Clifford Meth updates Gene Colan’s health (not great but hanging in there) and reveals that Marvel is doing the right thing:

Not only has Marvel Entertainment awarded Gene Colan a generous retirement bonus, but also plans are underway for an impressive tribute book for early 2009. While the project has not been officially approved, it appears that I will soon be editing THE INVINCIBLE GENE COLAN for Marvel. I’ll share more details as they emerge.

Good news.
[Via Blog@Newsarama]

The Hero Initiative will have a full slate of signings, an appearance by Ron Wilson and debut the Mike Wieringo Tribute Book at HeroesCon. Details:

BOOTH SCHEDULE
Friday, June 20 (con hours 11:00-7:00)
12:00-3:00: Ron Wilson
3:00-4:00: Matt Wagner
4:00-5:00: Ethan van Sciver

Saturday, June 21 (con hours 10:00-6:00)
10:30-12:00: Ron Wilson
12:00-1:00: Ed Brubaker + Steve Epting
2:00-3:00: Tom Scioli
3:00-4:00: 10-man: Richard Case, Todd Dezago, Cully Hamner, Stuart Immonen, Barry Kitson, Nathan Massengill, Jeff Parker, Val Staples, Mark Waid, Matt Wieringo
4:30-5:30: Darwyn Cooke

Sunday, June 22 (con hours 11:00-6:00)
11:30-1:30: Ron Wilson
2:30-3:30: Ethan van Sciver
3:30-4:30: 9-man: Richard Case, Todd Dezago, Cully Hamner, Barry Kitson, Nathan Massengill, Jeff Parker, Val Staples, Mark Waid, Matt Wieringo

MIKE WIERINGO BOOK LAUNCH

The long awaited Mike Wieringo Tribute Book can now be yours at HeroesCon on June 20 before it is officially released everywhere on June 25th!

When artist Mike Wieringo passed away, he was in the middle of his latest Marvel Comics book, a What If? story. Mike had completed seven pages of what became a massive 27-page story. With Mike’s passing, Marvel Comics generously provided access to the script and Mike’s art to The Hero Initiative, and Mike’s friends stepped up to finish the story, and pay tribute to Mike. Now, What If…This Was The Fantastic Four?: A Tribute to Mike Wieringo is a massive, 48-page tribute book that contains the full story, and additional written tributes to Mike.

Technorati Tags: puppy

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The brother of the late Mike Wieringo has started a scholarship to SCAD in Mike’s name — we can’t imagine a better way to remember a wonderful artist and friend to all. A donation table will be set up at this year’s Heroes Con — more details here.

When Mike Wieringo abruptly passed away last August, the comics industry lost more than a great artist and creator – it lost a friend. Now, Mike’s family has teamed with the Savannah College of Art and Design to create The Mike Wieringo Scholarship or “The ‘Ringo” to help keep his spirit of generosity alive.

Created by Mike’s brother Matt and his sister-in-law Suzanne, the ‘Ringo is designed to help provide similar help to artists at the Savannah College of Art and Design or SCAD. Domestic and international students with have a minimum 3.0 grade point average who demonstrate financial need and display a serious interest in pursuing comics as a career are eligible. The scholarship will take effect in the artist’s second year of classes, and is renewable for up to two additional years, provided the student continues to meet the criteria.

The recipient will be chosen from three finalists determined by the college in a portfolio review by Matt and Suzanne Wieringo, along with a rotating group. The ultimate goal for the ‘Ringo is to raise enough funds so that it can cover a full year’s expenses at SCAD, approximately $30,000.

Toward this end, a table staffed by Mike’s family and friends will be set up in his traditional spot in Artists Alley at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC. Heroes was a big part of Mike’s life and career, and was the industry event he most looked forward to every year.

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Following yesterday’s announcement regarding the Rory Root Memorial, there’s now some good news:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) has graciously extended an offer to handle the donations processes for the memorial celebrations that will take place on June 21st. This generous act will allow the staff at Comic Relief and the Root family to focus on planning the events. All donations made will not only be greatly appreciate, but will now also be tax deductible.

