Comics Alliance: An AOL Comic Book Community

Typically, I don't go to comics-related gallery openings, but if I lived on the Left Coast, I probably couldn't resist attending the premiere of Under the Influence: A Tribute to Stan Lee, cosponsored by Golden Apple and Gallery 1988, Tuesday, Jan. 8 from 7-11 p.m.

First off, Golden Apple and Gallery 1988 will sponsor a Be a Superhero fund raiser, in which real, live and professional comics artists will doing sketches to benefit the Hero Initiative (formerly ACTOR) of donors as their favorite superhero, so expect to see more sketches of Batman and Wolverine's less athletic brothers floating around Hollyweird than you'd ever care to see. And, Stan Lee of Who Wants to Be a Superhero? will be in attendance too.

I suspect, however, the real attraction for most of you will be the bizarre (who knew Magneto loved ducks?) and cool paintings by folks like Disney designer Eric Tan and Brandon Bird. If you love Eric's take on the X-Men below as much as I do, 100 signed and numbered posters will be available at the opening. Check the Gallery 1988 Web site the day after the show if there are any extras, should you want one...

Press Release

STAN 'THE MAN' LEE AND KEVIN SMITH TEAM UP FOR MAVERICK INTERACTIVE'S FIRST DVD RELEASE

One's the biggest name in comic book history, the other's the hottest moviemaker in the world under 40 – together they're dynamite in Marvel Then & Now: An Evening With Stan Lee and Kevin Smith, available on DVD just in time for the holidays as the debut feature from the Tampa studios of Maverick Interactive.

Filmed in front of a packed house at UCLA, Then & Now is two-and-a-half hours of Marvel tales and nuggets from the man who created Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk and legions of other legendary superheroes and nefarious villains. Lee is joined by Joe Quesada, the current editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics. Smith, director of fan favorites and box office hits like Clerks, Clerks II, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, ties the evening together as host and taskmaster.

In addition to the main feature, Then & Now sports a host of bonus material, from VIP room interviews to a behind-the-scenes reel with special guests like comic creators Brian Pulido and Jeph Loeb.

Marvel Then & Now sells for $24.99; a portion of the proceeds benefit The Hero Initiative, a charitable foundation benefiting struggling comic industry veterans.

For more information, to see a trailer, or to order, go to www.thenandnowdvd.org.

Press Release

Much-beloved comic artist Mike Wieringo passed away on August 12 of a heart attack. Many artists immediately did Wieringo tribute pieces, and many wished to donate them to charity. As Mike was a lover of both comics and animals, Mike's family elected to donate them to The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA. These pieces are being auctioned at: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZheroinitiative. All proceeds will be split between The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA.

A total of eight pieces are being auctioned, most featuring Mike's signature characters from his series, Tellos. Artists include Frank Cho, Jeremy Dale, Jamie Snell, Nate Lovett, Paul Renaud, Francis Manapul, Tom Beland, and Hero Initiative Board member Jim Valentino. There's even a Mike Wieringo original donated by Filip Sablik of Top Cow Productions.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. The Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and entrée back into paying work. For more information, visit www.HeroInitaitive.org or call 310-909-7809.

Press Release

To honor Mike Wieringo and celebrate his life, a special festive event has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 19 at 7:30 pm in Manhattan. This event, coupled with a Newsarama.com eBay Auction, is open to all fans. There will be a number of writers, artists, and contemporaries of Mike's at the New York event, with several artists doing sketches on-site. Attendees can buy sketches form artists on site, and per Mike's family's wishes, the proceeds from this event will be split between The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA.

WHAT: Celebration of the life and work of Mike Wieringo, artist of Marvel's Fantastic Four and Spider-Man; DC's The Flash and his own Tellos series.

WHERE: Flatiron Joe's, 29 West 21 Street (between 5th and 6th Ave.), New York City, 212-414-3139

WHEN: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 7:30 pm.

All are invited. There is no cover charge/door charge. In additional to donating the space, Flatiron Joe's will also make a cash contribution to The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA.

