Press Release
A vast collection of comic books from Archie to Vertigo will be on sale as Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center (BHHPCC) presents 4th Annual Spring Superheroes for Hospice, a comic book sale that benefits patients and families served by BHHPCC.
New this to the event this year will be the Get Into Comics lecture series, which offers three informative and entertaining lessons in comics.
“We have received tremendous support over the years and wanted to expand on that success by offering something a bit more in-depth to appeal to the comic-loving audience,“ said Sprio Ballas. “These sessions will provide information on pursuing a career in the industry, hands-on demonstrations and how comics are influenced by mythology.”
Get Into Comics Lecture Series Schedule:
11:00 a.m. – Noon
My Comic Book Life with Arlen Schumer
From thumbnail sketches to finished artwork, you’ll be inspired by how Schumer turned a childhood love of comic books into an adult livelihood as a comic book historian and illustrator for more than 25 years.
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
How to Create a Comic Book Character with Rick Parker
A hands-on experience for kids of all ages. Participants do not need to be a professional artist.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Why Superheroes Matter: Modern Mythology from Comics to Films with Hannah Means-Shannon, PhD
Superheroes intrigue and inspire us because of their enduring universal qualities drawn from ancient traditions. This lecture will delve into three hero types present in Greek, Irish and Norse Mythology and explore the ways in which they have come to influence and energize superheroes in various comics and films including Iron Man, Thor and Captain America.
Also on sale will be graphic novels, trading cards and action figures. Scheduled guests include Steve Mannion, Creator/Artist, Fearless Dawn; Paul Castiglia, Writer/Editor, Archie, DC, Dark Horse; David Ryan, Writer/Artist, War of the Independents, Rick Parker, Artist Beavis & Butthead, Tales from the Crypt; Erica Schultz, Writer/Creator, M3 and several other guests. Also scheduled is a live podcast of Good Versus Evil with Joe Endres and Ben West.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Barnabas Health Corporate Office, 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange (directly across the street from Saint Barnabas Medical Center).. Admission is free. Registration is required to attend one or more of the Get Into Comics Lecture Series presentations. Please RSVP to Spiro Ballas, sballas@barnabashealth.org.
Established in 1981, Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center provides comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care and support services to patients with advanced illness throughout ten counties in New Jersey. The program, which serves infants, children, adults and the elderly, honors the unique choices and values of patients and their families while offering full access to the broad array of services provided by the Barnabas Health. For more information, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org.
