The 24-hour news cycle is merciless. When calamity strikes, there will always be another event that commands attention all too soon. After the headlines have faded, though, the effects of the disastrous Maui fires are still felt. #1Comics has responded with Maui Mighty Comics #1, a fundraiser comic for which all the proceeds will go to Maui relief.
Listed on Page 312 as a Featured Item in the Gemstone Publishing section of the December 2023 PREVIEWS from Diamond Comic Distributors (Item Code DEC231485), Maui Mighty Comics #1 is a full-color, 64-page comic with a cover price of $7.99. It will hit comic shops in or before February 2024.
In its pages, Roger McKenzie, Steven Butler, and Mort Todd deliver two Mr. Mixit tales, Rene King Thompson and Sandy Carruthers introduce Ms. Molecule, and McKenzie and Ben Torres revive Charlton’s Yang. Also included is a remastered classic Charlton tale of Captain Mercury by Joe Gill and Rocke Mastroserio.
“Thanks to our printer, Solisco, and our advertisers, MyComicShop.com, CGC, and Hake’s Auctions, as well as Diamond Comic Distributors, and Gemstone Publishing, all – that’s 100% – of the proceeds from the sale of this comic will be passed along to the people affected by the fires through Direct Relief,” said Mort Todd, Editor-in-Chief of #1Comics.
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
“We wanted to find an organization with a great reputation and a high pass-through rate, so all the money would reach its intended targets. In this case, because the administrative costs are underwritten, the full amount we raise will go to those most affected by this horrible situation,” he said.
With a line of comics originally planned for a Summer 2024 launch, as a start-up #1Comics had anticipated the need for timely delivery of their issues. As a result, they already had the material for this fundraiser in-house. Gemstone Publishing has partnered with them to deliver this comic substantially ahead of schedule.
Additional information about the project is available online at morttodd.com/mauimighty.html. The site will also have a link to Direct Relief for those who wish to donate.
“You can watch the news just about all day and not hear one mention of the Maui fires. The devastation there still remains, and there’s still work there to be done. This is just a small way that we can support the people of Maui as they recover, and bring some fun to people as well,” Todd said.