In addition, Mike Wieringo tribute art was created by a number of artists and featured at: http://www.newsarama.com/general/Ringo/RememberRingo_01.html

Pieces from Francis Manapul, Frank Cho and Brandon Peterson, Jeremy Dale, Tom Beland, Paul Renaud and Nate Lovett will be auctioned off via eBay.com after the event with proceeds again split between The Hero Initiative and the ASPCA.

"Mike was a true artist, always drawing, always learning and above all, always sharing," said Matt Wieringo, brother of Mike. "There's no better way to honor him than to have a group of his contemporaries sit down and remember him, and sketch in his honor."

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. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 310-909-7809.

Press Release

The Hero Initiative's booth is the place to be at this year's Dragon*Con, which will run August 31 – September 3, 2007. Hero will be located at Tables 1 and 2 in Artist Alley in the Hilton Hotel Galleria Exhibit Hall and is where you will find the amazing Michael Avon Oeming, Terry Moore and Whilce Portacio and more!

In addition to fabulous booth guests, Hero has the first copies of Mice Templar #1 but they are limited to 100 so stop by early. Benefit products include limited edition prints from Mice Templar, Powers, Lady Death and HeroesCon as well as the newly released soft and hard cover Ultimate Spider-Man #100 books.

Friday, August 31 (Con Hours 1 pm-7 pm)
Michael Avon Oeming: 1 pm-3 pm & 4 pm-7 pm
Whilce Portacio: 2 pm-3 pm

Saturday, September 1 (Con Hours 10 am-7 pm)
Michael Avon Oeming: 10 am-11:15 am (Panel 11:30-12:30)
Terry Moore: 12 pm–1 pm

Sunday, September 2 (Con Hours 10 am-7 pm)
Michael Avon Oeming: 10 am-2:15 pm (Panel 2:30-3:30)
4 pm-7 pm

Monday, September 3 (Con Hours 10 am-5 pm)
Michael Avon Oeming: 11 am–3 pm

For more information on DragonCon, visit http://www.dragoncon.org/index.php.

For more information, visit http://www.HeroInitiative.org.

Press Release

The Hero Initiative launches its newest benefit product, The 3-minute Sketchbook, on Friday, August 31, 2007 at 8 pm with an amazing comic talent-studded event in Los Angeles! The event will take place The Secret Headquarters, the amazing comic store/art gallery hybrid in L.A.'s trendy Silver Lake neighborhood.

The gallery opening will feature pieces from over 100 artists including Art Adams, Neal Adams, Sergio Aragones, Howard Chaykin, Frank Cho, Dave Gibbons, Gene Ha, J.G. Jones, Mike Kaluta, Josh Middleton, Mike Mignola, Terry Moore, Bill Morrison, George Perez, Andrew Robinson, John Romita Sr. and Jr., Joe Rubinstein, Tim Sale, Walter Simonson, Joe Sinnott, Michael Turner, Matt Wagner, Bernie Wrightson and more. All art is part of Hero's The 3-minute Sketchbook, a 112-page book that makes its world debut that night! The book carries a cover price of $12.99, but will be available at Secret Headquarters on August 31 at a special opening night sale price of only $10.

Fans in attendance can choose to purchase the book at $10, OR get the book WITH a custom 3-minute sketch from one of the artists who will be on site opening night. Confirmed artists include Carly Wagner (Creepy Carly), Brian Haberlin (Spawn), Tone Rodriguez (Conan), Joe Rubinstein (Captain America), Scott Koblish (Incredible Hulk), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Andrew Robinson (Star Wars), and Mike Mayhew (Vampirella).

Three original pieces will be auctioned off the night of the 31st at Secret Headquarters: Leonardo by Kevin Eastman, Iron Man by Bob Layton, and Captain America by Bill Morrison.

The remaining 139 pieces will travel to the Baltimore Comic-Con on September 8-9, where they will be auctioned off. All 142 pieces can be viewed at http://cafurl.com?i=5669. Proxy bidding is available for those who cannot attend these events by contacting Joe Davidson at yensid4disney@gmail.com.

Collector Michael Finn has been getting 3-minute backing board sketches for years. Finn has donated all the originals over to Hero, which are now being published in this book. "I think folks will be surprised at just how good many of these 3-minute sketches are," said Finn. "The Hero Initiative is a great organization, and my thanks to everyone who participated."

