Mike Hawthorne Donates Part of 2000 AD Fee To Norm Breyfogle

For 2000 AD, this year's Free Comic Book Day wasn't just going to be a platform to get their comics into the hands of new readers, it was going to mark the debut of legendary Batman artist Norm Breyfogle on their flagship character, Judge Dredd. Unfortunately, Breyfogle stuffered a stroke in December, leaving the left-handed artist partially paralyzed on his left side and facing massive bills for medical care and therapy.

With Breyfogle unable to draw the story, Mike Hawthorne stepped in as the artist of "Judge Dredd: In Through The Out Door," and today, Hawthorne announced that he has arranged for a portion of his fee to be donated to Breyfogle to help with his recovery.

In a press release from 2000 AD, Hawthorne had this to say about the decision:

"Judge Dredd is a character I've long wanted to illustrated, so I was absolutely thrilled when 2000 AD offered it to me, but getting this job under these circumstances made the gig bitter sweet. This job, by all rights, should have been Norm's. I felt immediately that, if I was to take this book, the only right thing to do was to share some of the pay with Norm. So, with the help of the folks at 2000 AD, I made a donation of one full page towards Norm's medical fund. I only wish I could have given him more.

"Free Comic Book Day is really about community, and being part of being in a community means helping out when someone is in need. I just want to do my part, and I hope that all the fans out there will continue to help Norm and his family as he continues to recover

"I also hope Norm knows how many people are rooting for him, and are eager to see him back at work."

"In Through The Out Door," written by longtime 2000 AD editor Matt Smith, will be one of several stories appearing in 2000 AD's Free Comic Book Day title, available for free at finer comic book stores everywhere on Saturday, May 2.

In addition to Hawthorne's donation, Breyfogle also raised $90,000 from friends and fans through a crowdfunding campaign. If you're interested in helping out, consider checking out the Hero Initiative, which is also offering help to Breyfogle and other comic book creators in similar situations.