Official Press Release

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 20, 2005) – The Academy of Comic Book Arts (ACBA)/Bill Everett Fund has chosen A.C.T.O.R. Comic Fund to receive the remaining sums from their now defunct organization which are worth over $3000.

ACBA was founded in 1970 with the mission to foster cooperation within the creative side of the comic book industry and to raise the prestige of the industry by creating a comic book industry version of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Topping the creators' agenda was a demand for publishers to treat artists respectfully by returning their original artwork. Once that goal was accomplished, ACBA as an organization faded away.

The Bill Everett Fund was created by ACBA in 1975 to provide a helping hand to comics professionals in financial need. The initial capital came mostly from fan donations and gifts from comics professionals. Some grants were made, but after ACBA ceased functioning, the Bill Everett Fund fell into disuse.

Irene Vartanoff, Treasurer of ACBA, arranged the funds transfer, "I am thrilled that through A.C.T.O.R., the Bill Everett Fund can once again help comics professionals in financial need."

"Since its inception, A.C.T.O.R. has had the good fortune to grant over $100,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. The support of ACBA has made it possible for A.C.T.O.R. to distribute additional monies, which will make a significant impact in the lives of the people we serve," said Jim McLauchlin, A.C.T.O.R. President.

A Commitment To Our Roots (A.C.T.O.R.) is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. A.C.T.O.R. creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, visit www.ACTORComicFund.org or call 310-286-0758 x440.