COMIC COMMUNITY Helps BOSTON Recover From Tragedy

Similar to the great comic icons, the comic community had banded together to support each other and help children affected by the Boston bombings.  Last week, tragedy struck Boston when two bombs went off at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring over 170. During the manhunt, 26 year old officer Sean Collier gave his life to help catch the bomb suspects. People around the world are praying for Boston and keeping the victims in their hearts, but the trauma after an event like this can be crippling.

In no way comparable to the loss of life and those injured in this catastrophe; the Boston Comic Con scheduled for last weekend was cancelled. To many fanboys and fangirls, this was devastating after the tumultuous week. Many fans traveled great distances to attend, as did many creators from around the world.

I am truly moved by the Boston comic community’s reaction as many comic stores held mini comic cons to give back to the fans that had been through so much. Comic shops that held impromptu events include: Comicazi in Somerville, Comicopia in Boston, Friendly Neighborhood Comics in Bellingham, Larry’s Comics in Lowell, and Studios at Porter Mills. Events included creator signings, vendors, and giveaways. Creators that appeared include: Tim Seeley, Tim Sale, Don Rosa, Agnes Garbowska, David Mack, Nick Bradshaw, Ale Garza, Tamsin Silver, Bill Willingham and many more.

Even more inspiring; Blogger Adri Cowen is holding a comic drive collecting comics for children affected by the bombing. Cowen stated “I wanted to do something in a different way, one that I thought would bring joy to the children affected. Comic books are like a slice of imagination in your hands; bright, fun and an immediate distraction. What these kids need now is that distraction from all the terror, white hospital walls and, in a nutshell, a distraction from reality. I wanted to help bring that to them.”

“I’ve received an incredibly overwhelming response from both companies and individuals who want to help, as well as wonderful coverage on industry blogs.” Comic companies donating are Action Lab, Archie, Fantagraphics, First Second, IDW, Marvel, Oni Press, Papercutz, Top Shelf, and Viz, along with numerous comic shops, creators and fans. She is planning on giving donations to the kiddos at Boston Children’s Hospital.  For more information click here.

I love the comic book community. So many of us learned our morals and values from the mythology of our favorite heroes; it is a beautiful thing when we can take these principles and use them to uplift our communities.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jay Deitcher, LMSW(@mrdeitcher) embraces the term MUTANT and proudly represents his MUTANT brothers and sisters.  He is an educator on comic history and runs successful Free Comic Book Day events yearly.  You can see a listing of his incredible articles and his highly energetic videos here.