ACTOR features at Wizard World

The new non-profit organization for comic industry creators hits the windy city

By Arnold T. Blumberg     August 09, 2001
Source: ACTOR

It's recently made a big splash in the industry by forging alliances between some of the comic book community's heavy hitters, and now the new non-profit organization known as ACTOR (A Commitment To Our Roots) will hold a high profile auction at this year's Wizard World convention in Chicago.

The convention takes place August 17-19, 2001 at the Rosemont Convention Center, and the ACTOR auction will be held on Saturday, August 18 at 6pm in the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

President Jim McLauchlin and CrossGen Comics Senior Writer Mark Waid will host the ACTOR auction, which will consist of over 100 lots of original art and signed manuscripts from comic artists and writers. A special guest auctioneer will also take center stage to help ACTOR and draw some much-needed attention to this worthy cause.

CLERKS creator Kevin Smith will appear to auction props and costumes actually used in his latest film, JAY AND SILENT BOB STRIKES BACK. Speaking of the event, Smith clearly has a passion for the cause to which ACTOR is devoted.

"We honor those who helped create the American comic book art form by remembering them," Smith said. "However, ACTOR goes one better by offering said creators financial support in their golden years. It's a noble cause any comic book fan worth his or her salt should get behind."

Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada will host a "Day at Marvel Comics," while a "Day at Image Comics" will be hosted by
Publisher Jim Valentino. The auction will also showcase a "Bluntman and Chronic" WIZARD cover by Michael Avon Oeming; a Jack Kirby/Wally Wood original SKY MASTERS strip; a "jam" piece by Adam, Andy and Joe Kubert; and a stunning JLA/Avengers original from George Perez (who is set complete the long awaited superteam-up later next year).

"The first auction we had at the Orlando MegaCon in March was great," said McLauchlin. "So great, in fact, that we immediately added a second. The plan going forward is to do two major auctions a year, at the Orlando MegaCon and Wizard World Chicago. The staffs at each of these conventions are outstanding, and the ultimate pleasure to work with. And they put on great shows."

For more information or to send donations, to ACTOR please contact:
ACTOR (A Commitment To Our Roots)
11301 Olympic Blvd, #587
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tel: 310 268 1530