
Green Lantern and Captain Marvel cover art drawn by Kaare Andrews
Some heroes wear capes, others just draw them. As booksellers across the country struggle to make rent after closing their retail spaces in compliance with COVID-19 precautions, a new online auction aims to raise money to keep friendly neighbourhood comic shops in business.
#Canucks4Comics, organized by the Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund, encourages supporters of the Canadian comics community to use the hashtag to identify Twitter auctions for an item, service, event, or experience. Early examples have included Eisner winner Cameron Stewart (Catwoman, Batman & Robin, Fight Club 2 and 3) auctioning a custom sketch and video call, Chip Zdarsky (Jughead, X-Men/Fantastic Four) auctioning a podcast interview, and Kaare Andrews auctioning covers of Green Arrow and Captain Marvel.
One hundred per cent of proceeds will go to Canadian comic-book stores, with auctions closing April 29 at 12 p.m. EST. The initiative mirrors #Creators4Comics, an American fundraiser that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for American retailers.
Along with mandatory closures, comic-book stores have faced inventory challenges since Diamond Comics Distributors abruptly stopped delivering new comic books after March 25. Diamond has since announced they will resume delivery in mid to late May.
#Canucks4Comics – I’ll auction a 6×6 sketch of the winner’s choosing (example attached) & 1 hr videocall where I’ll answer questions, review your art, give tips, anything you want!
-opening bid $300 CAD
-bidding ends 4/29 12pm
-payment goes to @clldf pic.twitter.com/0HZCBKwvVn— Cameron Stewart (@cameronMstewart) April 21, 2020
AUCTION! I’m raising money for comic shops via #Canucks4Comics! WIN – BLACK CAT #1 @BelenOrtega_ VIRGIN VARIANT!
Bid by replying to this thread! Min 1$ increments, starting bid $20 USD!
Auction ends Noon EST 4/29/20!
Winner donates direct to @clldf. pic.twitter.com/7HRx1n1lUD— ??? ?????? (@jedmackay) April 21, 2020