Once upon a time, comic book creators labored under a work-for-hire system, which is to say they were paid a specified rate which varied among the artists and writers, as well as from publisher to publisher. As such, a 28-page story at $20 per page might earn an artist $560.
As freelancers, the creators did not receive benefits from a comic book publisher, so it was up to the individuals to pay for such things as health care and retirement out of their own earnings. And if a comic book became popular and spawned cartoons, toys and other merchandise, the creators seldom reaped any financial reward for their creation, and their original artowork became the property of the publisher, to be republished many times over, or, sadly disposed of in an incinerator.
Today, not only do creators often share in the royalties of the books they write, some are offered additional incentives under whatever exclusive contract he/she might sign. They receive their original art back, which they often sell at conventions or through Web sites.
But what of creators from generations past, who are unable to receive retroactive compensation for their work? Fortunately, there is The Hero Initiative, who believes “everyone deserves a golden age.” It’s intent is to assist longtime comic book creators who, for whatever reason, have fallen on hard times.
The organization was founded in 2000 as A.C.T.O.R (A Committment To Our Roots), but changed its name in 2006. Since its inception, it has bestowed more than $400,000 in grants to comic book veterans in need. According to writer Jim McLauchlin, who is on the organization's fund raising board, such grants have helped pay back rent, past-due utility bills, medical needs, groceries and other basic needs.
Jim McLauchlin
The only requirement, other than demonstrating a genuine need, is to be have a 10-year body of work as a comic book professional. “For instance,” says McLauchlin, “If an artist for Hanna-Barbera did an issue for Gold Key in the 1960s, he doesn’t qualify because he’s an animator, not a comic book creator.
The organization also sometimes helps comic book pros find work, either long-term employment or private commissions vie the Web.
“Cash is always our biggest single need,” says McLauchlin. But rather than merely seek handouts from fans and other interested parties, The Initiative makes an effort to provide product. For example, in November, 2008, it published Stan’s Soapbox, a 144-page full color trade paperback containing all of Stan Lee’s columns originally printed in from Marvel Comics titles from 1967 to 1980.
It also sponsored The Hulk 100 Project, in which the gathered more than 100 cover designs from artists throughout the industry into a single book. “In conjunction with that,” says McLauchlin, “we debuted the original artwork at Wizard World Chicago with a party, with many of the artists and other comic book pros there. Admission was only $5, but if you wore purple pants, you got in for $3. If you wore torn-up purple pants, admission was free.”
Sculptor Karlton Hahn created a special Hulk #1 wine bottle which was autographed by Stan Lee and raffled off as a door prize. “So one lucky fan got this great one-of-a-kind collectible just for wearing torn-up purple pants,” says McLauchlin.
The Initiative has hosted several such events at conventions all over the country, from speed dating to a dunk tank with Marvel Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada, who is on the Initiative’s fund raising board.
One goal of the organization is to be all-inclusive in its events, allowing any person, regardless of means, to make worthwhile contributions. One such area that is always in need is volunteers to help set-up, staff and dismantle the booth at each convention.
While it may seem like work, consider this: instead of standing in line for an hour to have George Perez autograph your copy of Crisis on the Infinite Earth and speak to him for the few seconds it takes for him to sign his name, you could man the booth and sit next to him – or John Romita Sr. or Joe Quesada or other artists – for four hours at a stretch. Where else can you get that kind of one-on-one time with industry legends?
The Initiative is administered by two boards. The fund raising board helps organize events at conventions and projects within the industry, such as last year’s Hulk 100 Project. Disbursing the proceeds from such events is in the hands of a second board, comprised of other industry greats such as Dick Giordano, Denny O’Neil and Roy Thomas, among others.
“We keep the names of the recipients confidential,” says McLauchlin. “They may decide to come forward, for whatever reason, but that’s their choice. Some perhaps are a little embarassed, but others will speak at events as to how the Initiative has helped them. The ratio is about 50/50.”
Probably the most poignant case was when a creator almsot chased McLauchlin down when he realized he was affiliated with The Hero Initiative. “He told me how he was down to making only $80 a week and he’d lost 70 pounds,” says McLauchlin. “He was on the verge of suicide, up to having written the note, but he told me the help he received from The Hero Initiative pulled him back from the brink.”
McLauchlin encourages fans and retailers to lend assistance to long-time comic book pros by looking for The Hero Initiative booth at their favorite convention, or hosting events in their local store, perhaps in conjunction with other events such as Free Comic Book Day or movie premieres.
This is a beautiful piece. It's so much more than I ever knew about the Hero Initiative, and I appreciate the background and the tips for getting involved. It also really helps to know that the program really does make a difference. This is heart-warming without pulling any strings. Thank you!
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