It’s no secret that this pandemic is a difficult time for many industries. Among those hardest hit are independent bookstores and comic shops, which were already facing difficulties in the midst of a rapidly changing landscape for brick and mortar stores. Comic shops were then hit with the double whammy when Diamond Comic Distributors, which oddly is responsible for nearly all major comic distribution, shut down operations in late March. Frankly, it’s a little bizarre that nobody saw a problem with having one main distribution channel for all major comics but that’s a different conversation.
On Wednesday, a collection of comic book creatives, led by Kami Garcia, Brian Michael Bendis, Gwenda Bond, Sam Humphries and Phil Jimenez, organized a large online auction initiative which encouraged creators to put together auctions with proceeds going to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC). What followed was a slew of the biggest names in comics putting up some of the most geektastic auctions we’ve ever seen. It’s pretty awesome. I love how creative these packages are and how they afford comic fans to get their hands on otherwise completely inaccessible collectibles.
All auctions are set to end on Monday, April 20th at noon EST (9 AM pacific). For more information, you can check the Creators 4 Comics website. To find a list of on-going list of auctions, there’s an ongoing list here, check the Creators 4 Comics Twitter account or simply search the #Creators4Comics tag on Twitter or Instagram. I’ve also found it helpful just to go to your favorite comic creator’s personal Twitter or Instagram account to see if they are participating.
Below are just a few of my favorite auctions to give you an idea of how epic these packages are. If you’re able, treat yourself to one of these incredible auctions and support comic shops that really need some superheroes right now!
I'm donating my #Avengers printers proofs as part of #Creators4Comics. 100% of proceeds will benefit @BincFoundation. You can bid on the set here: https://t.co/1g6sRJlYJx pic.twitter.com/ACqYLnhmrD
— Paolo Rivera (@PaoloMRivera) April 16, 2020
Raising money for comic shops – #Creators4Comics. Win Kelly Sue DeConnick's personal CAPTAIN MARVEL CAST & CREW jacket – signed:
• Bid by replying to this tweet (INTL or US).
• Auction ends April 20 @ 12 PM EST.
• Winner donates directly to @BINC. https://t.co/WLNC1PYE27 pic.twitter.com/VAzu9FnMST— Kelly Sue DeConnick (@kellysue) April 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/thebernardchang/status/1250442416940666882
Lot 1. BIRDS OF PREY.
Includes: Comic, collection and script, signed by me!BOP film crew t-shirt (Women's med) signed by CHRISTINA HODSON, the screenwriter!
Oh. And did I mention?
A ZOOM VIDEO CALL WITH @jurneesmollett and @rosieperezbklyn?!?#Creators4Comics ! pic.twitter.com/aWMan1USw4
— Gail Simone (@GailSimone) April 16, 2020
LOT THREE is an INCREDIBLE art print, it's STUNNING. It's a huge BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY print, the highest quality, limited to 300!
It will be signed by myself, AND @TerryDodsonArt and Rachel Dodson! I can't tell you how beautiful this piece is! by @collectsideshow! pic.twitter.com/vPwphhCFed
— Gail Simone (@GailSimone) April 16, 2020
My dear friend, Mimi Chan, who was the undefeated martial arts champion who PLAYED Mulan acting in the original animated Disney classic, and CHOREOGRAPHED the fights, agreed to donate a PERSONALIZED LESSON.
TO YOU. pic.twitter.com/SQU1aHP5MA— Gail Simone (@GailSimone) April 17, 2020
APPEAR IN AN ISSUE of JOKER/HARLEY: CRIMINAL SANITY * @jasonbadower & I are auctioning 3 spots. #Creators4Comics
– Reply to this tweet to bid
– 3 Highest Bidders Win a Spot
– Ends April 20, 12pm EST
– Proceeds to @BincFoundation pic.twitter.com/LFloukDpo2— Kami Garcia (@kamigarcia) April 17, 2020
For #Creators4Comics I’m auctioning: PEARL will murder you in an upcoming comic drawn by @gaydosmichael #Pearltanaka #Jinxworld #jessicajones
• @ reply w your bids to this tweet!
• Opening bid: $40
• auction ends 4/20, 12pm EST
• Winner donates directly to @BincFoundation pic.twitter.com/UizuaI3mi1— BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (@BRIANMBENDIS) April 16, 2020
On behalf of FRANK MILLER, I'm auctioning an original, one-of-a-kind Batman sketch cover, drawn by Frank himself!! (No pics yet, it's being drawn as we tweet!)
Bid by replying to this tweet (US only, min bid $200)
Ends 4/20 @12pm ETBenefiting @BINCFoundation#Creators4Comics pic.twitter.com/YXJhncazJj
— Samm Levine (@SammLevine) April 15, 2020
Do you love your local comic shop and indie bookstore? Me too, which is why I’m joining #Creators4Comics!
Win a signed copy of DRAGON HOOPS, a backboard, a ball, and a signed READ poster!
Opening bid $30. Enter by replying to this tweet by April 20 @ 12pm EST! pic.twitter.com/vCNUfW4trz
— Gene Luen Yang (@geneluenyang) April 15, 2020
Auction for the RETURN OF THE HULK Vol. #1 HC – SIGNED BY STAN LEE! Includes a numbered/signed certificate of authenticity from Dynamic Forces.
Bid by replying to this tweet, opening bid $75. Ends 4/20, 12 pm EST. Winner donates directly to @BincFoundation. #Creators4Comics pic.twitter.com/q3WZ0FQREg
— Greg Pak (@gregpak) April 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/bottomshelfbks/status/1250434823677554690
I'm auctioning off a signed copy of SM: FFH: PETER AND NED'S ULTIMATE TRAVEL JOURNAL to raise money for comic shops & indie bookstores #Creators4Comics
• Bid by replying to this tweet (US only).
• Auction ends April 20 @ 12 PM EST.
• Winner donates directly to @BincFoundation pic.twitter.com/sp9uGE7KbG— Preeti Chhibber (@runwithskizzers) April 15, 2020
HEY! To raise $ for comic shops via #Creators4Comics I'm auctioning spots (4 available) in a one-time only live online class I'll teach on "WRITING 1st ISSUES."
BID HERE ON THIS THREAD! Highest bids get the spots!
Auction ends 12pm EST 4/20/20! Winners donate direct to BINC! pic.twitter.com/UH1rgB9V3B
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) April 15, 2020
For #Creators4Comics I am auctioning 13! signed hardcovers! + A signed rare con variant for Batman #1! + The script for Batman/Fudd! + A terrible sketch!!
• Bid by replying to this tweet!
• Opening bid: $300
• Auction ends 4/20 @ 12 PM E
• Winner donates to @BincFoundation pic.twitter.com/T7HkNo93SV— Tom King (@TomKingTK) April 15, 2020
https://twitter.com/marikotamaki/status/1250460378288369669
Joining #Creators4Comics with @shawnabenson & auctioning off 4 SIGNED TRADES: 3 Batgirl and the Birds of Prey & 1 Green Arrow (all written by us).
• Bid by replying to this tweet!
• Opening bid: $50
• Auction ends 4/20 @ 12 PM EST
• Winner donates directly to @BincFoundation pic.twitter.com/Z5skdWtj1H— Julie Benson (@TheJulieBenson) April 15, 2020
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