Donations that have not yet already been mailed to the store can now be mailed to:

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
271 Madison AV STE 1400
New York, NY 10016

The CBLDF is also accepting on-line donations at:
http://www.cbldf.org/

Be sure that you make note that you wish to donate to:
The Rory Root Memorial Fund

All donations received at the store will also be re-directed into the CBLDF account. The Comic Relief staff would like to thank the CBLDF as well as the numerous websites, groups, and individuals who immediately offered support with donations

.

Press release:

Due to legal concerns regarding Rory Root’s estate Comic Relief cannot fund the memorial celebrations that are scheduled on June 21st.

The two events include a Root family-planned picnic to be held Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills from 11am-4pm and a Comic Relief staff-planned celebration at Comic Relief 2026 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94530 from 7pm-12:30am

Check or money order will be accepted and can be mailed to:

Comic Relief
ATTN: RDR Memorial
2026 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

Make checks out to:
Todd Martinez

All donations will fund both the day-time & evening gatherings, however, if you wish to specifically donate to one or the other please attach a note as to what event you would like the funds to be used for.

While no donation is necessary to attend either event any support would be greatly appreciated! If you have any questions about donating email rrmemorial@gmail.com.

Complete information and a complete schedule of the planned events will be posted at: http://www.comicrelief.net

Some really nice news for a change:

Artist Gene Colan has been one of comics’ favorites for a staggering seven decades. Now, as Gene is suffering illness, some of the characters Gene worked on are coming to save the day.

The Hero Initiative in conjunction with Marvel Comics is launching a series of Gene Colan-themed products, starting with a limited edition print of Gene’s cover art to Invincible Iron Man #1, available at Wizard World Philadelphia, May 30-June 1. Only 200 prints will be available at the show at a cost of $25 each. Net proceeds from sales of these prints by The Hero Initiative will benefit Gene Colan. Another 50 prints will be available at a later date, with plans to have them autographed by both Gene Colan and Stan Lee.

Also at Wizard World Philadelphia, guest writers and artists at the Marvel Comics booth will be signing and sketching two large poster-sized boards, which Hero will auction benefiting Gene at a later date.

And that’s just the start. Wizard World Chicago, June 26-29, will see the release of a second print featuring the cover art to Daredevil #47, the legendary “Brother, Take My Hand” story by Stan Lee and Gene Colan. A third print will be available later in the year, along with other products.

For August, a Gene Colan Tomb of Dracula poster will be available for order via Marvel Previews with proceeds routed to Gene; and in September, a special book reprinting some of Gene’s greatest stories will be made available. In addition to these items, The Hero Initiative will take additional steps to help Gene in his convalescence.

“Gene Colan,” said Roy Thomas, longtime Marvel Comics writer and Hero Initiative Board member, “is one of the most amazingly talented comic book artists in the history of the field. When I was scripting one of his stories, there was no one-not even Neal Adams or John Buscema-whose pencils could make me feel more strongly as if I were looking into a real world. He combines often-photographic realism with dynamism worth of a Kirby…and that makes him unique.”

“Speaking as an artist, in addition to his awe-inspiring renditions of classic comic book heroes, ‘Gentleman’ Gene Colan has been a tremendous inspiration to those of us who have drawn Daredevil,” said Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada. “I’m happy to say that Marvel is working along with The Hero Initiative to help one of the industry’s greats and a member of the Marvel family. Our hearts and thoughts go out to Gene and his family during this tough time, and we hope the rest of this great community can do what they can to help support one its founding members.”

While we were off the grid Cliff Meth passed along some great news:

I am delighted beyond delighted to announce that Marvel Entertainment has made clear its intentions to help Gene and Adrienne Colan.

