Comic Book Artists no longer Laughing as they face Foreclosures

Posted on July 24, 2009
Filed Under Foreclosure Homes, Mortgage | Leave a Comment

The laugh and smile has been wiped out of many freelancing comic book creators as they face the pinch of foreclosures. Once upon a time they created a pop culture of immortal heroes but today reality of finances has caught up with them. The good news is that a non-profit group in Los Angeles has come to their rescue.

Today health problems, foreclosed houses and leaky retirements are taking the punch of those who made characters ranging from Superman to Kryptonite. The irony is that although shows over radio and television continue to earn millions, most of these artists were freelancers who are left today sans pension, old age benefits and insurance. It was they who ushered in the golden age of comics but now time has made them too old and infirm to continue to work. They are struggling to breathe.

Jim McLauchlin of Hero Initiative said, “What we hear all the time is, ‘I’m three months behind on the rent, and I’m going to be evicted tomorrow.’ And when you take a look at how the economy’s been for the last couple of years, that’s really going to magnify the need” The group debuted about 8 years ago and its goal is to help comic book writers and illustrators who are struggling with the times.

A fund raising and auction is being held in July by them costing $150 per head. In another move an event will be held in Los Angeles’ Meltdown Comics & Collectibles. Lunches with celebrities will be auctioned off during Comic-Con International to be held in San Diego in the last week of July. Top illustrators would be invited to put their signature on autographs and make quick sketches for the visitors. The fees would go into the kitty of Hero Initiative.

One who will benefit from the programme is Gene Colan. He is of Batman and Daredevil fame. His name is also associated with The Tomb of Dracula. Like many of his peers he worked without any insurance or retirement cover. He said, “There was very little support — there was nothing in terms of benefits. Artists have always been oblivious to this kind of stuff — all we needed was enough to support our families.” But things began to change when Colan’s health began to creak about 10 years ago. Today this octogenarian has suffered a heart attack, has glaucoma and is suffering from a liver ailment.

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