The Secret Headquarters is located at 3817 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026. For more information on The Secret Headquarters, visit http://thesecretheadquarters.com/.

The Baltimore Comic-Con take place September 8-9, 2007. For more information, visit http://www.comicon.com/baltimore/.

Press Release

Come to The Hero Initiative's booth #645 to see Ty Templeton, John Romita Sr. and John Romita Jr., Michael Golden and C.B. Cebulski and a whole lot more!

Not only does The Hero Initiative have stellar booth talent, but Frank Quitely will be donating an art piece, which will be raffled off via silent auction and it is the only way to get a piece of his artwork at Fan Expo! In addition, you will find lots of merchandise like CGC graded books, $1 comics, Marvel Then And Now DVDs, original comic pages and various trades that are brand new to our Canadian supporters! Also, the new Ultimate Spider-Man #100 book will be available for the first time in Canada!

Friday, August 24 (con hours 4-9 pm)
Ty Templeton: 6 pm – 7 pm

Saturday, August 25 (con hours 10-7)
John Romita Sr.: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
C.B. Cebulski: 11 am – 12 pm
Leonard Kirk: 3 pm – 4 pm

Sunday, August 26 (con hours 11-6)
C.B. Cebulski: 11 am – 12 pm
Michael Golden: 12 pm – 1 pm
Leonard Kirk: 1 pm – 2 pm
Ty Templeton: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
John Romita Sr. and John Romita Jr.: 3:15 pm – 4:30 pm

For more information on Fan Expo, visit http://www.hobbystar.com/ComicConToronto2007/CC_Comic_Home.asp.

Press Release

Munny, the Kid Robot produced vinyl toy, is now a fundraiser for The Hero Initiative, thanks to our friends at Kansas' Elite Comics and our Regional Advisory Board member Cullen Stapleton!

Starting on August 8th, we are challenging you to show us your stuff! Decorate a Munny in the best design possible. Make it Loud! Make it Bold! Make it Kick Booty! But most of all, make it by October 31, 2007. That is the final day to submit your Munny for the judges at Elite Comics. There is no cost to enter the contest besides the purchase of your Munny. In addition, you don't have to be in Kansas to participate! Just call Elite Comics at (913) 345-9910.

But wait, there's more! Not only will you be competing against your fellow local collectors, we are bringing in a professional ringer. Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, Wolverine, New Warriors, The Boys) will be submitting a Munny he is decorating specifically for this event. You have your chance now to show up a pro. Mind you, there is no shame in coming in second behind a paid professional. But imagine the fame and glory you will receive if you finish ahead of Darick Robertson. In addition, Tony Moore, current illustrator for Image's Fear Agent and DC Vertigo's The Exterminators, has offered to dress up a Munny for the contest.

Best of all, a percentage of the proceeds from each Munny sold will be donated to the Hero Initiative. AND, the winner gets the Darick Robertson Munny! So, get your Munny today from Elite Comics, start decorating it, and get it entered by October 31!

Elite Comics is located at 11842 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. They can be reached at (913) 345-9910.

For more information on Munny, visit http://www.kidrobot.com/html/munny3/index.html.

Press Release

What a combination – Paul Jenkins and a pool table! Join The Hero Initiative as we kick off Wizard World Chicago with what is sure to be The con's most talked-about event!

Come to booth #140 to challenge Paul Jenkins at pool for $30 (100% of Which will go to support the men and women Hero serves)! If you beat Paul, you can win fabulous prizes! In addition, once a day, we'll also Have:

• THE BIG DIRTY! Instead of $30, a fan can challenge Paul to a single Game for $500, and possibly with a $1000+ prize package!

• THUNDERDOME (Two men enter, Paul Jenkins leaves!) Other pros will Challenge Jenkins for some crazy stakes! Joe Quesada, Michael Turner And Mark Millar are all in, and Jenkins will even shoot BEHIND HIS BACK against Quesada to even things up!

In addition, Hero's booth #140 will have talent including Arthur Suydam, Phil Hester, Tim Seeley and Gordon Purcell! You can also win An opportunity via an Ebay auction to have a grading/restoration Detection lunch with Steve Borock from CGC. PLUS the premiere of the Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project softcover and hardcover books happens Here WITH a special 8-man signing featuring some of the amazing Artists who did the Ultimate 100 covers!

