We believe there’s a superhero in each of us - so we’re launching our annual True Superheroes awards to celebrate people who’ve overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same. We’ll nominate people in art, design, music, tech, sport and many other fields. This week we share a few of our many nominees for comic book artist superheroes.

George Pérez

George Pérez started sketching superheroes on his mom’s torn-up grocery bags, a self-taught New York artist who became one of most influential leaders in comic book history. He’s drawn the Avengers, the Justice League, and many more with distinction but it is his humility and generosity that will ensure George’s immortality.

Tula Lotay

Lisa Wood was dyslexic and barely able to read or write when she left school. She worked in a comic book shop and began drawing professionally in 2015 under the pen name Tula Lotay. Remarkably, Lisa also created Britain’s largest comic book convention which raises money for Barnardo’s, the children's charity that arranged her adoption as a baby and found her new parents.

Gene Luen Yang

When Gene Yang was in the fifth grade he bought DC Comics Presents #57. It changed his life. He began drawing comics and, years later as a math teacher, used his comics as a visual aid to teach Algebra. Gene discovered comics can also break down cultural barriers and resolve racism after his first graphic novel, American Born Chinese. Now he’s using his comic superpowers to fight for free speech.

HELP THE HERO CREATORS

Hero Initiative is the charity that helps comic creators in medical or financial need - sometimes they need a little help from everyday superheroes like you. Find out more from some of the creators they've helped.