Heritage Auctions

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Press Release - June 23, 2004

Heritage to Hold Auction to Benefit Dave Cockrum!

Dallas, Texas: Heritage Comic Auctions (HCA) will hold an auction to benefit veteran comic artist Dave Cockrum, co-creator of the New X-Men, as part of their upcoming Signature Sale to be held August 12-15, 2004, in conjunction with Wizard World Chicago at the Rosemont Convention Center.

Best known as the creator of such well-known characters as Storm, Colossus, and Nightcrawler, all members of Marvel Comics' X-Men (as seen in two blockbuster movies), Cockrum was a long-time comics fan who turned pro in the mid-1970's. After a tour in the US Navy, Cockrum was hired by James Warren to work on such classic comics as Creepy and Eerie. Shortly thereafter, he moved to DC Comics, where he made his mark with the fan-favorite Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes before going to Marvel to work on a revitalized X-Men book in 1974.

Recently hospitalized with complications from diabetes, and as a freelance artist without health insurance, Cockrum has found himself in dire straits. Long-time friend and author Clifford Meth, along with industry legend Neal Adams, began a grassroots effort to help Cockrum in his time of need, and developed the idea of a tribute book, with art donated by some of the industry's biggest names and all proceeds going to help Cockrum (For more information, or to order the Cockrum Tribute Book, please visit www.aardwolfpublishing.com/PR/help_dave_cockrum.htm. In addition to sales of the book, the art created for this special publication will be auctioned by Heritage in their upcoming Chicago Signature Sale.

"We're thrilled to be involved with this effort," said John Petty, HCA's Director of Auctions. "Dave Cockrum has not only been an important voice in comics for many years, contributing characters and stories that many of us will never forget, he's also one of the nicest guys on the planet. We're deeply honored that Neal Adams and Clifford Meth invited us to be a part of this."

Over 100 pieces will be offered in this special benefit auction, including pieces by such legendary artists as Neal Adams, Walt Simonson, Mike Kaluta, Jim Lee, Travis Charest, Will Eisner, Gene Colan, Sergio Aragones, John Romita, Sr., Dave Sim, and Frank Brunner. All proceeds from the sale of this art will go directly to Dave Cockrum.

Prior to the auction, the art will be on display at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City from July 1-3, 2004, with a special reception to be held July 1, 2004 from 7-9 pm. For more information about this reception, please visit the MOCCA website at www.moccany.org/.

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HeritageComics.com.

HCA specializes in rare, high-grade comic books, as well as vintage comic and animation art, illustration art, classic toys, movie posters and comics-related collectibles.

Prospective consignors and sellers of top-end comics material, toys, and original art are invited to call Ed Jaster at 214-252-4288 or Fred McSurley at 214-252-4293 to discuss their rare comics and original illustration and comic art. Or visit www.HeritageComics.com and click on the "consign" tab. Or simply email Ed Jaster at EdJ@HeritageComics.com or Fred McSurley at FredM@HeritageComics.com.

Movie poster consignors, please call Grey Smith at 214-668-6928 or email GreySm@HeritageMoviePosters.com.

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