Comic all-stars choose Veterans Aid as UK beneficiary of special edition sale
Frontline UK charity Veterans Aid is to benefit from a unique transatlantic funding collaboration between two of the world’s top comic book creators.
British illustrator Gary Frank and American-Lebanese writer Geoff Johns (the bestselling team behind Geiger, Superman: Secret Origin, Batman: Earth One, Doomsday Clock, and more) – are hard at work on their next event limited series for Mad Ghost Comics and Image Comics – Junkyard Joe.
All proceeds from this special limited issue will be donated to Veterans Aid (VA), in honour of Gary’s grandfather and grandmother, and to the US National Coalition of Homeless Veterans (NCHV), in honour of Geoff’s grandfather.
Like Geiger, Junkyard Joe is one of THE UNNAMED – a group of strange heroes that have operated in secret throughout history, emerging critically at times of war. Junkyard Joe’s tale is a tale of friendship and sacrifice; of generations learning from one another; of tragedy and healing.
Bristol-born Gary Frank, a comics veteran of nearly 30 years, has worked on the Incredible Hulk, The Avengers and Squadron Supreme for Marvel and Supergirl, Superman, Batman: Earth One and Doomsday Clock for DC alongside Geoff Johns before launching Geiger at Image Comics. His grandfather and grandmother served in WWII in the Royal Marines and the WRENS, respectively.
Geoff Johns is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling writer, film and television producer and showrunner, known for re-imagining superheroes and other iconic mythologies, past and present. Johns is best known for his work on properties such as Green Lantern, Aquaman, The Flash, Shazam!, Superman and Justice Society of America. Along with artist Gary Frank, Geoff recently launched a new creator-owned universe at Image Comics with Geiger. He is currently show-running the third season of the critically acclaimed Stargirl series, inspired by his real-life late sister, for The CW and HBOMax. Geoff’s Grandfather, Sgt. Richard Norman Etter served in World War II, alongside his three brothers and stepbrother. Sgt. Etter served in the Philippines after enlisting in 1941 and he dedicates this series to him.
For every issue of this special edition of Junkyard Joe purchased, Mad Ghost will donate a further $2 to each organisation.
Gary and Geoff say, “Our hope is to not only tell the tale of veterans through a comic book lens, but also raise awareness and money to support those who have sacrificed so much for all of us.”
CEO of Veterans Aid Dr Hugh Milroy said, “This news came out of the blue as Veterans Aid has no connection with the world of comic book heroes, but having connected with Gary and Geoff it is clear that they have a passionate commitment to the support and wellbeing of veterans. Indeed many of the virtues embodied in Junkyard Joe – comradeship, loyalty, mutual support etc - resonate strongly with our work. We are proud and honoured to be included in this collaboration and to be sharing the benefits of it with the greatly respected National Coalition of Homeless Veterans. It is certainly set to be a highlight of our 90th Anniversary year.”
“My grandfather served during World War II and it changed his life forever. Junkyard Joe felt like an opportunity to raise not only visibility for these two amazing veteran organisations, but real financial support. It’s an honour to be working with the NCHV and VA,” said Geoff.
“There are people out there who risk everything to protect us and, all too often, find that society isn’t there for them when they return. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help raise awareness of the work done by some of the people and organisations who remember and repay our debts to those who serve,” added Gary.
