Charity celebrates comic books for troops

Word Balloons #1241: Comics provided to all branches of the U.S. military

A charity that provides comic books to military servicemembers is celebrating in advance of Veterans Day with “Comic Books for Troops Weekend.” 

The Comic Books for Troops charity is part of the Comic Books for Kids organization, which began as a way to get comic books to kids in hospitals. As part of the “Troops” initiative, the group sends comics to U.S. military servicemembers around the world.  

The modified logo above was created by Jaynelle and Steve Rude. Rude is known as the co-creator of “Nexus” with Mike Baron, among his long list of comic art credits. 

Comic Books for Kids President Mark Weiss shared his enthusiasm for the Rudes’ assistance in an email. 

“Thanks to the kindness of Jaynelle and Steve Rude, not only have they already sent several hundred books to the military (just today) and are also conducting events for the troops and the charity, but they helped us create this modified version of our logo which we frankly love.”

Both Baron and Rude are involved with Comic Books for Troops, and each has their own “Nexus” projects recently available. More info at BaronComics.com and SteveRude.com.

The annual ComicBooks For Troops event weekend takes place Nov. 8-10 with a variety of events scheduled at comic shops and other locations. 

"We had an amazing response last year and we heard from retailers and others that events like this brought people into their stores and attended their events. We are looking for an even greater response this year! Help make a difference for those brave men and women who protect our shores every day,” CB4K President Mark Weiss said in a news release.

Weiss shared an email from combat medics stationed in the Middle East indicating the comic books and board games had been popular with the unit.  

“Soldiers are here often reading and enjoying your contribution. AND THE BOARD GAMES?! They have been amazing. Every other Friday we have a game night,” the medic wrote. 

The FAQ on this event can be found at the ComicBooks For Troops home page. https://www.comicbooksforkids.org/cb4thome

Financial donations are accepted via the website: 

https://www.comicbooksforkids.org/donatestart

Matthew Price, matthew@matthewLprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, OK.