaCon 2012
January 31, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Florida
Press Release:
NERD NATION PODCAST TO SPOTLIGHT INDY CREATORS AT MEGACON!
Hero Initiative to appear
February 18th, 2012
The Nerd Nation Podcast will be hosting an Artists Alley Spotlight Panel at this years Megacon Convention. The focus will be on creating comics on a budget, the steps to take in putting together a team, and the creators books themselves.
The panel will break the mold of panels, stressing interactivity between the panelists and the audience, including one on one time with the creators. There will be a fan VS Indy creators trivia contest with dozens of prizes.
The panelists are….
Derrick Fish
www.thewellkeeper.com
Kate Carleton
www.naughtybicycle.com
Martin Pierro
www.cosmictimes.net
Mike Wagganer
www.mikewagganer.com
James Whynot
www.cosmictimes.net
The first 50 attendees will also recieve a Nerd Nation Swag Bag featuring promotional material from Megacon vendors and artists. The Hero Initiative will also be present to discuss the good work that they do and to give out information about the charity.The panel will be Saturday, February 18th at 6:30 PM in Hall 221 C.
Megacon is from February 17th-19Th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Nerd Nation podcast goes live every Thursday 9:30 Pm EST on
www.blogtalkradio.com/
MegaCon 2012 Media Guest List Keeps Getting Bigger
January 20, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Movies, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories
Press Release:
ORLANDO MEGACON MEDIA GUEST LIST IS GETTING BIGGER
MegaCon, the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi media event in the Southeast, is pleased to announce the addition of guests and events to its February 17th – 19th, 2012 show. MegaCon will take place at the Orange County Convention Center at 9800 International Drive in Orlando, FL.
TOM FELTON just added to the Megacon Media Guest list. Tom played Draco Malfoy in all eight of the award winning Harry Potter movies. He also recently portrayed Dodge Landon in the award winning Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Other media stars include:
Star Trek Voyager – Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Tim Russ (Tuvok)
Vampire Diaries – Joseph Morgan (Klaus), David Anders (John Gilbert), Lauren Cohan (Rose)
Babylon 5 – Bruce Boxleitner (John Sheridan), Peter Jurasik (Londo Mollari), and Stephen Furst (Vir Cotto)
Star Wars – David Prowse (Darth Vader), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Richard LeParmentier (Admiral Motti) and Daniel Logan (Boba Fett)
Warehouse 13 – Eddie McClintok (Pete Lattimer), Sal Rubinek (Artie Nielson), Kate Mulgrew (Jane Lattimer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel – Charisma Carpenter (Cordelia Chase), Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris)
StarGate – Tony Amendola (Natchok Var), Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett), Corin Nemec (Jonas Quinn)
Wayne’s World, True Lies, Krull the Conquerer, Warehouse 13 – Tia Carrere
Ghosthunter’s International – Scott Tepperman, Paul Bradford
Robot Chicken – Matt Senreich, Zeb Wells
Other events include:
Friday evening Indy Film Festival, Zombie Walk, Friday evening reception at the Doubletree International for MegaCon Hotel guests, Lightning Fast Speed Dating, Live music by Emerald Rose, Frenchy and the Punk, and Vic Mignogna, Saturday night anime dance, anime viewing room, Saturday night party at the Rosen Plaza, all three days Paint and Take, RPG, LARP, Card gaming and much more…
MegaCon sponsors: I AM 3D, Funimation, Comics Guaranty Corporation and Students of the Unusual
Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.
MegaCon 2012
Orange County Convention Center – West Building
Orlando, Florida
Contact Info: info@megaconvention.com or www.megaconvention.com
MegaCon 2012 Adds Stan Lee, Greg Capullo, David Finch, Etc.
December 19, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Gaming, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories
Press Release:
ORLANDO MEGACON ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL GUESTS & EVENTS
MegaCon, the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi media event in the Southeast, is pleased to announce the addition of guests and events to its February 17th – 19th, 2012 show. MegaCon will take place at the Orange County Convention Center at 9800 International Drive in Orlando, FL.
We are pleased to announce that Stan Lee will be returning for the 2012 show. We are also pleased to announce that Greg Capullo the popular Spawn artist will be joining MegaCon for the first time.
Other new comic book guests include: David Finch, Tim Sale, Karl Moline and Nathan Edmondson
New Media guests include: Charisma Carpenter from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, Mark Meers the voice of Commander Shepard on Mass Effect 1-3
For the first time ever Megacon will host a Zombie Walk. Arthur Suydam the Zombie King will also be attending.
Friday night DJ reception at the Doubletree International open for MegaCon hotel guests at all of our participating hotels
Lightning Fast Speed Dating will return with more seats available.
Live Music on all three days by popular Celtic Band: Emerald Rose, Frenchy and the Punk, and a Friday night performance by anime favorite Vic Mignogna
MegaCon sponsors: I AM 3D, Funimation, Comics Guaranty Corporation and Students of the Unusual
The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.
