The #Creators4Comics campaign has proven to be a massive success, raising close to half a million dollars to aid independent comic book stores struggling to stay afloat during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds will go toward the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been providing financial aid to independent book retailers in times of hardship since 1996. The foundation has raised more than $7 million in funds and scholarships since its inception.
The twitter-based campaign was launched April 15 by industry bigwigs like Kami Garcia, Brian Michael Bendis, Gwenda Bond, Sam Humphries and Phil Jimenez and ran through April 20. It saw creators using the hashtag to auction off rare, unique, or one-of-a kind items or experiences like signed books and memorabilia, original artwork. and even opportunities like personal Zoom sessions to benefit the nonprofit. In lieu of payment to the auctioneer, the winning bidder simply had to provide proof of a donation in the winning amount. While BINC's goal is to assist independent book stores of any kind, it recently partnered with DC and the Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group to create the Comicbook United Fund, a relief fund dedicated specifically to local and independent comic shops.
In total, $433,166 was raised for the cause in those six days, according to THR. More than 100 creators participated, holding upwards of 630 auctions. Participants included household names like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Patton Oswalt, Neil Gaiman, and Kelly Sue DeConnick. Retailers affected by the current crisis can apply for assistance through application forms currently available on BINC's website.
“Thank you to the leaders of #Creators4Comics for having the vision to understand how comic retailers would be impacted by this pandemic," BINC Executive Director Pam French said in a statement after the campaign's conclusion. "Their passion to help and to act quickly to engage this community has helped raise the most funds BINC has ever received in one day. You used your influence to shine a spotlight on the need comic retailers are facing.”
This sort of windfall couldn't have come at a better time for the comic book industry, which has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. When Diamond Comics Distributors - the largest comic book shipper in the US - announced it would suspend deliveries over virus concerns, the comic world basically ground to a halt. Marvel has begun furloughing employees and multiple conventions - including San Diego Comic Con have been canceled.
While there's finally some new books making their way to retailers, there's little doubt that it will be an uphill climb before the industry stabilizes. But if #Creators4Comics has proven anything, creators and fans alike can make that climb together. While the campaign is over, you can still help to support BINC or the Comicbook United Fund through the organization's website.
Source: THR