Following on the heels of the #Creators4Comics, the fundraiser which raised money to help comic shops affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the creators of the comic book industry are once again stepping up to help raise money, and awareness in support of Black Lives Matter.
The multitude of auctions by creators started as a call to action by writer Gail Simone, one of the industry’s most versatile, out-spoken, and well-respected creators, has taken off and has raised over $100,000 in support of #BlackLivesMatter and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Following the events of the murder of George Floyd, who died while being arrested by the Minneapolis police, demonstrations across the nation took center stage. In the wake of these events, Simone took to Twitter and announced plans to auction off an original piece of artwork from George Perez, who asked her to write the very last Wonder Woman story he illustrated and a signed script featuring Wonder Woman meeting Star Blossom, along with a package that includes a signed and personalized Wonder Woman omnibus. Simone said that the proceeds would go to Black Lives Matter.
In closing, Simone urged her fellow writers to help out by making a similar auction.
“You writers out there, my friends… I know it’s an uncertain time. But I know almost all of you have an art collection, things gifted or purchased. I challenge you…take a piece that has special meaning to you and auction it off, right now, for #BLM.”
“We have black retailers and readers, and they’re hurting. We have black creators and editors who were not always treated fairly. We can do this. Take the #ComicsWriterChallenge and trade something you love for something we need.”
Since her initial tweet, the auctions have been popping up on Twitter as creators from around the industry step up to the challenge and offering a wide variety of original art, scripts, and other items as they step up to the challenge.
To check out which creators are participating, what they are offering, and details for their specific auctions, follow the link #ComicsWriterChallenge. or this Google Docs auction tracker.
Update: As per Simone’s social media today 8 June 2020 they are extending for one additional day for new donors with Gail promising even more mind blowing things coming from creators in the industry. All bids have to end by Friday.