LEA HERNANDEZ'S HOUSE BURNS: HOW YOU CAN HELP

[MattBrady]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/Oni/Killer_Princesses_by_DivaLea.jpg" align="right">Early this morning, the Texas home of award-winning writer/artist Lea Hernandez, my friend and co-creator of the graphic novel Killer Princesses, caught fire and burned. Half her house is now gone, and the rest is smoke-damaged. In addition, she lost at least six of her family’s beloved pets, two dogs and four cats. If you knew Lea, you’d know how devastating that is.

She’s lost a great deal of her family’s possessions, including irreplaceable art. She doesn’t yet know the full accounting of what’s been lost at this time.

Most know Lea as the brilliant creator of such works as Rumble Girls and Cathedral Child. She drew the Marvel Mangaverse <b>Punisher</b> book, and has drawn for <b>Transmetropolitan</b>, among many other accomplishments. She is also the co-founder and original editor for <b>Girl-A-Matic</b>, one of the most important venues for female-friendly comics created to date.

She’s also my friend, and it’s entirely possible I wouldn’t have a career in comics if she hadn’t asked me to write<b> Killer Princesses</b> for her to draw.

And finally, Lea is one of the last great firebrand hellraisers in comics.

Lea has two (wonderful, amazing) special needs children and right now they need a place to stay and some clothes to wear. More than that, they need
some help, and fast, in the form of donations to her paypal account. Lea’s a proud person so I’m going to ask FOR her. This is important, and a great chance to do a wonderful thing for a creator who has consistently enriched this industry we all love so much. Please, take a moment and send WHATEVER YOU CAN to Lea’s paypal account and help make this time a little bit less painful for someone who would do the same for you if the positions were reversed.

If you’re a retailer, I ask that you set up a donations jar. If you’re a creator, I ask you to think of how devastating this would be to your career and donate what you can. If you’re a reader, I’m asking you to take a moment and hit the paypal link. You’ll be doing something heroic and you’ll feel great about it, I promise.

Read what Lea had to post on a neighbor’s computer while wearing her pajamas at: Livejournal.com/users/divalea

Donate (PLEASE) to her paypal account at: divalea@gmail.com

Finally, if I understand the story correctly (as told to me by Lea’s good friend and current Girl-a-matic editor), it was Lea’s daughter hearing the smoke alarm that allowed the family to get out in time, so for God’s sake, do everyone you love a favor and CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS.

Thank you so much for helping. Really, any amount you can send will make a difference. That’s all I can say.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Gail Simone

[RichJohnston]

Gail, this is wonderful of you.

Lea, this is terrible for you all, I hope you can get through this. Paypal on the way.

[samfish]

Hell, it'd be wrong NOT to donate at least a little bit.
I'll send her something. If only because Killer Princesses was/is great.

[Gail Simone]

Thank you both, that's the spirit!

Also, I want to ask people to spread the word. If you have a blog or myspace account, please take a moment to either post the above post whole or link to it here or at Newsarama, okay? Let's try to make a tragedy not quite so awful for one of the industry's most powerful voices.

Thank you and bless you all!

Gail

[NightRiver]

That is tragic news. Sorry for the loss of your pets Lea. :( But the good thing is that everyone made it out Ok and tha you have a buch of friends and fans that will help you! Ill donate!

[The Marvel]

I have two dogs that are like children to me, so I can't even begin to say how truly sorry I am for your loss. I have very little in the way of fluid funds right now, but I will donate what little I can because I want to help at least in some small way.

[Gail Simone]

Please don't apologize for small donations. They add up fast and every little bit will help!

I thank you FOR Lea!

Gail

[furioso2012]

So sorry to hear the news. Have sent a donation via Paypal.

[TCJohnson]

As I said in the other forum, my latest check is already spent but I will be sending her some money out of my next check on the 15th. I am sure she will still need money by then.

I can't imagine how devestating this is. My prayers are with her for a fast recovery.

[EmeraldGuy32]

:(:(:(

wow, that is absolutly terrible. I had a small fire two weeks ago, and the only reason it didn't become a huge fire was because we had a fire extinguisher in the house. Take Gail's advice and check your smoke detectors, but also get an extinguisher if possible.

[khuxford]

Gail, this is wonderful of you.