Last but definitely not least, in honor of Mark Millar's first U.S. Convention appearance in 3 years, Hero is proud to raffle off some of The HOTTEST and hardest to find Mark Millar books around for the Wizard World Chicago convention.

The raffle takes place at booth #140 so be sure to stop by to win These great signed books:

FRIDAY: Ultimates volume 2 #13 white incentive cover
SATURDAY: Civil War #1 Turner sketch incentive cover
SUNDAY: Civil War #2 Turner sketch incentive cover

BOOTH TALENT SCHEDULE
Thursday Preview Night 4:00-7:00
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 5:00-7:00
Tim Seeley: 4:30-6:30

Friday 8/10/07 (con hours 9-6)
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 10:00-12:00
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 2:00-4:00
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 5:00-6:00
Jenkins THUNDERDOME vs. Quesada: 5:30-5:45

Saturday 8/11/07 (con hours 9-7)
Gordon Purcell: 10:30-11:30
Brian Pulido and David Michael Beck: 11:00-12:00
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 1:00-3:00
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 4:30-7:00
Jenkins THUNDERDOME vs. Millar: 2:20-3:00

Sunday 8/12/07 (con hours 10-5)
Phil Hester: 10:00-11:00
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 10:30-12:30
Paul Jenkins (shooting pool): 2:30-4:30
Jenkins THUNDERDOME vs. Turner: 2:30-3:30
Arthur Suydam: 4:00-5:00

EBAY LUNCH WITH BOROCK
Back by popular demand, Steve Borock from CGC is reprising his San Diego Convention behind-the-scenes experience for you to learn Everything there is to know from the grading and restoration experts At CGC, our hobby's only independent third party certification Company. Only two lucky winners will learn how top-flight grading is Done and how restoration is detected so bid now at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300137881694.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN
On Sunday, August 12 from 1-2 PM, don't miss the massive 8-man signing Of the Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project softcover and hardcover books! Buy your books at The Hero Initiative booth, #140, or buy right at the Rosemount fountain to create your own special edition. In attendance Will be Joe Benitez, J. Scott Campbell, Michael Golden, Francis Manapul, Alex Saviuk, Jim Starlin, Jim Valentino and Matt Wagner. NOTE: Due to the large amount of creators in this signing, these Artists will be signing copies of Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project only.

BRIAN PULIDO LADY DEATH PRINTS AVAILABLE ONLY AT THE HERO BOOTH
Pulido will be bringing a selection of Lady Death prints with artwork By painter David Michael Beck, who will also be signing with Pulido, For sale ONLY at the Hero booth for one hour on Saturday from 11-12. The prints will be $20.00 or two for $35.00 or three for $50.00. Beck Has also done a penciled Lady Death drawing for the signing which will Be auctioned off for Hero.

For more information on Wizard World Chicago, visit http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/chicago.cfm.

Press Release

The Hero Initiative, a Los Angeles based nonprofit that caters to the comic book industry, announced today that the art gallery opening of its newest benefit product, The 3-minute Sketchbook, will take place on Friday, August 31, 2007.

The art gallery opening, held at Silver Lake comic book/art gallery hybrid The Secret Headquarters, will feature art on display from the sketchbook from Art Adams, Neal Adams, Sergio Aragones, Howard Chaykin, Sean Chen, Frank Cho, Dave Gibbons, Gene Ha, J.G. Jones, Mike Kaluta, Josh Middleton, Mike Mignola, Terry Moore, Bill Morrison, George Perez, Andrew Robinson, John Romita Sr., Joe Rubinstein, Tim Sale, Walter Simonson, Joe Sinnott, Michael Turner, Matt Wagner, Bernie Wrightson and more.

In addition, event attendees can get their own 3-minute sketches on the blank pages in the back of the book. Books will be sold for $10 or book with a sketch for $25.

Confirmed artists in attendance are Carly Wagner (Creepy Carly), Brian Haberlin (Spawn), Tone Rodriguez (Snake Plisskin), and Joe Rubinstein (Spider-Man). Additional invited artists include Tim Sale (NBC TV's Heroes).

