Coliseum of Comics raises thousands for charity via artist pumpkin auction

Pumpkins decorated by comic book artists brought in nearly $3,100 at Coliseum of Comics’ inaugural Great Pumpkin Patch Auction, and the Orlando-based retailer will add money to bring the charitable total to $5,000.The company said the money will be split between the Hero Initiative and the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. Coliseum will cover the event’s costs.The auctions ended Tuesday evening through the retailer’s eBay store. Bidders competed for 9-inch polyurethane craft pumpkins featuring original artwork donated by comic industry artists.Comic artists contribute pumpkin designsParticipating artists included Jeffrey Brown, known for the “Darth Vader and Son” and “Star Wars: Jedi Academy” series; Graham Nolan, co-creator of Batman villain Bane; and Robbi Rodriguez, co-creator of Spider-Gwen.Coliseum of Comics President Phil Boyle said the company hopes to make the fundraiser an annual event.“We look forward to making this an annual event and working with talented artists on proj