In the United States, today is Thanksgiving.  So, before the tryptophan from the turkey kicks in, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the great work done by the Hero Initiative and show how you can help support this great organization.

More after the jump.

The Hero Initiative was formed in late 2000 by a consortium of comic book and trade publishers including Marvel Comics, Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Wizard Entertainment, CrossGen Comics and Dynamic Forces Inc. The Hero Initiative was originally named A Commitment to Our Roots, or ACTOR, which caused some confusion. So, in September 2006, in an effort to expand the marketability and fund-raising ability of the charity, the executive board decided to change the name to something more associated with comic industry: Hero.   The charity is currently supported by Dark Horse Comics, Dynamic Forces, Image Comics, Marvel Entertainment, Top Cow Productions, and Wizard Entertainment.  The Hero Initiative is the first federally recognized charity  not-for-profit organization and is dedicated to helping comic book creators, writers and artists in need.  Specifically, the charity aims to assist comic creators with health, medical, and quality-of-life assistance.   Here is a short video that explains what they do:

As many comic fans are aware, many early comic creators were treated pretty badly.  This is true despite the fact that their work laid the foundation of entire fictional universes that still prove to be highly lucrative for their publishers. Most were not even allowed to keep their creations. The Hero Initiative seeks to help these creators.

According to the Hero Initiative website, the only requirement for eligibility is:

"an applicant must have been a working comic book writer, penciler, inker, colorist or letterer on a work-for-hire basis for no less than 10 years since January 1, 1934."

Eligible applicants may receive aid, which could vary from medical assistance, paying rent, or finding employment (in or out of the comics industry). Hero's benefits are not meant to be a permanent crutch for needy creators, but assistance for those in debt, or who have trouble paying bills. Any granted aid is kept confidential.

So how can you help the organization?  First, each year they conduct an annual art auction. They also sell donated art and special edition comics at conventions and through the Dynamic Forces website. So, if you are an artists, writers, and publishers, you can donate work.  If you aren't, you can donate money directly to the fund.   Or you can become a member.  There are several different levels (clicking the picture will take you to the site.

There are also several products offered on their site:

And finally, the last word from a man who needs no introduction.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.