In a warm conversation this morning, executives at Marvel offered Adrienne and I some of the many things that they plan to do for the Colans to provide immediate and long-term relief. I will provide the details soon.

We had some tart words for Marvel earlier last week, but let’s be equally effusive in our praise: by doing the right thing, Marvel is really stepping up to the plate and reversing some of the injustices of the past, Hooray for Marvel!

Over at his blog, Clifford Meth continues to enlist aid for a benefit to help defray the medical costs of Gene Colan’s recent health issues:

Numerous artists and writers will be contributing drawings and/or signed books to help Gene and Adrienne Colan with their mounting medical costs. Items will be auctioned by ComicLink.com

This list will be updated regularly. So far, it includes (in alpha-order):

Neal Adams, Norm Breyfogle, Randy Bowen, Ed Brubaker, Adam-Troy Castro, Paty Cockrum, Peter David, Tom DeFalco, J.M. deMatteis, Pat DiNizio, Harlan Ellison, Mark Evanier, Neil Gaiman, Sam Keith, Joe Kubert, Erik Larsen, Bob Layton, Jim Lee, Stan Lee, Leah Moore, Albert Moy, Michael Netzer, Josh Olsen, Tom Palmer, Mike Pascale, Jim Salicrup, Bob Shreck, Dave Simmons, Gail Simone, Walter and Louise Simonson, Jim Starlin, Juan Torres, Marv Wolfman and Ash Wood.

It should be noted that this benefit is being assembled by Meth; Colan’s wife, Adrienne hasn’t been asking for help publicly.

However, it should also be noted that when you drew comic books all your life, even comic books as lucrative as those drawn by Colan, like BLADE, you don’t get a pension or residuals or anything really. We’re not here to hang Marvel in effigy, since they have been an extremely frugal company since emerging from bankruptcy. However with reports circulating that Marvel Studios has already made some $200 million from IRON MAN, the #1 movie two weeks running, you would HOPE that a little fund raising could be set aside for one of the five or six greatest Marvel artists of all times. Better than Lenil Yu, even.

UPDATE: Dirk suggests you donate directly to the Colans via their Paypal account: genecolan@optonline.net.

Several people sent us think link to a Boing Boing post about a children’s cancer charity benefit being shut down because of unauthoized use of DC characters. Organizer Alex explains:

I messed up. I just got notice that two of the Superman related auctions have been removed from the site and the rest are probably next. I don’t know what to do now. I have to start canceling auctions and issuing refunds. That means all the fees and such I’m now responsible for which is money i just don’t have, and I have no idea if I’m still obligated to the middleman ebay uses for their charity auctions.

I’ve gone ahead and canceled the auctions still running that featured Warner Bros properties. I’m not sure what to do about the ones (like the ones that were canceled by DC) that are already completed. I’ll be talking to ebay, paypal, missionfish (the people that handle ebay’s charity donations) the artists and auction winners.

While this sounds very very crappy, esp. given all the other charity auctions going on, bear in mind this was mostly likely a Warner Bros. thing and had nothing to do with DC Comics. Boing Boing readers were reminded of the time that Disney lawyers requested a children’s day care center paint over murals of copyrighted characters Mickey and Donald, etc. GRINCH.

Scott Dunbier alerts us to Liberty , an all star CBLDF benefit book he edited:

Stories by:
Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips provide a CRIMINAL tale
Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson bring us THE BOYS
Mark Millar & John Paul Leon give us their take on DRACULA
Darwyn Cooke delivers something entirely new
Mark Evanier & Sergio Aragones take us on a tour of the CBLDF

Additional material by:
Arthur Adams, J. Bone, and Rick Vietch (The return of BRAT PACK!)

Beautiful covers are provided by Mike Mignola & J. Scott Campbell.

All for $3.99! Sounds like a steal to us.

