50 new Archie covers by 50 great artists will benefit Hero Initiative...

Above: Al Nickerson's Hero Initiative ARCHIE #600 "original cover." Click here for a larger version.

The Hero Initiative (a worthwhile charity in the comic book industry) is doing a new "original cover" project with Archie Comics. This project will use 50 artists drawing original covers for ARCHIE #600 (the "Archie Gets Married Part 1: The Proposal" issue). Each comic book will be auctioned off to generate funds for Hero Initiative.

The Hero Initiative (God bless them) had asked me to draw one of the ARCHIE #600 original cover comics, and I was very happy to contribute. The front cover has the Shield reacting to Archie and Veronica’s wedding announcement. The back cover is my tribute to Dan DeCarlo (the creator of Josie and the Pussycats) with my interpretation of Josie. This is the first time (I think) that I ever drew Josie.

Anyway, I felt like sharing because my Josie (and the Pussycats) back cover is kinda rock n’ roll. Plus, tipping-the-hat to Dan DeCarlo seems like the right thing to do, especially with such an important project as this one.

From Hero Initiative:

Los Angeles, CA (March 24, 2010): Archie and the whole Riverdale gang certainly are heroes. Now they’re joining forces to aid cartoonists in need.

Archie Comics is teaming up with the Hero Initiative, the charity dedicated to helping comic creators in medical or financial need, for an amazing artistic extravaganza involving the premier issue of the world-renowned Archie wedding series, Archie #600. Archie Comics has printed 50 blank-covered copies of the landmark book, and Hero will have 50 stellar artists do original Archie covers on the special edition books. The originals will be auctioned off at a later date to benefit Hero, and a book will be published, collecting all 50 covers.

Superstar artists such as Neal Adams, Darwyn Cooke, Sam Kieth, Jerry Ordway, George Pérez, John Romita, Tim Sale and more are all contributing to the project, "Archie Covers: Fifty Times an American Icon." More artistic surprises are yet in store, as artists from the animation world and even underground comics will be making contributions as well!

"I’ve been in comics for 35 years, and this is the first chance I’ve had to draw Archie ‘for real,’" said legendary Marvel/DC artist and Hero board member George Pérez. "And given that opportunity, I’d be foolish not to draw the stunning Betty and Veronica as well! It’s a lot of fun, a great opportunity, and of course, a great cause. I hope everyone enjoys these covers!"

"Archie Comics is committed to supporting those who have spent their lives as the cornerstone of the comics industry. We are thrilled to be working with the Hero Initiative on this project," remarks Co-CEO Jon Goldwater. "The covers have been remarkable and we can’t wait to see what the remaining artists have in store for their edition of the Hero covers for Archie #600."

Each original cover will be auctioned off via eBay.com at a future date. A release date for the book is also pending. Stay tuned! You will not want to miss out on these amazing once-in-a-lifetime covers!

About The Hero Initiative:

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strict to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

Update:

Jim McLauchlin of Hero Initiative talks with Newsarama about the 50 ARCHIE #600 original cover project.