The Hero Initiative is the world's first, "...federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need." I've met Jim, the PIC, and have heard about the really cool things they have done for struggling comic book creators. One of the things I like about them is that they rarely ask for donations. They try selling original art, videos, comics, and now, a day with some of the comics world greatest talents right at your fingertips. On April 17th, the day before the New York Comic-Con, they are hosting a, "Comic Book Boot Camp," where you can rub elbows in an intimate setting to learn about the craft of creating comic books. The Schedule is as follows.

9:00-9:30 Introduction by Andy Schmidt
9:30-10:30 Publishing In A Nutshell with Top Cow President Matt Hawkins
10:30-11:00 From Proposal to Approved Project with hot writer Chris Gage
11:00-12:00 The Art of Comics Writing with Batman’s Denny O'Neil
12:00-1:30 Lunch Break
1:30-2:30 Storytelling with The X-Men’s Chris Claremont
2:30-4:00 Penciling & Inking with The Amazing Spider-Man and Infinite Crisis’s Phil Jimenez
4:00-5:30 Coloring and Lettering with Chris Sotomayor and Cory Petit
5:30-6:00 Post-Production and Wrap Up by Andy Schmidt

As you can see, there is some huge talent that covers all areas of comic book creation. The day is only $275 which is a small price to pay to learn from some of comic books greats, the bonus is that you get to help other comic book creators that are down on their luck. Hurry though, the boot camp is available for online registration only and there are a select number of seats. If you are interested, book it now to get a spot. Head over to www.comicsexperience.com and click the PayPal link to get your seat.