In times of crisis, heroes rise.
Aaron, the man behind @joshscomicbooks on Instagram, is doing just that. After the recent wildfires threatened his own home, Aaron decided to combine his passion for comics and his love for the community into something powerful—an epic Live Charity Auction to help those impacted by the fires in California. The event will be held on Friday, January 24th, starting at 5 PM PST, and streamed live on Instagram.
Your Chance to Make a Difference
This isn’t just your typical livestream auction—it’s a chance for you to make a real difference. All proceeds will go directly to two incredible organizations:
California Fire Foundation, an organization which helps support injured firefighters and their families is the primary recipient of funds raised
American Red Cross, a portion will be allocated to provide essential emergency relief for those who’ve lost everything
Aaron’s goal is to raise $25,000 - $40,000 to provide aid for those in desperate need, and he needs your help to get there. Over 50 collectors have already pledged to donate items, but there’s still time for you to get involved.
And believe me, you are going to want to watch this thing go down. By the sounds of things, this is shaping up to be more of a good old fashioned telethon.
The Auction Format—Fast, Exciting, and Impactful
The auctions will be quick, but packed with heart. Here’s how it works:
2 minutes per item
30-second extension for Instagram live
Bidding starts at half the Fair Market Value (FMV)
You’ll have just enough time to snag your favorite items, all while knowing you’re supporting an incredible cause, and interacting with the donors in the process.
What’s Up for Grabs? Legendary Comics and Some Rare Finds
This is your chance to own some truly legendary comic books while making a difference. Items include:
Fantastic Four #1, signed by Stan Lee—a restored copy (CGC 1.8)
Hulk #340 (CGC 9.8)
X-Men #2 (CGC 6.0)
Plus there's this,
And this,
And these are just a few of the treasures that will be available. Alongside these, there will be plenty of raw and graded comics, donated by fellow collectors who want to help make a difference. The generosity of the comic community is truly inspiring, and together, we can turn these collectibles into real help for those in need.
You Can Still Help
Even if you can’t join the live auction, there are still ways you can get involved. Aaron is still actively accepting donations. If you’ve got a comic or collectible with a $150 FMV minimum, reach out to him on Instagram at @joshscomicbooks. Every donation counts, and your contribution will make a direct impact.
Why This Matters
For Aaron, this auction isn’t just about raising money—it’s about rebuilding something much more important than a collection. Wildfires have torn through the lives of countless families, and Aaron knows firsthand how precious memories are when they’re all you have left. “Comics can be replaced,” he says. “But you can’t replace the memories lost in a fire.”
This event is a way to bring hope, support, and a sense of community to those who need it most. It’s proof that even in the face of tragedy, we can come together to create something positive.
So, mark your calendars for January 24th, 5 PM PST. Tune in to Instagram Live at @joshscomicbooks and be part of something special. It’s not just an auction—it’s a movement. Let’s show the world that comic fans can be heroes, too.