People are rallying once again, this time to aid retailer David Pirkola who was shot and seriously injured in a robbery attempt. Pirkola has no insurance, and the comics world is giving to help:

4/29 UPDATE
An amazing day yesterday, as last night we crossed over the $2000 mark in donations. Thank you to everyone who donated and please keep getting the word out and keep the donations coming in. We’ve been hitting the email and the phones and we’re putting together some amazing things to come. Think your favorite creators and your favorite publishers….think charity auctions…think awesome signed comics and comics related stuff - and it will all go to help Dave and his recovery. Stay tuned for more details!

Over at her blog, Friend of Lulu president Valerie D’Orazio debuts the new FoL logo courtesy of Danielle Corsetto!

A few quick photos from last night’s event which was a packed hoot with all the folks from Act-i-vate, ComicSpace, the CBLDF and assorted out of towners from Oregon, England, Italy and maybe even the Bronx.

There was drinking but also drawing. You can see folks like Jeffrey Brown, Larry Marder, Paul Maybury and more slaving away.

The CBLDF’s Greg Thompson addresses the troops. Drama!

Alex Maleev, Jen and Greg Thompson and returned from world travels Ivan Brandon.

Tony Lee Dean Haspiel, and Neil Kleid.

The many drawings on hand! Ask at the CBLDF for those still available.

The party was great but many attendees spoke of the rigors of “the home show.” Not only must you deal with the upcoming con but regular stuff like taking out the garbage. It’s grueling.

Tickets are still available!:

Toast the arrival of Jeff Smith’s new comic book epic RASL! Come meet Jeff Smith in person at his only New York City appearance of the season, enjoy an open bar, and get a takeaway bag of tons of exclusive RASL goodies. Only 100 general admission tickets and 26 VIP tickets are available so get your ticket now! Tickets are available now!

Details:
Wednesday, April 16
Coolture Spain
409 W 39th St (between 9th and 10th)
New York City
8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

$25 — General Admission: Includes 8PM admission to the party; an exclusive RASL print signed by Jeff Smith, CBLDF gift bag, and Open Bar.

$50 — Preferred General Admission: Includes 8PM admission to the party; a Bone hooded sweatshirt, an exclusive RASL print signed by Jeff Smith, CBLDF gift bag, and Open Bar.

$100 — VIP Admission: Includes admission to pre-party VIP reception & party; an exclusive RASL print signed & remarqed by Jeff Smith, a Bone hooded sweatshirt; CBLDF gift bag, and Open Bar. (only 21 pieces available).

$500 — Deluxe VIP Admission: Includes admission to pre-party VIP reception & party; an original RASL drawing by Jeff Smith, a signed variant copy of RASL #1, an exclusive RASL print signed & remarqed by Jeff Smith, a Bone hooded sweatshirt; CBLDF gift bag, and Open Bar. (only 5 pieces available).

We have a great lineup planned for our shared space with MoCCA, at table #840!

Friday
5-6pm Women In Comics panel room 1E07
Gail Simone, Heidi MacDonald, Karen Green, Jennifer Grünwald, Shelly Bond and Becky Cloonan will discuss the State of the industry from their perspective, plus insight into their exciting current projects, moderated by Abby Denson.

At our table with MoCCA #840-

Girls’ Guide to Guys’ Stuff

Signing copies of the Girls’ Guide to Guys’ Stuff, which will be available for purchase, are our fantastic contributors:

4:00 PM Jannie Ho
5:00 PM Monica Gallagher
6:00 PM Julia Durgee

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This year’s New York Comic-Con related partying activities are more brutal than ever with the party scene kicking off TONIGHT! That’s TUESDAY! Holy cripes! But it’s so much fun. Benefitting the CBLDF and co=sponsored by ComicSpace and Image, this is definitely the pre-show, pre-red-eye place to get up to speed and hear all the party poop for later in the week. See you there.

Tax Day is Over! Now drink up with NYC’s best cartoonists and party for a good cause! Featuring Jeffrey Brown, David Finch, Dan Goldman, Alex Maleev, Paul Maybury, and dozens of NY’s Finest Cartoonists. Sponsored by ComicSpace.com and Image Comics, premiering Paul Maybury’s graphic novel AQUA LEUNG.

