An artist on this year’s 2000AD’s Free Comic Book Day comic has donated part of his fee to the fund supporting legendary Batman artist Norm Breyfogle, who was due to make his Judge Dredd debut in the title but suffered a stroke in December last year, which left one of the industry’s most talented creators facing months of therapy and large medical bills.
Everyone at 2000AD is delighted to hear reports that the former Batman artist is making headway in his recovery and his replacement on the strip, Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated Mike Hawthorne, has arranged with 2000AD to donate part of his fee to the fund set up to pay for Norm’s care and physical therapy.
“Judge Dredd is a character I’ve long wanted to illustrated, so I was absolutely thrilled when 2000AD offered it to me,” says US artist Mike, whose credits also include Marvel Comics, DC/Vertigo, Dark Horse Comics, IDW Publishing, and many others, “but getting this job under these circumstances made the gig bitter sweet. This job, by all rights, should have been Norm’s.
“I felt immediately that, if I was to take this book, the only right thing to do was to share some of the pay with Norm. So, with the help of the folks at 2000AD, I made a donation of one full page towards Norm’s medical fund. I only wish I could have given him more.”
Mike hopes that his support for Norm will encourage other fans to help him, too. To date, over $99,000 has been donated by fans through the Youcaring page set up for him.
“Free Comic Book Day is really about community, and being part of being in a community means helping out when someone is in need. I just want to do my part, and I hope that all the fans out there will continue to help Norm and his family as he continues to recover.”
“I also hope Norm knows how many people are rooting for him, and are eager to see him back at work.”
• Support Norm Breyfogle at Youcaring.com – http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/legendary-batman-artist-norm-breyfogle-stroke-fund/281723
• The Free Comic Book Day issue of 2000 AD, featuring Judge Dredd: In Through the Out Door by Matt Smith and Mike Hawthorne, will be available from participating comic book stores worldwide on 2nd May. A free preview is available to view here on the Free Comic Book Day official site
• Mike Hawthorne’s Official Site: http://www.mikehawthorneart.com | Facebook | Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeHawthorne | Tumblr
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: 2000AD, British Comics, Comic Previews, downthetubes Comics News