Lea, this is terrible for you all, I hope you can get through this. Paypal on the way.

Yeah...agreed all around.

[Hunter]

I have eight birds and a cat (who is alive today largely due to the efforts of a movement similar to this one, and the help of a number of comics professionals) and I'm terrified of losing them in a fire. Posted this info on my blog, where hopefully many of the people who helped us out with our cat will see it.

Mike

[wishlish]

I just sent a few bucks. C'mon, everyone, it's new comics day. For once, take a few bucks that you would have spent in the back issue bin and help out one of the best persons in the business.

I nearly lost my buddy, Dewey T. Cat (hey, it's his name!), this year. We were lucky that the surgeon was able to save his life. I can't imagine what Lea's going through today. If you're reading this, Lea, you're in my thoughts.

[fbr_kiddo]

Your heart is so huge, Gail. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to give back to one of comic's most beloved creators when they're in need. My wife and I love our dog so much - and we know how terrible it would be to lose her. I can't imagine that being multiplied by six.

Funds and announcements on radio shows are on the way.

[Tazwert]

Mine is already on the way... :)

[EmperorCrowley]

very glad Lea and her children escaped okay... very sad for the loss of her pets and her possesions.

My best to her and her family.

[earth2tom]

Hey Gail,

Maybe someone smarter than me could put together some ebay auctions for donations to Lea.

T. Mackiewicz

[Kolimar]

Excellent idea, Gail.

[TravisWHoward]

Already being done @ the Bendis Board (re: Ebay auction)

Please visit and contribute so we can help Lea out!

http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?t=84582

[fbr_kiddo]

Fort Worth's radio station, KTCU is going to air a PSA for Lea's family that going to run at least every three hours for the next couple of days.

[AlexLothos]

Very sorry to hear about the fire and smoke damage... I've been through a similar situation (but with more smoke damage than fire) and it's no picnic. Glad to know there was no further loss of life. :(

[Jason Rodrig]

Donations sent, thanks for organizing this. I read about the house burning down this morning and was waiting for someone to say what we can do.

[JimmyKitty]

Terrible news! I'm also glad her family made it out safe - but also sad her pets died.
I've known Lea for a LONG time (before she moved to Texas) and I'll send money, too. It's the RIGHT THING to do for such a prolific creator who has given her all to us.

And don't forget her credits with Image Comics (Cathedral Child, digest GN)

[connorfan]

okay I dont use paypal much what the heck do I put for Category of Purchase:?? I dont want to cause further problems by some crazy tax implications or something.

[GregHatfield]

We're posting the info how people can help on our Impact Books website, www.impact-books.com, and our Writer's Digest Books Editors site, www.wdeditors.com.

Lea's done 2 books for us, Manga Secrets, and she did illustrations for the upcoming humor book, Encyclopedia Brown and the Mysterious Presidency of George W. Bush.

We wish her the very best and we're working on getting something together for her and her family.

Greg
Impact Books
F+W Publications

[O.J. Flow]

Another reason (http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-firefolo06.html) why you HAVE TO CHECK smoke detectors.
:(

[ThorEl3]

Lea, on behalf of my family, we're very sorry for your loss.

Donation has been sent.

[The Bry]

Friend of mine lost her stuff in a fire, I know how it goess Paypal sent

Best of luck

[skiteman]

is there any way I could just send a check in the mail....made out to LEA HERNANDEZ ?
I would love to send a donation without the computer.

[Spaz_Monkey]

no $$ til friday. First thing friday, tho, it's Paypal for me!

I just buried my dog on monday. I know how hard it is to lose a dear pet. Thankfully, tho, the children got out with no major injuries.

[Chris Noeth]

I read this horrible news at millarworld.tv ...
Post on my blog. Paypal on it's way.

[Bill Myers]

I was feeling sorry for myself after losing a 15-year-old cat to age-related infirmity.

Then I read about what happened to Lea.

Being something of a Philistine (i.e. not much of a manga fan), I'm not too awfully familiar with Lea's work. But my God, who among us can't empathize with her? This is an awful, awful situation. Losing irreplaceable original artwork... her home... and precious animals... it's hard to wrap my mind around the awfulness of it.

So of course I'll post about this in my blog when I get home from work tonight, and when my paycheck hits the bank on Friday I'll send her what I can. How could I do anything else?