Tuesday, April 15
7:00 to 11:00 PM
Village Pourhouse
64 3rd Avenue at 11th St
Drink Specials all night!
$5 Suggested Donation; $20 for VIP Schwag Bag

Win lunch with Joe Quesada or breakfast with Guillermo del Toro, an autograph from Stan Lee and more at the Hero Initiative ebay auctions. Details in the jump.

TALENT SCHEDULE
All signings will be held at booth #964 with the exception of Friday’s Stan Lee and Saturday’s Romitas signings, which will held at the CGC booth #2333.

FRI, April 18 (con hours 3:00-8:00)
3:00-4:00: Ron Marz + Greg Tocchini+ Stjepan Sejic
4:00-5:00: Mike Perkins 
5:00-6:00: John Romita Sr. + John Romita Jr.
5:15-5:45: Stan Lee (at CGC!)
7:00-8:00: Bob Wiacek

SAT, April 19 (con hours 10:00-7:00)
10:00-11:00: Joe Prado + Joe Bennett
11:00-1:00: Mike Perkins
1:00-2:15: John Romita Sr. + John Romita Jr. (at CGC!)
1:00-2:00: Ivan Reis
2:00-3:00: Ron Garney 
3:00-4:00: Gary Friedrich + Jim Valentino 
4:00-5:00: Greg Pak + Fred van Lente + Khoi Pham 
5:30-7:00: Steve Epting 

SUN, April 20 (con hours 10:00-5:00)
10:30-12:00: Mark Buckingham
12:00-1:30: Charlie Adlard
1:00-2:00: Leonard Kirk
2:00-3:00: Walter Simonson

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As usual, the Hero Initiative will have all sorts of activites and signings at New York Comic-Con. They’re auctioning off a super-duper VIP package which you can bid on here. They’ll also have a Gwen Stacy/Mary Jane Look-a-like contest, judged by John Romita. Cheesy and corny? You bet, but it’s for a good cause.

Ladies! People who aren’t Ladies! The comics social event of the season is now the fashion event of the season as well, with the first-ever GWEN AND MARY JANE LOOKALIKE CONTEST at the New York Comic Convention April 18-20! So dig out those go-go boots, and we’ll all have to face it, Tiger—We’re about to hit the jackpot!

And a man who oughtta know will determine who’s belle of this ball! Legendary Spider-Man artist John Romita Sr. will judge the contest! John is the FIRST artist EVER to draw Gwen and MJ, so make sure your getup is spot-on!

“I look forward to trying to choose which blonde and redhead most resembles Gwen Stacy and MJ Watson at the New York Con April 19th. It’s bound to be tough work, but someone has to do it,” joked John Romita Sr.

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The Hero Initiative, a charity formed to help creators in need, announces a new initiative starting with a print by Frank Cho tyat was to have been signed by Cho and Steve Gerber before his death:

So it was with alla that in mind that we concocted FOOG, TOO! or “Friends Of Ol’ Gerber,” too. (Your miraculous Interweb will tell you all you wanna know about the original FOOG if ya wanna look it up.) We were gonna create several Gerber-centric products under the FOOG, TOO! banner that would help fund Hero (and thereby, also help Steve out financially in his convalescence). The first outta the gate was scheduled to be this super-cool Frank Cho Howard-and-Beverly print seen here. Working with our pals at Marvel, we got some new Frank Cho/Jason Keith art, and got these suckers printed up. Frank and Steve were slated to sign ’em, and ¡voila! Instant fundraiser product.

The prints will be available at the HERO booth or via AtomicComics.com.

We’re way behind in our Wondercon news, but we had to post some updates to the plans for The Hero Initiative. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale have been addedto the list of those signing at the booth. SAT., 23 FEB from 1 PM-230 PM. The rest of their schedule can be seen:
here.

