8/28: Kirby4Heroes Benefit for the Hero Initiative

To commemorate what would have been Jack Kirby’s 96th birthday, comics nonprofit the Hero Initiative and the family of Jack Kirby are organizing the Kirby4Heroes campaign including “Wake Up and Draw,” a chance for artists and retailers to celebrate the late King of Comics as well as an opportunity to help raise funds and awareness for the initiative, which helps comics professionals in medical or financial need. Beginning Wednesday morning, various artists will be submitting original artwork to ComicArtFans.com where a special auction will be held with all proceeds going to the Hero Initiative. In addition, participating retailers will be donating a portion of their daily sales and will be holding special auctions and activities throughout the day.

8/29: Symbolia Presentation at Quimby’s in Chicago, IL

Laydeez do Comics, a “unique salon with a focus on graphic works based on life narrative, the drama of the domestic, and the everyday” presents Symbolia co-creator and creative director Joyce Rice and illustrator and contributor Kat Leyh for a meeting, presentation and Q&A at 7 p.m. at Quimby’s Bookstore in Chicago, Illinois. Symbolia is a tablet-based magazine that features illustrated journalism. The two will talk about the digital publication, as well the potential of comics and sequential art in reporting news and disseminating ideas. This event is free to the public. Quimby’s Bookstore is located at 1854 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622.

8/31: Savage Dragon 20th Anniversary in Oakland, CA

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Savage Dragon with creator Erik Larsen from 1-3 p.m. at Collectors Haven in Oakland, California. Larsen, who is a co-founder of Image Comics, began the creator-owned series in 1993 and has been writing and drawing it ever since, recently releasing issue #190 in August. Larsen will be signing copies of his books as well as discussing his experience working on the comic. This event is free to the public. Collectors Haven is located at 374 17th St., Oakland, CA 94612.