Animators & cartoonists from all over come together to “Help the Hodges”

Jim Hill

15 years ago

I know, I know. Wednesday is typically the day we talk about books here at JHM. But today, I just had to make an exception. I mean, take a look at this beauty.

This copy of Jeff Kurtti’s “The Art of Mulan” redefines one-of-a-kind. By that I mean, this 192-page hardcover comes straight from Disney’s Animation Research Library. Which means that it’s in pristine condition.

But wait ‘til you see what’s inside …

Not only has “The Art of Mulan” been autographed by most of the supervising animators who worked on this 1998 Walt Disney Pictures release, but Ruben Aquino, Tom Bancroft, Mark Henn, T. Dan Hofstedt, Alex Kupershmidt and Pres Romanillos all contributed drawings of the characters that they did for this film.

What’s more, Tony Bancroft (“Mulan” ‘s co-director), Chris Sanders (this film’s head of story), Peter de Sève (a key visual development artist on this production), Chen-Yi Chang (character designer on this animated feature) and June Foray (voice of Grandma Fa) all signed this book too.

This is literally animation history that you can hold in your hand. And it can be yours … IF you place the winning bid for this item during the “Help the Hodges” online auction.

“And what’s the ‘Help the Hodges’ online auction?,” you ask. Starting today, The National Cartoonists Society Foundation (NCSF) is launching a fund-raising effort featuring one-of-a-kind items (see the autographed “Art of Mulan” described above) as well original
art by America’s top cartoonists. Who have donated their time & talent to help out one of their own in his time of need.

The one in need would be former Disney & Veggie Tales artist Tim Hodge. Back in August of last year, Tim’s teenage son Matthew was in a car accident involving a train. The resulting injuries left this 17 year-old in a coma. More importantly, the Hodge’s short term insurance policy doesn’t cover Matthew’s long term recovery at a nursing care facility because – in hospital parlance – his coma is now a “pre-existing” condition.

To help Tim and his family raise the funds necessary to deal with this difficult situation, the cartooning & animation communities has come together. Over 100 artists & animators have donated 170 items of original art from comic strips, comic books, children’s books, animation, and sculpture. With the first of these items being listed today on eBay.

I urge JHM readers to head over to the Help the Hodges website so that they can then check out some of the truly amazing items that are coming up for bid over the next three weeks. Pieces like this original “Pogo” daily comic strip which was drawn by Walt Kelly.

Or – better yet – how about this original Peanuts art that was drawn by Charles M. Schulz himself.

Mind you, if you can’t find anything that you’d like to bid on but would still like to help out here, fully tax-deductible donations may be given to Help the Hodges through Paypal on www.HelpTheHodges.com, or by sending a check with “Help the Hodges” written on the subject line to:

The NCS Foundation 341 N. Maitland Ave., #130 Maitland, FL 32751

Thanks in advance for your kind thoughts & generosity, folks. I know that the Hodges — as well as their extended circle of friends & family — will really appreciate any and all efforts on their behalf.