MegaCon 2012
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
February 17th – 19th, 2012
Contact Info: info@megaconvention.com or www.megaconvention.com
Hero Initiative JLA Covers Tour Wraps up at MegaCon 2012
November 3, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Top Stories
Press Release:
HERO INITIATIVE
ORIGINAL JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #50 COVERS MAKE NATIONAL TOUR
All 100 covers displayed and auctioned over three tour stops
LOS ANGELES, CA (Nov. 2, 2011) – The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping comic creators in medical or financial need, is taking its Justice League of America #50 show on the road.
All 100 original covers created by comics’ top artists are currently available for view on the Hero Initiative Website. And starting in December, you’ll be able to see them live and in person…and own them through on-site auctions according to the following schedule:
• Meltdown Comics, Los Angeles, CA, December 3, 2011: World premiere display of all 100 covers and auction of first one-third
• Tate’s Comics in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, FL area, Jan. 20-22: Display of remaining 2/3 and auction of 1/3.
• Orlando MegaCon in Orlando, FL, Feb. 17-19: Display and auction of final 1/3.
Proxy bidding will also be available for bidders unable to attend the events.
Art by Alex Ross
Art by Walt Simonson
The Justice League of America 100 Project represents Hero Initiative’s first major collaboration with DC Comics. DC generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of Justice League of America #50 to Hero, and 100 well-known stars such as Alan Davis, George Pérez, John Romita, Alex Ross and many more created original covers for Hero.
“I’m thrilled to be part of such a great project, and also showcased among so many of the greatest artists in the world,” said Hero Initiative Chairman George Pérez. “And of course, it’s wonderful that sales of the covers will go toward helping many comic creators in need.”
Both hardcover and softcover editions of The Justice League of America 100 Project, a book collecting all the covers, will be available for sale at all three auction venues as well.
“We are honored to support such a worthwhile cause and encourage DC Comics fans to participate in these Hero Initiative auctions that offer one-of-a-kind JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 covers,” stated Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC Entertainment.
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.orgor call 626-676-6354.
MegaCon Announces Initial 2012 Guest Lineup Including Kate Mulgrew
August 23, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under Animation, Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories
Press Release:
ORLANDO MEGACON ANNOUNCES INITIAL 2012 GUEST LINEUP
MegaCon, the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi media event in the Southeast, is pleased to make its initial announcement of guests. MegaCon will take place February 17th – 19th, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
MegaCon is proud to announce the appearance of Kate Mulgrew who played Captain Kathryn Janeway from the TV series Star Trek: Voyager
Comic book guests include: Tony Bedard, Dennis Calero, Nick Cardy, Frank Cho, Amanda Conner, Daxiong, Dan DiDio, Chuck Dixon, Paul Gulacy, Cully Hamner, Phil Hester, Rob Hunter, Dan Jurgens, Barbara Kesel, Pablo Marcos, Phil Noto, Jimmy Palmiotti, Dan Parent, Paul Pelletier, Brandon Peterson, Stephane Roux, Frank Tieri, Tim Townsend, Billy Tucci, Ethan Van Sciver, Zeb Wells
Media guests include stars from Star Trek, Warehouse 13, Vampire Diaries, Star Wars, Babylon 5, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate, Robot Chicken and Ghost Hunters International. These stars include: Kate Mulgrew, Brent Spiner, Eddie McClintok, Sal Runbinek, Tia Carrere, David Anders, Joseph Morgan, Laura Cohan, David Prowse, Daniel Logan, Richard LeParmetier, Peter Mayhew, Valerie Perrine, Bruce Boxleitner, Stephen Furst, Peter Jurasik, Corin Nemec, Tony Amendola, Paul McGillion, Scott Tepperman, and Nicholas Brendon.
Live Music on all three days by popular Celtic Band: Emerald Rose.
Other events include: children events provided by the Skiffytown Heroes, paint and take room, RPG gaming events, anime events, LAN room, belly dancing, Indy Film Festival, movie trailers screening room, Saturday evening dance, late night adult only dance, and professional panel room.
The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.
MegaCon 2012
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
February 17th – 19th, 2012
Contact Info: info@megaconvention.com or www.megaconvention.com
Con Artist Alley: The Saga of Rob Granito
March 28, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, New Jersey
Since Thursday, when Bleeding Cool posted the article “Who On Earth is Rob Granito?“, the internet has been buzzing with discussion of convention staple Rob Granito, called out for swiping artwork done by other artists and making false claims about his credits in the comic book and animation industries. Heightening the attention this received was the fact that Rob was attending the MegaCon convention in Orlando this past weekend as a “Featured Artist, ” and many waited with anticipation online to see if Rob would show up, and if so, would be confronted about all this and possibly tossed out of the convention. While I believe Rob did make it through the convention (I saw him myself there on Saturday), he was indeed confronted by such attendees as artist Ethan Van Sciver and writer Mark Waid. On YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, Rob became a hot topic of conversation, and people’s awareness of him has increased tenfold, but not in a way he would have desired, I’m sure.
Rob’s artwork has been exposed as a series of typically poorly-done swipes of other artists. That in and of itself could be a reason for condemnation, but how Rob made things much worse for himself was by inflating his published credits, claiming to work on various comics and animated series, when no one has been able to confirm any of his claims. The latest allegations against him include him paying other artists for commissions that he in turn sold at conventions, claiming that he was the artist of them.
