Planned Parenthood Gets A League Of Defenders In Kickstarter Anthology: Mine!
by Noah Sharma
Perhaps because they initially felt that no one was really watching, comic books have always been a rather political medium. Superman’s first enemies were the prison industrial complex, a wife beater, and war profiteers. Captain America came out swinging, socking old Adolph on his first cover. Spider-Man teamed up with Planned Parenthood in the 70s. And EC Comics famously published “Judgement Day” twice in the 1950s, the latter time over the objections of the Comics Code Authority. Though we as fans are no less divided and no more spotless than the rest of society, comics have a bright history of political activism and speaking truth to power.
And they’re not done yet.
In an era where political attacks against women and reproductive rights are sustained and frightening, it is beautiful to see the comics community standing up for something it believes in and that solidarity has led to Mine!: a comics collection to benefit Planned Parenthood.
Put together by ComicMix, Mine! brings together artists and creators from throughout comics to share stories about, inspired by, and in support of Planned Parenthood’s mission of providing safety, information, freedom, and healthcare to its communities. The anthology includes work from Mags Visaggio, Cliff Chaing, Louise Simonson, Natacha Bustos, Neil Gaiman, Becky Cloonan, Gail Simone, Tee Franklin, Devin Grayson, Andrew Aydin, and a truly staggering number of others.
A Kickstarter for the collection went up Tuesday, August 15th. Money from pledges is to be used to fully pay production and necessary creator costs so that one-hundred percent of proceeds from the completed book can go towards supporting Planned Parenthood. Rewards include digital and paperback copies of the anthology, of course, as well as original art, a portfolio review with First Comics founder and former DC group editor Mike Gold, and the option to send a copy to a senator or congressperson of your choice.
I backed the project myself this morning and I opted to secure a copy for myself as well as one for a local library. It seemed the best way to make my money count and to act in the spirit of Planned Parenthood, ensuring that I not only get mine, but that communities have shared access to information and quality services, in this case comics.
The Kickstarter has had a strong opening, but Mine! still needs at least $35,000 before funding closes on September 15th. If you’d like to become a backer, you can do so at this link.
ComicMix’s press release can be found below.
PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND COMICMIX L.L.C. TEAM-UP FOR MINE!,
A COMICS COLLECTION FUNDRAISER
Neil Gaiman, Jill Thompson, Yona Harvey, Gerard Way, Gail Simone, Gabby Rivera Among Contributors
ComicMix Editor-in-Chief Mike Gold today announced the forthcoming publication of a graphic novel of original short stories to celebrate the important work of Planned Parenthood. The volume, to be edited by Joe Corallo and Molly Jackson, will be published this fall in celebration of over 100 years of Planned Parenthood.
Mine! will feature the work of Neil Gaiman (American Gods, Sandman), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), Yona Harvey (Black Panther), Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance, Umbrella Academy), Gabby Rivera (America), Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Witches of Echo Park), Mara Wilson (Where Am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame), Mags Visaggio (Kim & Kim), Andrew Aydin (March), Frank Conniff (Mystery Science Theater 3000), Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10), Brittney Williams (Patsy Walker A.K.A. Hellcat!), John Ostrander (Suicide Squad), and Jill Thompson (Wonder Woman), among many other top comics creators.
Project Co-Editor Molly Jackson said, “Planned Parenthood is a vital resource for women and men from all walks of life, providing needed health care and support to millions of people all over the world. We are proud to do whatever we can to bring attention to their amazing work.”
Co-Editor Joe Corallo said, “The comics community is built on freelance labor that relies on the kind of access to healthcare that Planned Parenthood provides. We’re thrilled to see such a diverse group of people in the comics community coming together to support this essential cause.”
A Kickstarter campaign to help finance printing and distribution costs is expected to launch August 15th, 2017. Mine! will be available in bookstores, comic book shops, and electronically all over the world.
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
ComicMix, LLC publishes a line of graphic novels by some of the best new and established talent in the industry. ComicMix Pro Services works with creators to produce, publish and market their work in a highly competitive marketplace. In addition, ComicMix runs one of the Internet’s most popular comics-oriented pop culture opinion and news sites.
Press inquires and interview request can be sent to mine@comicmix.com.
