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{{redirect|ACTOR|acting|actor|other uses|actor (disambiguation)}}
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{{refimprove|date=June 2012}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2015}}
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{{more citations needed|date=June 2012}}
<!-- [[Image:Hero Initiative.jpg|thumb|right|The Hero Initiative]] -->
<!-- [[Image:Hero Initiative.jpg|thumb|right|The Hero Initiative]] -->
{{Infobox Organization
{{Infobox organization
|name = The Hero Initiative
|name = The Hero Initiative
|image = Hero Initiative.jpg
|image = Hero Initiative.jpg
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|mcaption =
|mcaption =
|abbreviation =
|abbreviation =
⚫
|formation = 2000
|motto = "Helping comic creators in need."
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|formation = [[2000 in comics|2000]]
|extinction =
|extinction =
|type = [[501(c)(3)]] Non-profit
|type = [[501(c)(3)]] Non-profit
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|purpose = Charity
|purpose = Charity
|headquarters = 11301 Olympic Blvd., #587
|headquarters = 11301 Olympic Blvd., #587
|location = [[Los Angeles, California]]
|location = Los Angeles
|region_served =
|region_served =
|membership =
|membership =
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|website = [http://www.heroinitiative.org heroinitiative.org]
|website = [http://www.heroinitiative.org heroinitiative.org]
|remarks = }}
|remarks = }}
'''The Hero Initiative''', formerly known as '''A Commitment to Our Roots''', or '''ACTOR''', is the first federally recognized [[Nonprofit organization|not-for-profit organization]] dedicated to helping [[comic book]] creators, writers and artists in need. Founded in late 2000 by a consortium of comic book and trade publishers, including [[Marvel Comics]], [[Image Comics]], [[Dark Horse Comics]], [[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard Entertainment]], [[CrossGen Comics]] and [[Dynamic Forces]] Inc., the [[501(c)(3)]] [[Charitable organization|charity]] aims to assist comic creators with health, medical, and quality-of-life assistance.
'''The Hero Initiative''', formerly known as '''A Commitment to Our Roots''', or '''ACTOR''', is a [[Nonprofit organization|not-for-profit organization]] dedicated to helping [[comic book]] creators, writers, and artists in need. Founded in late 2000 by a consortium of comic book and trade publishers, including [[Marvel Comics]], [[Image Comics]], [[Dark Horse Comics]], [[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard Entertainment]], [[CrossGen Comics]] and [[Dynamic Forces]] Inc., the [[501(c)(3)]] charity aims to assist comic creators with health, medical, and quality-of-life assistance.


==Eligibility==
==Eligibility==
Many early comic creators, whose work laid the foundation of entire [[fictional universe]]s that proved to be highly lucrative for the publishers that profit from them, were often paid little for their work, and were not allowed to keep their creations. According to the Hero Initiative, "to be eligible for financial assistance from Hero, 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."
According to the Hero Initiative, "to be eligible for financial assistance from Hero, 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."

Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements may apply for 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.


==Board of directors==
==Board of directors==
The Hero Initiative has two [[Board of Directors|boards of directors]]: the Executive Board and the Fund Disbursement Board.
The Hero Initiative has two [[Board of Directors|boards of directors]]: the Executive Board and the Fund Disbursement Board.


The Executive Board, which handles fund raising and handles operations, comprises Hero Initiative President [[Jim McLauchlin]], former [[editor-in-chief]] of [[Top Cow Comics]]; comics creator [[Brian Pulido]]; and [[Joe Quesada]], editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. The board members are Steve Borock, president of the [[Comic Guaranty LLC|Comics Guaranty Corporation]]; former industry retailer Mike Malve; [[film-maker]] [[Guillermo del Toro]]; and Beth Widera, owner of [[comic book convention]] [[MegaCon]]. Former board members include founders [[Pat McCallum (editor)|Pat McCallum]], editor-in-chief of Wizard Magazine; and [[Mike Richardson (publisher)|Mike Richardson]], publisher and founder of Dark Horse Comics.
The Executive Board, which handles fund raising and handles operations, comprises Hero Initiative President [[Jim McLauchlin]], former editor-in-chief of [[Top Cow Comics]]; comics creator [[Brian Pulido]]; and [[Joe Quesada]], editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. The board members are Steve Borock, president of the [[Comic Guaranty LLC|Comics Guaranty Corporation]]; filmmaker [[Guillermo del Toro]]; and Beth Widera, owner of [[comic book convention]] [[MegaCon]]. Former board members include [[Mike Richardson (publisher)|Mike Richardson]], publisher and founder of Dark Horse Comics.


The Fund Disbursement Board, who hear cases for aid and make all final decisions on who to aid, act independent of the Executive Board, and is made up entirely of comics creators, writers, artists, and editors. They are (co-[[Chairman|chair]]) [[George Pérez]], (co-chair) [[Roy Thomas]], (board secretary) [[Charlie Novinskie]], [[Dennis O'Neil]], [[John Romita Sr.]], and [[Jim Valentino]].
The Fund Disbursement Board, who hear cases for aid and make all final decisions on whom to aid, act independent of the Executive Board, and is made up entirely of comics creators, writers, artists, and editors. They are (formerly) (co-chairman) [[George Pérez]], (co-chair) [[Roy Thomas]], (board secretary) [[Charlie Novinskie]], [[Dennis O'Neil]], [[John Romita Sr.]], and [[Jim Valentino]].


