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

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.( See attachment for cover art)

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.