Lea, I don't know you from Adam, but my heart goes out to you... and as soon as possible, as much financial assistance as I can provide will follow.

(Oh, and Lea, I checked out some of the artwork posted on your Web site. You are quite talented, and I am indeed a Philistine for not having been more aware of your work. Sorry it took this tragedy for me to wake up, but, y'know, when you're back on your feet you'll have another fan on deck waiting for your latest work.)

[CrankyViking]

I met Lea at the 1988 San Diego Comic-Con. She was at artist's alley, looking all smiles and dimples, and I opted to take her picture. She took one look at me and screamed.

Now, I hadn't read "The Killing Joke," but in retrospect her reaction was understandable, given that I was dressed as the Joker. When I told her that I hadn't read the book, she gave me a :rolleyes: and we were done.

I am so sorry to hear about the fire, Lea. My thoughts and wishes are with you and your family.

[TheMadMonk]

Not able with the Paypal, but have sent an inquiry about the ground address.

Have posted on my Blog. Just keep getting the word out.

My prayers are with the family.




The Mad Monk
http://comicbookchristian.blogspot.com/

[bls-79]

How devestating. My heart goes out to her and her family.

I've never met Lea in person, but she did a beautiful Arwen commission
for me that's up on her webpage.

I've sent a donation via paypal, but also would like to suggest to those
out there like myself who are waiting on a pre-paid commission from Lea to
e-mail her and tell her to consider the money a gift as well that way she'll have
one less thing to worry about or concern herself with because at a time like this
one less worry can be worth its weight in gold.

[shoeshine]

I don't have any money for another week, but I'll send some then. I'm also going to post the paypal info on another site and ask for anyone who can to help her out.

[Derrick Fish]

I found out about this from Scott Kurtz's blog on his PvP site and immediately went searching for more info. I've never had the pleasure of meeting you, Lea, but my heart goes out for your loss... from the damage to your home, to the loss of your pets and even the loss of artwork which as a creator I KNOW often has massive sentimental value. I sent what I could, and have put a link on the main page of my site to implore my readers to pitch in as well.

It's wonderful to see the community, ragged as it often is, pulling together like this, and I hope things improve for you soon.

[TheMadMonk]

Placed a column with link back here at http://www.paperbackreader.com/ through an old association.

The Mad Monk.

[Super_Spidey]

Sorry to hear about your loss. Donation has been sent.

Best wishes,

Jason

[Frankie Thirteen]

My prayers go out to her and her family...my dad suffered a major house fire last November, so I can imagine how much of a long, painful hell it's going to be getting everything back in order.

Even if I didn't admire her work (which I very much do), I would still donate, which I have as well as posted about it in my LiveJournal.

[avengingtitan]

Donation has been sent.

[Alan Coil]

I echo skiteman in asking that somebody get us a snail mail address so we can send a check.

Thank You.

[Mafus]

Done. Thanks for setting this up, Gail. Good luck, Lea.

Matt and Suzanne Wieringo

[dedagda]

Lea is a dear friend and huge supporter of my endeavors in the comic business with Zeus and CAPE.

I've spoken with CAPE hosts Scott Kurtz of PVP and Scott Hinze of Fanboy Radio and I just got Lea's approval.

We're doing a live art show benefitting Lea Hernandez and family.

Its CAPE 2.5
Saturday September 30th
Metro Grill
Dallas Texas
9pm-?

There are still immediate needs so please still donate to paypal. At a month away I hope the benefit will be secondary needs like art supplies. Come art the night away. Plus we'll get Lea here for a little live art therapy.

[ghostly1]

I don't think I've even read anything of Lea's, but I had a little money in my paypal account I figured I could send over. Wish I could afford to send more.

[dchart1]

Lea, my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. As the nephew of a special needs adult, I know the blessings they bring to your life also. Some of my best memories are of my now late Uncle, who even though didn't speak clearly, could communicate volumes with a looks and body language. He also was the first person to give you a hug if you were hurting. God bless and hopefully what I send on PayPal can help out in someway. I am also sending this article on to Hero Initiative.