The charity is currently supported by [[Dark Horse Comics]], [[Dynamic Forces]], [[Image Comics]], [[Marvel Entertainment]], [[Top Cow Productions]], and [[Wizard Entertainment]].
The charity is currently supported by [[Dark Horse Comics]], [[Dynamic Forces]], [[Image Comics]], [[Marvel Entertainment]], [[Top Cow Productions]], and [[Wizard Entertainment]].


==Fundraising==
==Fundraising==
The Hero Initiative utilizes many methods of fundraising. In 2017, the Arizona Comic Mini Expo held a Drink and Draw event to raise money for the Initiative. Several professional comic book artists provided sketches to be exchanged for donations. The money raised was split between the HERO Initiative and the ACLU of Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/dc/2017/04/11/dc-and-marvel-are-drinking-and-drawing-for-charity/|title=DC And Marvel Are Drinking And Drawing For Charity|website=DC|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>
The Hero Initiative utilizes many methods of fundraising. Foremost is their annual art [[auction]], auctioning donated original comics art-work at [[fan convention]]s. Year-long, they sell donated art and special edition comics at conventions and through the Dynamic Forces website. Artists, writers, and publishers are invited to donate work, and fans are invited to donate money directly to the fund. ACTOR also sells a green [[Stan Lee|Excelsior!]] wrist-band similar in design to the [[Livestrong wristband]].


==Name==
==Name==
The Hero Initiative was formerly known as A Commitment to Our Roots, or ACTOR, from its founding until September 2006. While the original name of the organization reflected the charity's goal, the [[acronym]] that resulted, ACTOR, more often confused people unfamiliar with the organization. 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 books, thus the new name, Hero, named after the common and recognizable comic industry word [[Superhero]].
The Hero Initiative was formerly known as A Commitment to Our Roots, or ACTOR, from its founding until September 2006. While the original name of the organization reflected the charity's goal, the [[acronym]] that resulted, ACTOR, more often confused people unfamiliar with the organization. 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 books, thus the new name, Hero, named after the common and recognizable comic industry word [[Superhero]].


== Awards ==
== Awards ==

=== Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award ===
=== Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award ===
* 2006: [[George Pérez]], [[John Romita, Sr.]]
* 2006: [[George Pérez]] (1954–2022), [[John Romita, Sr.]] (1930–)
* 2007: [[Joe Kubert]]
* 2007: [[Joe Kubert]] (1926–2012)
* 2008: [[Nick Cardy]]
* 2008: [[Nick Cardy]] (1920–2013)
* 2009: [[Neal Adams]]
* 2009: [[Neal Adams]] (1941–2022)
* 2010: [[Walt Simonson]]
* 2010: [[Walt Simonson]] (1946–)
* 2011: [[Stan Lee]]
* 2011: [[Stan Lee]] (1922–2018)
* 2012: [[John Romita, Jr.]] (1956–)
* 2013: [[Sal Buscema]] (1936–)
* 2014: [[Herb Trimpe]] (1939–2015)
* 2015: [[Russ Heath]] (1926-2018)
* 2016: [[Joe Giella]] (1928–)
* 2017: [[Marv Wolfman]] (1946–)
* 2018: [[Dennis O'Neil]] (1939–2020)
* 2019: [[José Luis García-López]] (1948–)
* 2020: No award presented due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]
* 2021: [[Joe Quesada]] (1962–)
* 2022: [[Steve Geppi]] (1950–)
* 2023: [[Chris Claremont]] (1950–)


=== Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award ===
=== Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award ===
In 2010, The Hero Initiative created The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award, named after former board member [[Dick Giordano]], who had died earlier in the year. The award recognizes one person in comics each year who demonstrates particular generosity and integrity in support of the overall comic book community. It debuted at the 2010 [[Harvey Awards]] ceremony held at the [[Baltimore Comic-Con]].<ref>Thompson, Maggie. [http://www.maggiethompson.com/2010/08/wizard-world-chicago-day-three-dick.html "Wizard World Chicago: Day Three Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award,"] MaggieThompson.com (Aug. 21, 2010).</ref>
In 2010, The Hero Initiative created The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award, named after former board member [[Dick Giordano]], who had died earlier in the year. The award recognizes one person in comics each year who demonstrates particular generosity and integrity in support of the overall comic book community. It debuted at the 2010 [[Harvey Awards]] ceremony held at the [[Baltimore Comic-Con]].<ref>Thompson, Maggie. [http://www.maggiethompson.com/2010/08/wizard-world-chicago-day-three-dick.html "Wizard World Chicago: Day Three Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award,"] MaggieThompson.com (August 21, 2010).</ref>
* 2010: [[Tim Sale (artist)|Tim Sale]], [[Jerry Robinson]]
* 2010: [[Tim Sale (artist)|Tim Sale]] (1956–2022), [[Jerry Robinson]] (1922–2011)
* 2011: [[Mike Gold (comics)|Mike Gold]]
* 2011: [[Mike Gold (comics)|Mike Gold]] (1950–)
* 2012: [[Joe Kubert]] (1926–2012)
* 2013: [[Paul Levitz]] (1956–)
* 2014: [[Stan Goldberg]] (1932–2014)
* 2015: [[Denis Kitchen]] (1946–)
* 2016: [[MegaCon|Beth Widera]] (19??–)
* 2017: [[Joshua Dysart]] (1971–)
* 2018: [[Marc Andreyko]] (1970–)
* 2019: [[Louise Simonson]] (1946–)
* 2020: No award presented due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]
* 2021: [[Gene Ha]] (19??–)
* 2022: [[Scott Dunbier]] (19??–)
* 2023: [[Al Milgrom]] (1950–)


