Give Comics Hope is a new charitable initiative that is seeking donations, along with high value, unique items donated by industry pros for two upcoming charitable auctions. It was created and is headed by comics industry veteran Bill Schanes and designed so that the comic community can provide aid to comic book stores.

The initiative is supported by current and former comic professionals who have donated their time and resources on the initial auctions. The first two auctions are designed to raise funds to be distributed to comic book stores in early 2021. Give Comics Hope is asking publishers, creators, retailers, fans, convention organizations, printers, media, and all members of the community to give back to comic book shops by donating premium collectibles from their personal collections for the auctions.

“I’ve been blessed to work in the comic book industry for almost 50 years as a publisher and distributor,” said Bill Schanes, founder of Give Comics Hope. “But I began my journey as a professional in comics as a retailer which is how I know that retailers are the heart of the comic book community. Now is the time to pay it forward and save comic shops not only for ourselves, but for future fans to come.”

Heritage Auctions will conduct the first auction for all donations with an estimated value of $500 or more. It will be held between Wednesday, October 28 and Wednesday, November 11, 2020. That auction will include cover art from The Walking Dead donated by Image Comics partner Robert Kirkman, paintings by artist Bill Sienkiewicz, Star Wars original art by artist P. Craig Russell, original art from New Mutants #88 by Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld, original art from X-Factor #55 and Amazing Spider-Man #326 signed by artist Colleen Doran, Excalibur #125 original art signed by Dave Hoover, and more. Public donations for the first auction are due by Friday, October 2.

“Heritage Auctions has long been proud and honored to be the premier auction house for comic books, comic art, and related collectibles,” Barry Sandoval, Vice President of Heritage, said. “When Bill approached us with the opportunity to give back to the comic shops that spark the lifelong love of this medium in countless fans and collectors, we leapt at the chance.”

The second auction will be conducted by Jesse James Comics/Comic Book Shopping Network in partnership with eBay. All public donations with an estimated value of $499 or less will be offered through auctions and Buy It Now format on eBay between Wednesday, November 11 and Friday, December 11. Public donations for the second auction are due by Wednesday, November 4.

“It’s been my privilege to provide great comic book experiences and the best in comic book therapy for almost 40 years,” Jesse James, owner of Jesse James Comics and President of Comic Book Shopping Network, said. “Our industry is stronger when customers have many options to find the comic book community that is right for them. It’s my pleasure to help my retail brethren by leveraging our brand’s strength on eBay and the power of CBSN to raise money for Give Comics Hope.”

Give Comics Hope has partnered with the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc), a nonprofit dedicated to assisting comic retailers and booksellers, to oversee the management and disbursement of the funds raised. Since its inception, Binc has provided over $9 million in financial assistance and scholarships to more than 9,000 families.

“We are honored to work with Bill and his team of passionate volunteers to further help comic book stores during this unprecedented time. We know the funds raised from this visionary initiative will help neighborhood comic shops continue to serve their customers and their communities,” Pam French, Binc Foundation’s executive director, said. “Together, we are working to help comic retailers through the many challenges they are faced with, so they can continue doing the work they love – selling comics.”

Additional information regarding Give Comics Hope, including details on how to donate, ideas for what to donate, suggestions for how to support the initiative without a collectible donation, and testimonial videos, are available at www.givecomicshope.org.