Proceeds go to ACTOR (A Commitment To Our Roots): Bringing financial relief to the Original Founders of the Comic Book Industry

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 6th , 2002 – ACTOR, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veteran comic book writers and artists in need, will host an evening with writer/director/actor Kevin Smith, on May 31st, at 7.30 PM at the Writers Guild Theater, 135 South Doheny Dr. ( 1 Block south of Wilshire) in Beverly Hills.

Tickets are $15 (limited to 4 per person) and include a free comic gift bag. Tickets are available at Golden Apple Comics, 7711 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles (323 658-6047) or DJ’s Universal Comics, 11038 Ventura Blvd, Studio City (818-761-3465), or through Kevin Smith’s website, www.Viewaskew.com. Ticket sales begin May 9th and run through May 30th!

Kevin Smith, the creator behind such offbeat movie hits as “Clerks” and ” Chasing Amy” is also one of the world’s hottest comic book writers and a prominent supporter of the comic industry. Smith will answer questions on all subjects, from his new multi-year exclusive deal with Marvel Comics which includes the mini-series “Spider-Man/Black Cat: The Evil That Men Do,” to his life as one of the movie business’s most popular directors.

“Participants can look forward to a relaxed Q&A format, as any and all questions will be answered,” says Smith, who is well known for his candid and laid back manner in public. “Come and join us, and maybe we’ll be able to raise a chunk of change for ACTOR in the process.”

As Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada says, “I can think of nothing better than hanging with Kevin for an evening and listening him talk comics and movies…Come join Kevin on this wonderful night and help out a worthy cause.”

About ACTOR

Today the fantastical visions of the comic-book world that took shape in the 1940s and 50s are reaching wider audiences than ever before. With the multi-million dollar “SPIDER-MAN” in theatrical release with huge ticket sales, it would be easy to overlook the many talented writers and artists who filled page after page with beautifully crafted artwork and mythical characters.

ACTOR is the only charity dedicated to supporting the many talented and under-appreciated creators who laid the groundwork for the comic book industry, but now live in financial need. During the industry’s Golden and Silver Ages from 1938 to 1970, these pioneering cartoonists toiled in low-wage obscurity, writers earning a penny a word and artists a mere $5 a page. As freelancers they worked without pension plans, health benefits, or the possibility for creative ownership, and today many of them live in poverty, unable to afford food, medical care and housing. Now they need a helping hand from those to whom they have given so much enjoyment.

ACTOR is an association of the comic industry’s top publishers and has received support from leading celebrities and entertainment figures, from Marvel founder Stan Lee to “Seinfeld” writer David Mandel. The federally chartered 501-(c) (3) non-profit organization is served by two boards of directors; the Fund-raising committee is made up of Jim McLauchlin and Pat McCallum of Wizard Entertainment, Joe Quesada of Marvel Comics, Mark Alessi of CrossGen Comics, Brian Pulido of Chaos! Comics, Jim Valentino of Image Comics, and Mike Richardson of Dark Horse Comics. The Fund Disbursement Committee is composed of the industry’s most respected statesmen: Roy Thomas, George Perez, Joe Kubert, Dennis O’Neil, John Romita Sr. and Dick Giordano.

For information on tickets or to send donations, contact idee PR at 310-566-5675.