== References ==
== References ==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{official|http://www.heroinitiative.org}}
{{portal|Comics}}
*{{official website|http://www.heroinitiative.org}}
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*Hero Initiative Merchandise
*[http://www.dynamicforces.com/htmlfiles/c-Actor.html ACTOR store] at DynamicForces.com
**https://www.ebay.com
**[https://www.heroinitiative.org/merchandise/ https://www.heroinitiative.org/merchandise]
**http://www.grahamcrackers.com/heroinitiative.htm
*[http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=477 April 2007 Interview with Jim McLauchlin for Sequential Tart Webzine]
*[http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=477 April 2007 Interview with Jim McLauchlin for Sequential Tart Webzine]


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[[Category:Charities based in California]]
[[Category:Charities based in California]]
[[Category:Comics-related organizations]]
[[Category:Comics-related organizations]]
[[Category:501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations]]

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[[it:The Hero Initiative]]
[[sv:A Commitment to Our Roots]]

Latest revision as of 20:36, 16 April 2024

"ACTOR" redirects here. For acting, see actor. For other uses, see actor (disambiguation).

The Hero Initiative
Formation2000
Type501(c)(3) Non-profit
PurposeCharity
Headquarters11301 Olympic Blvd., #587
Location
  • Los Angeles
President
Jim McLauchlin
Websiteheroinitiative.org

The Hero Initiative, formerly known as A Commitment to Our Roots, or ACTOR, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping comic book creators, writers, and artists in need. Founded 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 501(c)(3) charity aims to assist comic creators with health, medical, and quality-of-life assistance.

Eligibility

[edit]

According to the Hero Initiative, "to be eligible for financial assistance from Hero, 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."

Board of directors

[edit]

The Hero Initiative has two boards of directors: the Executive Board and the Fund Disbursement Board.

The Executive Board, which handles fund raising and handles operations, comprises Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin, former editor-in-chief of Top Cow Comics; comics creator Brian Pulido; and Joe Quesada, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. The board members are Steve Borock, president of the Comics Guaranty Corporation; filmmaker Guillermo del Toro; and Beth Widera, owner of comic book convention MegaCon. Former board members include Mike Richardson, publisher and founder of Dark Horse Comics.

The Fund Disbursement Board, who hear cases for aid and make all final decisions on whom to aid, act independent of the Executive Board, and is made up entirely of comics creators, writers, artists, and editors. They are (formerly) (co-chairman) George Pérez, (co-chair) Roy Thomas, (board secretary) Charlie Novinskie, Dennis O'Neil, John Romita Sr., and Jim Valentino.

The charity is currently supported by Dark Horse Comics, Dynamic Forces, Image Comics, Marvel Entertainment, Top Cow Productions, and Wizard Entertainment.

Fundraising

[edit]

The Hero Initiative utilizes many methods of fundraising. In 2017, the Arizona Comic Mini Expo held a Drink and Draw event to raise money for the Initiative. Several professional comic book artists provided sketches to be exchanged for donations. The money raised was split between the HERO Initiative and the ACLU of Arizona.[1]

Name

[edit]

The Hero Initiative was formerly known as A Commitment to Our Roots, or ACTOR, from its founding until September 2006. While the original name of the organization reflected the charity's goal, the acronym that resulted, ACTOR, more often confused people unfamiliar with the organization. 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 books, thus the new name, Hero, named after the common and recognizable comic industry word Superhero.

Awards

[edit]

Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award

[edit]

Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award

[edit]

In 2010, The Hero Initiative created The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award, named after former board member Dick Giordano, who had died earlier in the year. The award recognizes one person in comics each year who demonstrates particular generosity and integrity in support of the overall comic book community. It debuted at the 2010 Harvey Awards ceremony held at the Baltimore Comic-Con.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "DC And Marvel Are Drinking And Drawing For Charity". DC. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  2. ^ Thompson, Maggie. "Wizard World Chicago: Day Three Dick Giordano Humanitarian Award," MaggieThompson.com (August 21, 2010).
[edit]
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