MARVEL, HERO INTIATIVE TEAM TO HELP GENE COLAN

[MattBrady]

Press Release

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.”

[WC Brooks]

For Gene Colan? No question.

[civilwar vet]

great artist, great charity. $25 is cheap to help out, I'd be happy to pay $50 for such an iconic peice of art.

[BKThomson]

I would love to have that print since I have the actual issue its from.

Maybe I missed something but too bad it is not avaliable outside of the con.

[c_andrew_s]

That is so great news. He is in my prayers.

I just got today the art from the Harrowers book, I purchased from the ebay auction to help Gene out.

[Tony T]

Agreed, $25 does sound like a bargain. At that price all 200 prints should sell out in no time.

I will be at Wizard World Chicago and I will definitely be purchasing one of the second prints there.

Stay strong Gene! You are a living legend!

[johnlayman]

Bravo, Marvel

Bravo, Hero Initiative

[bsmith]

good move - but for crying out loud, charge at least $50 for this and $100 for the signed ones. With that small a print run they will sell out and the guy will actually get some money!

b

[vbartilucci]

I know there's a lot of folks who can't spare that much for the print. How's this sound...

I'll buy one, leave it at the Hero table, they can charge people five bucks (Minimum) to sign it, and send it to Gene as the biggest get well card you ever saw.

[J O R Z A C]

They should try to see who owns the Dracula stuff an sell that, beautiful showcase of mood an shadows on that run.
Legend, hope he feels much better.

[Kahn]

Is there anything to contribute directly, or info on where to get those elsewhere? I'd gladly pay $50.

[wishlish]

Originally Posted by vbartilucci

I know there's a lot of folks who can't spare that much for the print. How's this sound...

I'll buy one, leave it at the Hero table, they can charge people five bucks (Minimum) to sign it, and send it to Gene as the biggest get well card you ever saw.

You know what?

I *like* that idea. Heck, I'd put up some more. Get a super huge get well card, and have everyone sign it.

Can someone forward that to the Hero Initiative? I'd be in.

It's one thing for all of us to buy stuff- that's for us. I'd love to do something that's just for him. And that would be neat on both levels.

By the way, I met Gene once. He was a sweetheart, and treated me like *I* was the legend in comics. He's a remarkable artist AND a remarkable man, and I hope he somehow returns to good health.

[Corpulent1]

Originally Posted by Kahn

Is there anything to contribute directly, or info on where to get those elsewhere? I'd gladly pay $50.

You can donate directly to Hero Initiative at their website: http://www.actorcomicfund.org/

Since I won't be able to attend any of the cons, I'll donate directly to them when I get a little extra cash.

[replica2618]

no matter if you're a marvel fan or dc. it's always nice to know that when an artist or writer or whatever is in need, we all drop our pride and help. we're good people and 25 bucks a drop in the bucket to help

[The Hedge]

Why Wizard World only? I live in Italy and I know for sure Gene Colan fans would like to buy these prints to help. And if going through distribution raises the price...well, no problem!

I never care for autographs from writers and artists at the cons but the only exception in my life was Gene Colan, the artist of Daredevil 39, my first Marvel book. I was six again when he signed it for me.

[RTommyB216]

I just went directly on the website and donated through paypal. I know others are doing the same. I just can't make it to a convention and I want to help now, plus it takes a combined 2 seconds to do. Damn, I feel really good now!

[timbre68]

That is a beautiful print! Please let me buy one outside of the Con! Gene is a maestro and a gentleman. As a kid reading his work on Tomb of Dracula really cemented my love of the medium. I wish him the best and my thoughts are with him and his family.

[vbartilucci]

Originally Posted by wishlish

Can someone forward that to the Hero Initiative? I'd be in.

Already done. They're mainly volunteer only, so no idea when/if I'll get a response.

And as for "Why WWPhilly only", I'm assuming simply because it's the next big show, and they're only making so many because they want to make sure they get the money fast. This is a fundraiser for a specific event, and not a long-term fundraiser for the Hero Initiative in general.

[Glen Cadigan]

It's great to see Marvel doing something for one of its legendary artists. Given all that Gene has done for them over the years, it's the least they can do.

[alxjhnsn]

Originally Posted by Kahn

Is there anything to contribute directly, or info on where to get those elsewhere? I'd gladly pay $50.

If you are a PayPal user, you can send cash to this e-mail address and Adrienne will send you a very nice note back.

genecolan@optonline.net


I got the e-mail from Dan Best's blog. Click on this link to see the blog: http://ohdannyboy.blogspot.com/. Dan has a lot of information on his blog and a number of tributes.

If you don't trust me (reasonable), you can go to Dan's blog and search for the following:


You can also send Gene something directly. At the moment you can send him a get well card - Gene's family is swamped in them, and that's not a bad thing, by using the address here:
Gene Colan
2 Sea Cliff Avenue
Sea Cliff, NY 11579
USA

And you can send a PayPal donation to this email address. Send a card, send some cash. From small things big things grow, or so someone once sang.

Click on "this email address" and you will get the one above.

You might also want to read Cliff Meth's blog - http://thecliffordmethod.blogspot.co...l/Gene%20Colan - for information on an auction that he is coordinating.

Go Gene!

[Batitude]

Iron Man 1 has special meaning to me as my Dad gave it to me for Christmas when I was a kid. I'd LOVE to have a litho but won't be in Philly.

I'll have to hope the 50 signed ones are more readily available.

Based on how quickly the Tim Sale print for HERO sold out at ECCC (5 min) these won't last 15 minutes.

[Mezzrow]

Originally Posted by civilwar vet

great artist, great charity. $25 is cheap to help out, I'd be happy to pay $50 for such an iconic peice of art.

Ditto. How can we not help out the people who have brought us all so much joy and excitment into our lives. Bravo Hero Intiative.

[TCJohnson]

Originally Posted by alxjhnsn

You might also want to read Cliff Meth's blog - http://thecliffordmethod.blogspot.co...l/Gene%20Colan - for information on an auction that he is coordinating.

Go Gene!

Not only is he doing an auction, but he is also selling a book he wrote with Gene, and all the procedes going to Gene.

[Predabot1]

A fine initiative by Hero and Marvel.

Regarding these collections of Gentleman Colan's art coming out soon tho, are some of the proceeds of those going to Mr Colan and his family as well?