Press Release
Over 100,000 comic books — including high-end titles from the Silver Age — will be featured as part of the upcoming Superheroes for Hospice Charity Comic Book Sale taking place on Saturday, November 9. The event also features the return of the popular Get Into Comics lecture series and a chance for comic fans to meet and greet comic book writers and artists and receive autographs and sketches – all for a great cause!
Active since 2009, the charity has raised more than $55,000 to date for Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center (BHHPCC) by selling comics, books, toys and related items. Proceeds have helped assist individuals and families dealing with life-limiting illnesses. Conceived by BHHPCC Volunteer Coordinator Spiro Ballas, the event has attracted top industry talent who often appear to sign autographs and give entertaining lectures about the art form.
“These comic industry veterans are so big hearted and willing to help this worthwhile cause,” said Ballas. “And the public has turned out time and time again to support our efforts by donating comics and attending the sale.”
Ballas went on to say, “The variety of comics that have been donated has resulted in some great finds for die-hard collectors, and has also started some on the road to collecting.” He added, “With our deep sliding discount scale per quantity bought, our sale provides many holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.”
The event will feature thousands of comic books and graphic novels for sale, including books for children and adults and returning to Superheroes For Hospice, a dealer of high-end Silver Age titles. Other vendors will offer action figures, t-shirts and other comics-related merchandise. Joining the fun will be face-painter Kat Ciotta to paint you up as your favorite superhero, plus appearances by sketch artists and other comic book professionals.
The Get Into Comics lecture series begins at noon. This show’s presentations include:
Painting with Shinhan Markers
Nick Mockaviak, Sketch Artist, Art Educator
Make Your Own Comic: a step-by-step course in character and story building
Mindy Indy, Comics Writer, Artist and Colorist (Misfortune Cookie; Deadpool Max)
All Ages Comic Books and The Art of Comics; both presented by Multiversity
In addition to the above creators, a host of comics industry veterans, indie comic favorites and up-and-comers will be on hand to autograph books and comics, sell original art and do sketches. Guests scheduled to appear include:
- Paris Cullins – legendary Marvel and DC artist (Blue Beetle, Batman, Blue Devil, etc.)
- Paul Castiglia – veteran comics writer-editor who has worked for Archie, DC, Dark Horse, etc.
- Dave Ryan – writer-creator of War of the Independents.
- Emilio Velez Jr. – writer, artist and creator of the acclaimed family-friend comic book series, The Dodgeball Teens
- Jared Breslow – customized toy designer and photo-artist.
- Joe Endres – writer-creator of Colossians and Space Scamps.
- Darrell Goza – penciller and inker for DC, Continuity, Blackthorne, Kiss Me Comix, etc.
- Michael Grassia – cartoonist for print, video and web; creator of webcomic, Plunger Pup
- Ryan Burgess – The Tough Spirit
- Ralph Drew – 8-Bit Crafts
The free event takes place on Saturday, November 9, 2013, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. It will be held at the Barnabas Health Corporate Office, located at 95 Old Short Hills Road in West Orange (directly across the street from Saint Barnabas Medical Center, next door to the Atkins Kent building). For more information or to make a comic book donation to Superheroes for Hospice, please contact Spiro Ballas at sballas@barnabashealth.org or 973-322-4866.
About Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center
The health care team at Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center has been privileged to serve more than 52,000 patients and their families during one of the most personal times of their lives. Specially trained experts in end-of-life care are honored to provide comprehensive and compassionate medical, emotional and spiritual care at a time when it is needed most. Our programs, which serve infants, children, adults and the elderly, honor the individual choices and values of each patient and family, while offering full access to the broad array of services provided by Barnabas Health. For more information, please visit www.barnabashealthhospice.org.