In other exciting Hero Initiative news, they are bringing back the dunk tank for MegaCon! With Joe Q in the seat of danger. “Brand New Day” lovers, line up now!

Finally, and even more importantly, over on the late Steve Gerber’s blog, (which is being maintained by Mark Evanier), Paul Levitz suggested the best way to remember Gerber would be to make a donation to The Hero Initiative, which was founded to help comics creators — who typically are often without health insurance or retirement plans — in Gerber’s name. It’s a fantastic idea and you can do so here.

The CBLDF, MySpace and Meltdown comics are teaming up for a wrap party for Y THE LAST MAN. Creators Brian Vaughan and Pia Guerra will be there, and Joss Whedon will deliver homilies. There will be speeches and exclusive prints. Attndence is limited to 140; VIP tickets for the event are $100; standing room only $25. We will be there in spirit only, alas. Details below.

On January 30, 2008, one of the most acclaimed comic book series of the last decade, Y THE LAST MAN, concludes with issue sixty. The series and its co-creators, writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Pia Guerra, have received widespread acclaim, in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Salon and Entertainment Weekly and on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” To celebrate the end of the series, MySpace Comic Books (http://www.myspace.com/comicbooks), the comic community of the world’s most popular social network, and Meltdown Comics, the renowned Los Angeles-based comic book shop, today announced a first-of-its-kind event for the comic book industry: Y: THE LAST PARTY.

Taking place on February 8th at Meltdown, the party is a benefit for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and a celebration of the internationally acclaimed comic book series. Joss Whedon will appear in person to toast Y: The Last Man co-creators Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. All proceeds from this once-in-a-lifetime event will benefit the First Amendment work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF). Since 1986, the CBLDF has defended the Free Expression rights of comics booksellers, artists, and educators throughout the United States by funding top legal counsel in criminal cases and leading important education initiatives.

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Buzy FoL prexy Val D”Orazio announces the Friends of Lulu “Design-A-Lulu” Initiative:

We at Friends of Lulu are looking for a few good artists (oh, heck, actually we’re looking for tons) to donate their talent to Friends of Lulu’s Design-A-Lulu Initiative, a fundraising and increased public awareness effort in which we ask artists to dream up their own interpretation of our Lulu mascot.

If you can find the time to help Friends of Lulu by contributing your own unique “Lulu” design, we would most appreciate it.

Instructions in the link.

Courtesy of Steve Prue for teamrockstarimages.com here’s some photos from Monday’s CBLDF Member Appreciation Holiday Party. It was a star studded event, as the above photo shows, with everyone from Moby to Molly Crabapple in the house for festivities and some fundraising.

The action shifts to Berkeley on SATURDAY, where Comic Relief hosts a party for the Fund’s Bay Area members. The first 50 card carrying or new CBLDF members through the door will receive a special Fund gift bag. Plus, every CBLDF member coming to the party will get a 10% discount on purchases made during the party, with Comic Relief matching those purchases with a 10% donation to the Fund. Creators Erik Larsen, Derek McCulloch (signing free previews of Displaced Persons), Jimmie Robinson, Shepard Hendrix, and more to be announced will be sketching and signing autographs for Fund supporters. The Comic Relief Party will start at 6:00 PM and run until 9:00 PM

If you’re looking for last minute gifts, check out the CBLDF website which has signed books, prints and T-shirts .

Wednesday, December 19, the party moves to Los Angeles, CA at Golden Apple Comics , whereBrian K. Vaughn, MF Grimm, Christos Gage, Rob Schrab, Gerry Duggan, Rantz Hoseley, and Dan Panosian there., and more will be on hand to sign autographs and create sketches to benefit the CBLDF. The event will also boast door prizes, a special gift bag for the first 50 card carrying or new members, plus 10% off purchases made during the party by current or new CBLDF members, with Golden Apple matching those purchases with a 10% donation to the Fund! The Golden Apple party will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 9:00 PM.