Convention promoters are beginning to respond to all of the attention with the Chiller Theatre Expo apparently removing Rob from the guest list for their upcoming show, and Wizard World allegedly banning him from attending future cons.
A Facebook page called Robert Granito Is A Fraud went from nothing to over 2,000 fans in the past few days and is a good place to keep up with the latest on the story.
Here are also are some videos taken at Rob’s table at MegaCon:
MegaCon Report
March 28, 2011 by Joe Fauvel
Filed under Collectibles, Comic Books, Con Reports and Photos, Florida
MegaCon Report from Convention Scene New Editor Joe Fauvel.
Check out the blog from his comic book, CRY, website!
Hero Initiative Announces MegaCon 2011 Schedule
March 24, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under Collectibles, Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Top Stories
Press Release:
Hero Initiative travels to MegaCon!
Special Iron Man screening
And several famous friends hanging at the booth!
March 21, 2011: 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 25 thru 27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. You can purchase tickets directly by logging onto: You can purchase your tickets to Megacon using Hero Initiative’s special link online at: https://www.megaconvention.com/shop/partner/hero/
Use this link, and MegaCon will donate a portion of each ticket purchase to Hero at NO extra cost to you—a true win/win!
In the evening after your MegaCon day is through on Friday, March 25, we heartily encourage you to truck on over to the Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium Cinema Regal Point Orlando Stadium Cinema, 9101 International Drive, and check out a comics classic—Iron Man! You can get in to a special MegaCon-sponsored 9 PM showing for a mere $5, and your ticket stub will even get you 20% off at Hooter’s, and free cover at the Ice Bar. The Regal Pointe Orlando Stadium Cinema is RIGHT down the street from the convention center. You don’t even have to turn off International Drive! Hope to see you there to support Hero’s great cause!
Make sure you stop by our booth, #624, and pick up our newest release, Archie: 50 Times an American Icon, and get it signed by Joe Jusko, Dan Parent, Mike Perkins, George Perez and Jim Valentino! Saturday only, Rachael Carr, the hostess of Love101TV.com
Talent line up as follows!
Friday, March 25 (hours 12-7)
1200-200: George Pérez
1230-130: Khoi Pham
130-230: Tim Sale
130-230: Mark Waid
230-330: Roy Thomas
300-400: Jim Valentino
400-600: George Pérez
Saturday, March 26 (hours 10-6)
1030-1230: George Pérez
1100-1200: Rachael Carr
1230-200: Denny O’Neil
230-330: Dan Panosian, Dave Johnson
230-330: Mark Waid
330-430: Rachael Carr
330-530: George Pérez
Sunday, March 27 (hours 10-5)
1030-1130: George Pérez
1145-1230: Jim Valentino
100-300: George Pérez
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.
MegaCon Adds Robot Chicken Writers and More for 2011
February 2, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Florida, Top Stories
Press Release:
ORLANDO MEGACON ANNOUNCES 2011 GUEST UPDATES
MegaCon, the largest comic book, anime, gaming and multi media event in the Southeast, will take place March 25th – 27th, 2011 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
MegaCon Guests of Honor
Comic Book Legend Stan Lee and Star Trek Icon William Shatner
New guests added: Matt Senreich & Zeb Wells from Robot Chicken, J. Scott Campbell (Spider-Man, GEN 13), Mark Bagley (Trinity, Spider-Man), Frank Tieri (Iron Man, New Excalibur), Tim Townsend (Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men)
Advance guaranteed autograph tickets and VIP Package for Stan Lee now available
Stan Lee advance autograph tickets: These tickets guarantee an autograph with Stan Lee. (Autographs will also be available at a first come first serve basis at the show but these autographs will be limited.)
Stan Lee VIP Package includes: an advance autograph, professional photo op that includes 8 X 10 photo with Stan, Stan Lee VIP badge and lanyard, preferred seating at Stan’s panel, and an exclusive commemorative item TBA
William Shatner Captain’s Reception VIP special evening event
Meet William Shatner personally at a small limited attendance reception, signed 18 X 24 limited edition (timeless) print, professional photo op that includes 8 X 10 photo with William Shatner, (one additional person may join you for the photo op and reception) Light refreshments will be served
Other events include: children events provided by the Skiffytown Heroes, paint and take room, RPG & LARP gaming events, Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic the Gathering card games, anime events, speed dating, LAN room, belly dancing, Indy Film Festival, movie trailers screening room, special showing of The Room on Saturday evening, Saturday dance, and professional panel rooms.
MegaCon has negotiated special rates at several hotels in the Convention center area. Order online through www.megaconvention.com or call (888) 538-3922 Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm Eastern
Anyone making a reservation through the Megacon block will be entered into a drawing to win one free night hotel stay. Winners will be determined on March 18th. All winners will be contacted by March 20th
The MegaCon guest list is constantly growing. Check www.MegaConvention.com frequently for more updates.
MegaCon 2011
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
March 25th – 27th, 2010
Contact Info: info@megaconvention.com or www.megaconvention.com
