Hero Initiative @ NYCC

The Hero Initiative is hosting another silent auction and art show at this year’s New York Comic-Con. In case you’re not familiar with the Hero Initiative and what it does, here’s the low down from their site:

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.

You see, for a long time, comic creators did not hold the copyrights to their characters or creations. They were the property of who ever they were working for at the time. So while they collected a paycheck, the would rarely, if ever, collect royalties. So, let’s say you create a megastar character, things are going well, then you’re fired. You company will continue to profit from your character, roll out new issues featuring your hero, and you aren’t entitled to a dime. This was a reality (and a travesty) for far too many comic creators, and the Hero Initiative was established, and granted Non Profit status, as a means to provide financial assistance to people who are in this position.

A worthwhile cause? You bet and it’s supremely easy and frequently enjoyable to help. You can visit their website and donate OR you can score yourself some artwork and let the proceeds go towards helping those whose pens, pencils, inks, and paints helped lay the foundation of this industry that we know and love. The auctions make appearances at many comic events, including the New York Comic-Con.

From the NYCC website:

Comic creator charity The Hero Initiative will roll out a massive original art auction at the 2009 New York Comic Con! Pieces from John Romita, Sr., John Romita, Jr., Darwyn Cooke, Jae Lee, Steve Rude, Jim Starlin, Terry Moore, Karl Kesel and MORE will be included! A live auction of major, MAJOR pieces will take place at the con on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in room 1A14. More pieces will be available in a silent auction at the Hero Initiative booth (1762) on the convention floor.

Want to view a sample of the artwork up for auction? You can see a few examples after the jump.