Project background: Collector Michael Finn has been getting 3-minute backing board sketches for a couple years. He gives an artist a backing board at a convention and asks them to do a quick sketch in three minutes, no more. Finn has donated all the originals over to Hero which is being used to publish this book.

The Secret Headquarters is located at 3817 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026. For more information on The Secret Headquarters, visit http://www.thesecretheadquarters.com/.

Press Release

Comic City, Detroit's hometown comic book chain announces its raffle to benefit The Hero Initiative. Don't miss out on the amazing raffle items, which include items from creators such as Joss Whedon, Neil Gaiman, Simone Bianchi, Brian K. Vaughan and Tim Seeley, local area stores and three of Detroit's pro sports teams – The Red Wings, Lions and The Tigers!

The fundraiser ends on August 4 so run, don't walk to http://www.comiccity.com/new-page-4.htm and to see the generously donated raffle items NOW.

Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 at any of the 3 metro Detroit area Comic City stores.

The Hero Initiative would like to thank Jill Smethers of Comic City for this great opportunity!

Serving the metro Detroit area since 1993, Comic City is dedicated to combining the level of quality and convenience associated with multiple locations with the personal touch that only a local store can have. With locations in Canton, Novi, and Pontiac, we're right around the corner from most of Detroit.

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. For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 310-909-7809.

Press Release

The first annual Saratoga Springs Comic Con, which will be held at The Saratoga Springs City Center on Saturday, July 14, 2007, has chosen The Hero Initiative to benefit from its auction.

Local small presses in attendance include Strongarm Labs and Innov8 Studios with headlining guest artists Sid Couchey, Silver Age HARVEY Comics artist, from such HARVEY books as Richie Rich, Little Dot and Little Lotta and Rob Granito, licensed DC Comics artist. Rob has worked on many of the licensed consumer products featuring the DC Comics characters and was recent noted for designing the original one-day special issue Batman stamp for the United States Postal Service.

For the auction, items donated will be select pieces of original comic art, key collector-favorite comics and other toys and collectibles from personal collections as well as from the guest artists, vendors and comic dealer attendees.

"I look forward to being able to spread the word and also support The Hero Initiative here at the Saratoga Springs Comic Con!" said Con Promoter Chuck Brouillette.

Saratoga Springs, NY is a centuries old Summer resort town in upstate NY. It's a perfect nexus for NYC, Montreal and Boston/New England comic fans and vendors to meet, network and enjoy the art form and its history. Only thirty minutes above the state capital of Albany, the show has garnered tremendous support for those in the area that have been longing for this type of comic con experience.

For more information on the convention, visit www.SaratogaSpringsComicCon.com or www.MySpace.com/SaratogaSpringsComicCon.

Press Release

Have you ever wanted to be right on the front lines of the comic book industry? A few select Hero Initiative volunteers who have proved themselves dedicated beyond our wildest dreams are, as they are members of an inclusive and growing group called The Hero Initiative Regional Advisory Board.

People from all walks of life with one common denominator-a love of comics and helping out-have joined our team. And so much for the "Comic Book Guy" stereotype: The Hero Initiative Regional Advisory Board counts a Northrop-Grumman engineer, a high-ranking official in the Ohio attorney general's office, a decorated Operation Enduring Freedom vet, and an MBA in the financial services field in its ranks.

The Hero Initiative Regional Advisory Board engages and inspires others in the community to become involved in Hero's efforts to help comic book creators in need. Members are ambassadors in their communities, helping to increase awareness, recruit volunteers, and raise important funds for the men and women that Hero serves. Hero is fortunate to have found enthusiastic individuals in the United States and Canada who are committed to our mission. Each member brings expertise and professional experience to the advisory board and our organization. Members are also rewarded with special perks, including a personalized Certificate of Thanks signed by Hero Board member John Romita Sr., and discounts from Dynamic Forces, Tales of Wonder, and CGC.

"The great comic fans who have jumped up to volunteer their time to Hero truly are the backbone of the organization," said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. "It's important to let the world know who these great folks are, and reward them for their contributions."