Newly shorn Dan Goldman has his party pix here. More pics in the jump! PLUS even more pics at the new CBLDF MySpace page. Go friend ‘em up!

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Tonight, come celebrate comics and the First Amendment, while reveling alongside an all-star line up of creators! The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s NYC Holiday Member party, co-hosted by JahFurry, begins promptly at 7pm and continues until 11pm, with plenty of fun in between, including a live comics jam, raffles and door prizes, live jazz-funk by Avi Bortnick, delicious vittles, and more comics stars than you can shake a sketchbook at. Location: Village Pourhouse, 64 3rd Ave @ 11th St.

Instead of buzzkilling lines for sketches, guests can take advantage of this unique assemblage by getting a CBLDF HOLIDAY JAM SHEET for a $50 donation, which they can then fill with original on-the-spot art from as many artists as they can corral.

Confirmed guest creators include: Kyle Baker, Paul Pope, Moby, Alex Maleev, Douglas Rushkoff, John Lucas, Rick Spears, Dean Haspiel, Josh Neufeld, Nick Bertozzi, Michel Fiffe, Molly Crabapple, Nikki Cook, Dan Goldman, Anthony Lappe, Andy MacDonald, Arvid Nelson, Jen Tong, Ryan Roman, Kevin Colden, Alec Longstreth, Vito Delsante, and Ulises Farinas, and Paul Azaceta.

Throughout the night, the Fund is giving a way a host of great door prizes, including gift certificates at partner stores Forbidden Planet, Jim Hanley’s Universe, and Midtown Comics. The Fund is also raffling off prizes including an Arthur Suydam signed Marvel Zombies hardcover, full signed sets of Strangers in Paradise, Liberty Meadows, Invincible, and much more.

The first 50 Members to attend will take away a fantastic gift bag that includes a limited edition signed Paul Pope print, collectible preview editions of Jungle Girl, Superpowers, Infinite Horizon, and Displaced Persons, a variant cover of Sinbad: Rogue of Mars #1, a DJ Spooky sampler CD, a Will Eisner graphic novel and additional signed CBLDF prints!

While having fun, partygoers can get some holiday gift shopping done at the fundraising table, boasting a wonderful assortment of signed graphic novels, comics, and original art.

So, come to the Village Pourhouse and bring your CBLDF member card or sign up at the door to be a part of this unforgettable night for comics!

For more info or to join: http://www.cbldf.org/pr/archives/000344.shtml

PR:

Come celebrate comics, support the First Amendment, and toast a host of guest creators out to thank you for supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at the CBLDF Member Appreciation Holiday Parties !

Throughout December, the Fund is hosting parties in New York City, Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley, CA, and Vienna, VA featuring comics stars, incredible jam-packed gift bags, door prizes, auctions, discounts & more! Admission to all parties is free for card-carrying CBLDF members, or those who join or renew at the door.

The first party will be in the CBLDF’s home base of New York City on December 10 at the Village Pourhouse , co-hosted by JahFurry . Confirmed guests include: Kyle Baker, Moby, Paul Pope, Alex Maleev, John Lucas, Rick Spears, Dean Haspiel, Molly Crabapple, Dan Goldman, Josh Neufeld, Michael Fiffe, and many more. Features live music by jazz-funk artist Avi Bortnick to accompany an all-star art jam! Come get autographs, enter for great door prizes, bid on exclusive art, and mix with comics’ brightest stars. In addition, the first 50 attending members will receive a special gift bag, stuffed with great comics, including a Will Eisner graphic novel, Preview editions of Jungle Girl & Superpowers, provided by Dynamite Entertainment , plus gifts from partners Forbidden Planet , Image Comics , Jim Hanley’s Universe , Midtown Comics , and MoCCA . The Fund is offering advance reservation tickets for members at http://cbldf.safeshopper.com/24/cat24.htm?290 or sign up at the door!

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