With the advent of James Gunn’s latest Superman (2025) film and the Superman comic title recently passing its 850th issue with Superman #7 (Vol. #6, 2023), DC Comics thought this would be a great time to celebrate by connecting to the Hero Initiative and producing The Superman 100 Project Trade Paperback.
The Superman 100 Project hails from an existing program of art-themed collections to support the Hero Initiative, a unique charity that helps comics creators in medical and financial need, this time by celebrating comics’ first and most famous superhero, Superman, with a cool auction and a new book featuring Superman-inspired covers.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with DC to celebrate Superman and show fans what the character has meant to comics and the culture,” stated Hero Initiative president Jim McLauchlin. “The original comic book covers that will be published in The Superman 100 Project are truly impressive and sure to be a hit with fans and collectors.”
The Superman 100 Project Trade Paper is a collection of 100 clean covers of Superman #6 (Vol. 6, 2023) illustrated by some of comicdom’s greatest names, including Alan Davis, Kevin Eastman, José Luis García-López, Dan Jurgens, Ed McGuinness, Frank Miller, Frank Quitely, and more will be put up for the charity auction.
Since its inception, the Hero Initiative has generated enough resources to benefit creators with more than $1 million worth of much-needed aid, fueled by fan contributions! The site hosts testimonials from major creators who were rescued by the Hero Initiative. They also have a great store with physical books that celebrate comics from other top artists and comic franchises. If you have a favorite artist they likely have bespoke work from them including the likes of Jim Lee, George Pérez, Bill Sienkiewicz, Todd, Nauck, the list goes on and on. The Hero Initiative also bestows Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian Awards which were most recently awarded to famed X-Men writer, Chris Claremont.
Superman 100 joins the Avengers 100, Batman 100, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 100, and Ultimate Spider-Man #100 projects. The charity is currently supported by Dark Horse Comics, Dynamic Forces, Image Comics, Marvel Entertainment, and Top Cow Productions. The original sketch covers will be auctioned off starting in October. A limited-edition hardcover will also be available direct from the Hero Initiative and Third Eye Comics on December 18.
David Raiklen wrote, directed and scored his first film at age 9. He began studying keyboard and composing at age 5. He attended, then taught at UCLA, USC and CalArts. Among his teachers are John Williams and Mel Powel.
He has worked for Fox, Disney and Sprint. David has received numerous awards for his work, including the 2004 American Music Center Award. Dr. Raiklen has composed music and sound design for theater (Death and the Maiden), dance (Russian Ballet), television (Sing Me a Story), cell phone (Spacey Movie), museums (Museum of Tolerance), concert (Violin Sonata ), and film (Appalachian Trail).
His compositions have been performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the first Disney Hall. David Raiken is also host of a successful radio program, Classical Fan Club.
I’m glad people are being helped.
But frankly, I can’t help but wonder, why are things like this necessary? The United States of America is not a poor, impoverished nation. According to recent reports, 9 out of 10 of the wealthiest people in the world live in America.
But a lot of people are struggling just to survive. In some states, the homeless have to get on a waiting list for six months to a year before they can get housing help. And that’s assuming the area they’re in is currently taking applications to get on a waiting list. Often, there’s a wait to even get on a waiting list!
America could be a whole lot better off if more people in power wanted to help others like Superman does.
True.