For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael De Lepine, Vice President, West Coast Operations
E-Mail: mikedelepine@comicartguild.org
Phone: 310.220.7807

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA; July, 2008 — A great deal of what fuels the comic book industry involves embracing its talent, be that talent of newcomers or seasoned professionals. In the spirit of fostering the artists of tomorrow while honoring the creators of yesterday, the Comicbook Artists Guild (CAG), is hosting a panel discussion at Comic-Con during their Friday schedule of events. This panel will also serve toward announcing a partnership with The Hero Initiative, and will illustrate how creators can benefit from Guild membership as well as how cross-support between CAG and The Hero Initiative will serve both organizations’ objectives.

The panel, entitled, “The Comicbook Artists Guild: An Open Call for Members Nationwide,” will be held in Room 24A at the San Diego Convention Center on Friday, July 25, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Included on the panel are CAG President Keith Murphey and CAG leaders representing Southern California, Nevada and the New England states, as well as various CAG members on hand to share their experiences with the Guild. Our special guest speaker is Mr. Mike Malve, owner of the Atomic Comics store chain in Arizona and member of the Fundraising Committee for The Hero Initiative, who will speak on the overall mission of the Initiative and its partnership with CAG.

New memberships will be accepted at the panel’s conclusion. Each new member who joins will receive a Guild Membership Kit. CAG is offering a two-tiered membership plan as an option for Comic-Con patrons: the standard yearly membership for the Comicbook Artists Guild is $25.00; the Premium CAG Membership Kit is $40.00, of which $15.00 will be donated to The Hero Initiative. The Premium Kit will include material from both the Guild and the Hero Initiative, including the DVD release of MARVEL: THEN & NOW — A NIGHT WITH STAN LEE & JOE QUESADA. Videotaped on December 2nd, 2006, and moderated by Kevin Smith, this DVD is alone worth the value of a standard CAG membership, and the Guild wholeheartedly thanks the Hero Initiative for the inclusion of this item in the Premium Membership Kit.

The Comicbook Artists Guild, L.L.C., founded in 2000, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the networking, education and support of comic book creators, writers and artists alike, regardless of amateur or professional status, skill levels or talent divisions. Currently, CAG operates membership chapters out of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Texas, Nebraska, Nevada, Southern California and a chapter abroad in Brazil, with interest in opening more chapters continuing to grow. CAG’s goals are to advance the medium of comics through the creative experiences of its members by bringing them together on projects of their choosing, while perpetuating the positive aspects of the comics industry and its continuing contribution to popular culture.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered non-profit organization specifically designed to help comic book industry veterans in need. By offering financial aid to aging comic creators who may need medical assistance, support with the necessities of daily living or simply a helping hand back into the comic industry, The Hero Initiative — with the involvement of the industry’s patrons and fans — can give back to those creative superstars who have thrilled legions with their talent over the years. The Hero Initiative’s website can be found at [link].