Larry Shell, a longtime collector and comics industry professional, is in need of financial assistance. Shell has had two spinal surgeries in the last decade, which have left him unable to work and earn a living. His physical limitations have also affected his ability to maintain his home of nearly 50 years. The township where he lives has given him a limited amount of time to make repairs on his home or face thousands of dollars in fines and have it possibly be condemned.

Shell reached out to artist friends in the comic industry asking that they donate a piece of original art to auction through Heritage. The funds raised in the auction will go to help pay for the repairs, starting with the garage that needs to be demolished. His property taxes for 2023 are overdue and need to be paid soon or the house could need to be sold.  

Artists who donated pieces for the auction include Dave Sim, Walter Simonson, Rick Parker, Mitch O’Connell, Timothy Truman, Butch Guice, Joseph Michael Linsner, Ron Randall, Gary Hallgren, Val Mayerik, Mike Vosburg, Roger Langridge, Hunt Emerson, Bob Smith, and others.

The original art lots are part of Heritage’s weekly Comic Art & Animation Select Auction. It is open for bids now and will run through Wednesday, January 24, 2024.