#Creators4Comics — a fundraising effort that saw more than 600 auctions by comic creators, authors and celebrities to benefit comic book retailers — raised more than $400,000 during its six-day run earlier this month, the organization has announced.
Coordinated by Kami Garcia (Teen Titans: Raven), Sam Humphries (Dial H for Hero, Harley Quinn), Brian Michael Bendis (Cover, Superman), Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman, Infinite Crisis) and Gwenda Bond (Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds, Lois Lane: Fallout), #Creators4Comics ran on social media between April 15 and 20, with more than 635 auctions of anything from signed books to original artwork — and, in some cases, specially created stores — being offered with all proceeds going to the Binc’s Comicbook United fund benefiting U.S. comic book retailers.
Creators offering auctions included Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, Patton Oswalt, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. In total, $433,166 was raised as a result of the campaign, according to organizers.
“When Kami began recruiting a few of us to launch this effort, we all said yes immediately because it was a way to help. We had no idea how successful it would be,” Bond told The Hollywood Reporter via email. “But we all desperately wanted to do something to help stores — it only makes sense that so many other creators felt the same way and joined in so generously with their time and talents. What we all did together is going to make a huge difference for comic stores and indie bookshops struggling to make it through this global pandemic.”
In a statement, Binc Foundation executive director Pam French added, “Thank you to the leaders of #Creators4Comics for having the vision to understand how comic retailers would be impacted by this pandemic. Their passion to help and to act quickly to engage this community has helped raise the most funds Binc has ever received in one day. You used your influence to shine a spotlight on the need comic retailers are facing.”
