Benefit concerts and telethons are nothing new, and they often raise millions of dollars for worthy causes. Benefit comics are not all that unheard of either, but given how incredibly small the market for regular comic books is to begin with, I personally think that they exists more as a publicity tool for the publisher than an actual desire to raise money for a cause. Maybe if you’re a Marvel or a DC, with access to top name talent, you can do a 9/11 or Katrina benefit comic and actually have something to show for it. But a small indie publisher printing a benefit comic? Please. If they really wanted to help, they could write a check for $100 and it would still be more money than sales from such a book would really bring in, after the retailers and Diamond get their cut of the cover price. But whatever, I don’t normally get worked up over these things.
But then something like this comes along, and I can’t help but feel offended, not just as a comic book fan, but as a regular citizen and human being:
Grimm Fairy Tales #50 Haiti Relief Cover – The earthquake that struck Haiti this year caused catastrophic damage and loss of life. With as many as three million people being affected by the quake. Through this special variant Zenescope is offering its support to those struck by this tragedy. A portion of proceeds from this book will be donated to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund. This special exclusive will be limited to initial retailer orders only. 32 pgs, FC, $20
Did you catch that? “A portion of proceeds from this book will be donated…” and “…limited to initial retailer orders only.”
But more importantly, are you fucking kidding me? A “Haiti Relief” special edition of Grimm Fairy Tales, the flagship T and A title from publisher Zenescope, purveyors of such fine softcore porn (with a touch of pedophilia) as this:
and this:
Look, I understand how they’ve found themselves a nice little T and A niche in the indie market and they’re making money at it. Not my cup of tea, but it’s a free country and more power to them. But when something this blatantly crass and opportunistic comes along, you just have to call out these assholes on their disingenuous bullshit.
Unbelievable.