[HBK2HOT]

Just dropping a note to say I've donated what I can, and reposted the story on my blog stuff. Hope everything turns for the better for the Hernandez family

[npitarra]

I sent my weekly comic allowance...not much. Good luck with everything. The comicbook community has some really great people in it, it's cool that people step up when their needed.
~nick

[SpaceButler]

I don't know Lea's work, but I donated what I could at Paypal. I hope I set up my new Paypal account ok. Lets keep this going, people.

[Mooncat]

Sympathies to Lea Hernandez. So sorry about her house and her pets, and glad she made it out herself and human family intact. I'll post on my LJ to help spread the word, and on what groups/lists I'm on too.

mcx

[renol]

This is horrible. As soon as I'm on a secure computer, I'll log into paypal and make a small donation. I'm glad she got out with her children, but it also much hurt to lose so many pets.

[looshkin]

I remember meeting Lea in Austin. She is a very nice person. We were trying to open my backpack and ended up tearing up the zipper. I hope everything goes well for you Lea. Gale you kick @ss for doing this.

[Oeming]

I'll be donating some Powers covers and an Omega Flight painting. Sorry to hear about this Lea.
Mike Avon Oeming

[skiteman]

HOPING SOMEBODY CAN GIVE US A SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS TO SEND DONATIONS ...
THANKS

[dedagda]

Lea's friend and girl-o-matic editor Lisa Jonte is handling all non-paypal donations.

Conact her for information and address

lrjonte@arcanumvisual.com


We're doing a live art show in Dallas at the end of September. The focus is on live art so we can only take minimal art donations.

There's also someone else heading up an ebay art auction I think. I'll try to get his information.

- richard@zeuscomics.com

[jcpetersen]

While my own paypal donation is on the way...

Is the newly-renamed Hero Initiative getting involved? Lea seems to fit the requirements of 10-years in the business and being in need.

It just seems like something they should be doing, that's all.

[Nat Gertler]

The Hero Initiative often doesn't report on what they're involved in, for the sake of the privacy of the recipient of their support.

[c_andrew_s]

I am very sad to hear this news; I sent a donation via paypal

[furioso2012]

I posted links to this thread on Neil Gaiman's forum and boy howdy are some of them jaded and cynical - "Fire Sucks. What Are We Supposed to do?" Takes all types to make the world go round, I suppose.

It's nice to see so many here at Newsarama are rallying behind the Hernandez Family.

[dchart1]

While my own paypal donation is on the way...

Is the newly-renamed Hero Initiative getting involved? Lea seems to fit the requirements of 10-years in the business and being in need.

It just seems like something they should be doing, that's all.

I e-mailed them a link to the story last night. You are right that she fits the requirements.

[The Marvel]

I've got a headline running now at ComicCritique with info on helping out Lea. I hope it helps send even a few more donations her way. I've donated what I could, and I urge everyone to give even a little, because that adds up if everyone pitches in.

http://www.comiccritique.com/columns/gcolSt463.html

[alrioart]

Lea, I just sent a donation too. I hope it helps. And I'm happy to see the community coming together for you like this.

Cheers,
Terry

[Oeming]

Okay, heres the art Im going to donate-

Im donating a POWERS cover this OMEGA FLIGHT character sketch- details below-

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/Oeming/POWlittleDeathsV2.jpg

and this Omega Fligth thing was a character study I did BEFORE THE TEAM WAS PICKED- so this has nothing to do with the story, it was just me thinking about Flight and yadda yadda.
Water color on 8 1/2 X 11

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j271/Oeming/TALISMAN.jpg


I'll update here when exactly these two go up for auction, or you can follow details in the Newsarama link. Lets do some good for Lea!!!

Thanks!
Mike Avon Oeming

[zorro]

very sad i will do what i can

[Gail Simone]

By the way, a ton of people have asked about what kinds of art supplies to send.

While I believe any general art supplies will be welcome, I asked specifically what Lea uses and it's this stuff (as if I had a clue what she's talking about!):

"My carefully accumulated markers, papers, polmer clay didn't burn, but they smell so bad they're impossible to use. I also use Copic Sketch markers and Copic Multiliners."

So, art people, there you go!

Email me at gailcbr@yahoo.com if you can send some of this stuff and I'll make sure you get Lea's address, okay?

ROCK!

Gail

[gcoleman99]

I never saw this message originally, but I still think it's a good cause (and I assume she still needs help, a month or two later), so I'm bumping this thread and donating at the same time.