"Volunteering has allowed me to stay active in the hobby of comic books, and given me the opportunity to meet some of its most esteemed creators," said Kevin Brogan, first year head of the Regional Advisory Board. "The friendships I have developed make me feel like part of the comic book artist community."

If you are interested in becoming one of our volunteers and eventually joining the ranks of this respected group, please email us at HeroInitiative@aol.com.

For more information and to contact your local Hero Regional Advisory Board member, visit http://heroinitiative.org/Content.asp?Id=7 and click on the map.

Press Release

The Hero Initiative Booth #420 and 519 has Tim Seeley at this year's HeroesCon!

In addition, don't miss getting an exclusive Michael Golden Fantastic Four print from The Hero Initiative. This Hero exclusive print is identical to the one being given away at the con, however it is printed on heavy high quality stock. The run on this print is a mere 100, and Michael will be doing remarques on the limited edition prints for a $40 donation at the Hero booth on Sunday! A Hero-exclusive edition of The Sire: Revelations #1 from After Shock Comics will also be available for sale.

Be sure to stop by the booth to get items signed by Daniel Way, to check for scheduled signing times and for surprise booth talent.

Additionally, The Hero Initiative is breaking new ground by getting "jam" sketches by pairs of artists AT DIFFERENT CONS IN DIFFERENT CITIES ON THE SAME WEEKEND! Philly sketches from Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), Joe Benitez (Detective Comics), Walter Simonson (Thor), Tom Raney (Ultimate X-Men) and Angel Medina (Spider-Man) will be FedEx'd down from WW Philadelphia! They'll be finished up by Heroes Con talent such as Dick Giordano (Batman), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle), Tim Seeley (G.I. Joe), Kyle Baker (Nat Turner) where they will be auctioned off right at the Hero HeroesCon booth on Sunday!

Fri., June 15, 2007 (Con Hours 11:00 am-7:00 pm)
Tim Seeley: 12:00-3:00, 5:00-7:00

Sat., June 16, 2007 (Con Hours 10:00 am-6:00 pm)
Tim Seeley: 11:00-2:00, 4:30-6:00

Sun., June 17, 2007 (Con Hours 11:00 am-6:00 pm)
Tim Seeley: 11:00-2:00
Michael Golden: 1:00-2:00

For more information on HeroesCon, visit http://www.heroesonline.com/con-update.htm.

Press Release

The Hero Initiative will be rocking Booth 1214 at this weekend's Wizard World Philadelphia! Booth guests include Arthur Suydam, Tom Raney and Scott Hanna!

Hero's benefit items will include products generously donated by Dynamic Forces such as The Boys #7 and The Boys paperbacks (in both unsigned versions, and signed by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson), and the Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness #1 Dynamite Cover and Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness #3 Dynamite Cover by Arthur Suydam. Additional Garth Ennis and Stan Lee signed materials will also be available, along with a Philadelphia-exclusive edition of After Shock Comics' The Sire.

Nick Barrucci of Dynamic Forces states, "We've always been a big supporter of The Hero Initiative. Their organization provides a chance for all of us to be a hero and give back to the comic book creators that have given us with so many great memories! There's going to be some great Dynamite items offered at The Hero Initiative booth this weekend, and we hope you'll offer your support!"

Additionally, The Hero Initiative is breaking new ground by getting "jam" sketches by pairs of artists AT DIFFERENT CONS IN DIFFERENT CITIES ON THE SAME WEEKEND! Charlotte sketches from Dick Giordano (Batman), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle), Tim Seeley (G.I. Joe), Kyle Baker (Nat Turner) and MORE will be FedEx'd up from Heroes Con! They'll be finished up by Philly talent such as Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies), Joe Benitez (Detective Comics), Walter Simonson (Thor), Tom Raney (Ultimate X-Men) and Angel Medina (Spider-Man) auctioned off right at the Hero Philly booth!

Also, Hero will have a rare Fantastic Four Silver Surfer Quarter Set raffle, a Oeming/Bendis Powers statue raffle as well as a Joe Kubert Hawkman statue raffle and a limited edition Arthur Suydam signed/sketched Nintendo game "Touch the Dead" sweatshirt raffle.

For more information about Wizard World Philadelphia, visit http://wizarduniverse.com/conventions/philadelphia.cfm.