It’s become somewhat de rigueur for comics writer Mark Millar to auction off the naming rights to some of his characters, which offers the chance for readers to gain superhero immortality by joining the likes of Dave Lizewski, Matt Anderson and Blake Morrow in the pages of his work. And, given how often those pages are developed into movies, possibly on screen too.
Now, he’s at it again, offering the chance to name the super villain in The Secret Service, which bears not only Millar’s touch but also the creative input of Kick Ass co-writer/director/producer Matthew Vaughn (whose MARV Films owns the movie rights) and Dave Gibbons. You know the one: worked on a few titles such as Watchmen. And Batman. And Superman. And Green Lantern. And... Basically, he’s a legend.
The proceeds will go to a good cause – St Bartholomew’s Primary School Pantomime Fund, which Millar established with head-teacher Christine Boyle. "I'm a former pupil at St Bartholomew's and have so many great memories of the place,” Mark says. “I know there's not a lot of money in local government at the moment and I was sad to hear that the annual school trip for the children had been cancelled. By establishing this fund, I hope to have a pot the head-teacher can dip into every Christmas and take the entire school to a pantomime every year. This fund will cover tickets, transport and treats for the children and it's something I'd like to help with every year from now on. The school trips were a big deal to us as little kids and I'd love to get them up and running again."
As for the book itself, it hits shelves in February and you can bid by going to the auction’s eBay page right here. You’ve only got until October 21 to enter, so get to it!