Marvel Noise

LOS ANGELES (March 31, 2008) — When artist Mike Wieringo passed away, he was in the middle of his latest Marvel Comics book, a What If? story. Mike had completed seven pages of what became a massive 27-page story. With Mike’s passing, Marvel Comics generously provided access to the script and Mike’s art to The Hero Initiative, and Mike’s friends stepped up to finish the story, and pay tribute to Mike. Now, What If…This Was The Fantastic Four?: A Tribute to Mike Wieringo is slated as a massive, 48-page tribute book for June shipping that contains the full story, and additional written tributes to Mike.

The tremendous list of talent participating in the book includes Jeff Parker, Arthur Adams, Paul Renaud, Stuart Immonen, Cully Hamner, Alan Davis, David Williams, Sanford Greene, Humberto Ramos, Skottie Young, Mike Allred, Barry Kitson, and Val Staples. Cover artwork is by Mike Wieringo and Paul Mounts, and The Hero Initiative is publishing the book with the full support of both Marvel Comics, and the family of Mike Wieringo.

This book is listed in Diamond Previews and the Previews Order Form under “Hero Initiative,” so order there! The book retails for $4.99.

“While Mike was always looking forward as an artist, he had a genuine appreciation of the efforts of those that came before him. He knew that, without their hard work and talent, he would not have had a career. He was a great and generous guy and he would have been thrilled to be a part of this book. And I’m honored that I’ve been allowed to be a part of it as well,” said Matt Wieringo, Mike’s brother.

Editor Nate Cosby says of the project, “Mike was (and still IS) one of my favorite artists of all time. He drew the world as he saw it, and combined his vision with the imaginations of others to create some of my favorite comics of all time. It was more than a pleasure to work with him all-too-briefly. This book is a remembrance of what Mike could do with a pencil, and a tribute to him as a man.”

“I’m amazed at the generosity of Marvel, and all the artists who stepped forward to help out on this book,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “It’s a great package, and a fitting tribute to Mike.”

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call 310-909-7809 or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

Marvel Comics is a division of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 5,000 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel’s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel’s creative team also supports the development of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel’s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel’s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information, visit http://www.marvel.com.

# # #

For more information, please contact:

Arune Singh
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
212-576-4061
asingh@marvel.com

Janine Bielski
The Hero Initiative
310-909-7809
HeroInitiative@aol.com