First Ever DC Comics and Hero Initiative Collaboration:

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 1, 2011) – The Hero Initiative, a charity dedicated to helping comic creators in medical or financial need, most proudly announces their new partnership in the Justice League Of America #50 project with DC Comics. This is the first collaboration with DC comics ever and Hero is chomping at the bit to pull the collection together. The call has gone out and dozens of artists are putting pen to paper. DC has generously donated 100 blank-covered cardstock copies of Justice League Of America #50 to Hero, and work is being created by well-known stars such as Jim Lee, Alex Ross, George Perez, Jason Bone, Jim Valentino, and many many more.

"It's an honor to participate, not only because this is the first time DC Comics is collaborating with Hero Initiative, but because Hero Initiative is such an important organization to our community" said Jim Lee, artist and Co-Publisher of DC Comics.

“We're thrilled to be working in new ways with DC Comics, and showcasing some of the greatest artists and greatest characters in the world," said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. "And of course, sales of the covers and the collected book will go toward helping many other comic creators in need."

All 100 original Justice League Of America covers will be published in a book slated for release in 2011, and a public viewing of all covers will be scheduled as well.

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About Hero Initiative

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 yesterday’s 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.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

New comic books go on sale today, including JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA issue 53, the final chapter of "JLA Omega" by James Robinson and Mark Bagley.

The alliance between the Justice League and the Crime Syndicate has broken down. Things look grim. Can there possibly be a plan that will defeat Omega Man?

Batman must have a plan, right? I mean, he always has a plan.

Uh, right?

This issue reveals Dark Supergirl's allegiances, ties in with the Starman/Congorilla Special and sets the stage for next month's story, "The Rise of Eclipso" by Robinson and the new art team of Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund.

Here's a look at the first four pages.

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"The Rise of Eclipso" begins in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA issue 54 and, so far, we've kept the lid tight on the details of James Robinson's epic storyline.

But we can confirm, this one's got it all:

* Shade.

* Doomsday.

* Blue Lantern Saint Walker joins the League to ensure that all will be well.

* Alpha Lantern Boodikka and Supergirl on the trail of the Cyborg Superman.

* The return of one of the DCU's classic villains, Eclipso.

Eclipso's dark, dual nature is all about the tension between light and dark so it's only appropriate to show off some art by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund in glorious black and white.

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It's been a cold, cold week here in New York and across much of the country. Yes, winter is undeniably here.

So while folks outside are bundled up and dressed for arctic conditions, I'm personally glad to have the distraction of March's solicits, which break online Monday.

Over the course of the day, we'll have a couple of teases for you to remind us all that, oh yeah, spring will come again.

First up, hmmmm, where to start?

How about this: What Lantern joins the Justice League next Spring? Interwebs, start your speculation....