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Sometimes it's not easy being a comics writer or artist. We can rattle off names of those who've been (and continue to be) successful in the comics field, but what of those who've fallen by the wayside? Many have struggled finding work once the glory days have waned and been saddled with financial or medical crises. The Hero Initiative exists to provides financial support to those creators who have given so much to the comics industry but have difficulty making ends meet in the present day. Hero Comics #1 is the brainchild of the Hero Initiative and proceeds will go to help the charity. It's a worthy effort and a great cause. For the fans, it's a win-win situation: pick up a swell book and help those who helped make comics come to life in days past.
Cover A, by J. Scott Campbell, is of great interest for several reasons. It depicts a naked Eve in the Garden of Eden holding the fruit of the forbidden tree (of which she's taken a big bite) whilst being entangled by Satan in serpent form. Judeo-christian thought holds that humankind was created in a state of bliss but due to Satan's tempting Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil and fell from grace. What ensued? Disease, sickness, and the very real threat of poverty. This is the cover of Hero Comics #1, which benefits the Hero Initiative. What does the Hero Initiative do? Assist comic creators in their time of need when they're struck with disease, sickness and poverty. So either J. Scott Campbell is a genius or has a lot of dumb luck.
But don't expect to see this exact portrayal of Eve and the serpent on a stained glass window near you, however. Campbell goes for a lust-inducing pose that would make St. Augustine throw the first stone... or pray for his soul! And scholars think that the fruit was probably a fig rather than an apple. Plus the serpent should probably still have limbs at this point, but I digress...
The book is actually filled with religious references, neatly serving up the message that sometimes there aren't any miracles immediately forthcoming and that what we really need is genuine human kindness through good deeds like the Hero Initiative. Many of the stories are meditations on fame and the fragility of life or even break the fourth wall and dialogue with the reader about the importance of supporting creators in great want. Other stories are thank-yous that recount how the Hero Initiative was there to help in times of dire need.
Howard Chaykin kicks us off with a beautifully illustrated tale of what it means to be in the media spotlight and subsequently forgotten. The futuristic setting in which Reuben Flagg finds himself shows us the extent to which the 24-hour news cycle and reality television can become heartless purveyors of everything that's inhumane about human nature. Its message is simple: be thankful for what you have. Sometimes it's far more than you realize.
Next up, Josh Medors and Tom Smith personalize cancer as a monster that can't be simply banished by holy water but requires a long struggle, something for which the Hero Initiative is uniquely suited for. David Lloyd then presents a beautifully-painted two-page spread of a tombstone visit in spring. Cemeteries never cease to lack poignancy when handled correctly. A similarly short but more shocking piece is delivered by Gene Colan and Tom Smith as we see the link between the accidental demise of soldiers and the overall purpose of the book.
Lowell Francis, Gene Ha and Zander Cannon serve us up an uproarious modern-day retelling of the biblical story of Samson, the strong man who was ever at odds with the Philistines and had a weakness for beautiful ladies. Like Campbell's cover, it's amazing how rich the biblical narrative can be when it's given a fresh coat of paint. Another great yarn is Dream Princess by Kaare Andrews which makes readers expect something like Shrek before a terrific Heavy Metal-style twist at the end.
We also get to see some portfolio and pin-up work by Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales), Gene Ha (Captain Hammer), the two covers by Campbell and Matt Wagner (Grendel), as well as some amazing rethinking of classic Marvel artwork by Arthur Adams. Adams was the first contemporary creator that wowed me when I first picked up comics off the newsstand. I have fond memories of his covers for the New Fantastic Four in the early 1990's. It's amazing to see active artists give something back to those who've gone before them. And who knows? Maybe even they could be in need one day.
We also have a foursome of tales that show us how creators have been helped whilst in dire straits and how the regular fan can team-up to help as well. Bill Willingham and Laura Martin give us the comical Inchworm and his mini-speech to fans, William Messner-Loebs has a chain smoking bunny alongside a struggling creator and Jim McLauchlin, Rodolfo Migliari and Tom Smith presents us a scene from the San Diego Comicon. Lastly there's an unpublished script from the late Dave Simons (to whom the issue is dedicated) which discusses (using Satan no less) how the Hero Initative was there for him.
If ever there was a comic that deserved fan support, here it is. Readers will find sparkling creativity within these pages that will help provide for those who've shared their creativity with us so long ago.
Writers: Various
Artists: Various
On Sale August 12th
9/10
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor
About The Hero Initiative
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 yesterday’s 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.
Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.
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