HERO and GEMSTONE OFFER LIMITED EDITION of OVERSTREET #41

What happens when penciler John Romita, Sr., inker Tom Palmer, and colorist Dean White team up and use their powers and Marvel Comics characters for a good cause?

The answer is simple: magic!

Romita, Palmer and White have created The Hero Initiative’s exclusive, limited edition cover for The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #41, which will debut at The Hero Initiative booth at Comic-Con International: San Diego on Preview Night, Wednesday, July 20, 2011.

It features Spider-Man, Mary Jane, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Thor, The Thing, Daredevil, Wolverine and Iron Man.

Limited to only 500 copies and available only in hardcover, this edition of the Guide will serve as an important fundraiser for Hero. It carries a $35 retail price.

This marks the second year the Guide has done a limited edition for Hero. Last year, John Romita, Jr.’s recreation of Conan #1 inked by Klaus Janson and colored by White proved to be a nearly immediate sell-out. Given Romita, Sr.’s long association with many of these characters, we’re expecting good things this time around, too.

“When Gemstone Publishing approached us last year at the behest of Steve Geppi about doing the first special fundraiser limited edition in the Guide’s long history, it sounded like a really good idea. Once we actually received copies of the book, we knew it was actually a great idea. I called Gemstone’s J.C. Vaughn and said, ‘I don’t want to say can we do this next year, but… Can we do this next year?’” said Jim McLauchlin, President of The Hero Initiative.

The answer, of course, was yes.

“Raising awareness serves a purpose, but what we really wanted to do was raise money for this great cause,” said Steve Geppi, President and C.E.O. of Gemstone Publishing. “Like last year, I’m very pleased that we are able to donate the full print run of 500 copies to Hero because, also like last year, everyone really came together to help out this great cause. Starting with the awesome creative team, our friends at Marvel, and Quad Graphics, everyone donated their services and just look at the results!”

First published in 1970, The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide has been the Bible of serious comic book collectors – and those just starting out – for 41 years. As does every edition, this 41st volume includes all new insights, feature articles, Overstreet Hall of Fame entries, and tons of comic book data along with the most comprehensive listing of comics you’ll find.

“We’re very happy to be able to do this limited edition with Hero,” said author and publisher Robert M. Overstreet. “The reaction to last year’s limited edition was very gratifying, to say the least. Hero helps people who have brought enjoyment to so many, and helping them do that is a tremendous privilege.”

The Hero Initiative Limited Edition Hardcover version of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #41 is scheduled to go on sale at The Hero Initiative booth at Comic-Con International: San Diego on Preview Night, Wednesday, July 20, 2011 and afterward through a limited number of Hero affiliates. This version will be available in hardcover only and is limited to 500 copies. The retail price is $35. Information on special signings during the show will be released at a later date.

The standard editions of the Guide featuring Thor by Walter Simonson and Supergirl and Batgirl by Amanda Conner will also go on sale at the convention and at comic shops everywhere that same day.