The Hero Initiative Announces Newest Ultimate 100

[ENGLISH] LOS ANGELES, CA (February 25, 2008) – Last year, The Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping older comic creators in medical or financial need, enlisted the aid of 100 top-flight Spider-Man artists throughout history to create The Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, a collection of 100 original Spider-Man covers. Hero is reprising the program with something meaner and greener.
 
Marvel Comics has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of the new Hulk #1 to Hero. The call has gone out to create a new, Hulk-centric “Ultimate 100,” and dozens of artists are currently putting pen to paper. Artists involved include well-known Hulk vets such as Sal Buscema, Mike Deodato Jr., Ron Garney, Ed McGuinness, Don Perlin, Herb Trimpe, Ron Wilson, and more. In addition, Marvel superstars such as J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Frank Cho, David Finch, Joe Quesada and John Romita Sr. have stepped up to add their own take on ol’ Greenskin.
 
“It’ll be tough to beat what we saw last year with the Spider-Man books,” said Hero Initiative Board member Brian Pulido. “But folks are really stepping up to the plate already with some amazing Hulk pieces. It’s great to see them as they roll in!”
 
“After witnessing the overwhelming industry participation and fan response to the Ultimate Spider-Man #100 Project, Marvel is excited to be working with the Hero Initiative once again on such a unique and beneficial project. It’s quite inspiring to watch the comic book community come together so selflessly to support those who came before them. And what better way to honor the pioneers of our industry, then by creating one-of-a-kind cover illustrations of one of the most iconic heroes of all time, the Incredible Hulk,” said Marvel Publisher Dan Buckley.
 
All 100 original Hulk covers will be auctioned at a later date, with proceeds benefiting The Hero Initiative. Plans also call for a book collecting all 100 covers. The first covers received will be on display publicly for the first time at the Orlando MegaCon, taking place March 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. For more information on that event, please visit www.MegaConvention.com
 
Art attached: “Blank” Hulk #1 cover; Tone Rodriguez’ Hulk
 
Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines.
For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com
 
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.  For more information, visit www.HeroInitiative.org or call 310-909-7809