S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – At Rock Hill Comicon last weekend, enthusiasts searched for coveted covers. Of course, many comic books highlight colorful characters with superpowers
But people at the show also stumbled upon the story of an everyday man who lived his life with generosity.
“There you go,” said David Hinson, passing out a free book to a girl.
Hinson, the co-owner of Rock Hill Comicon, gave away 140 comics with special signatures.
“This guy is giving away free autographed vintage comics which is so cool,” said Theo Hart.
They once belonged to the late Johnnie Horsley of Spartanburg, known as “the man of 100,000 autographs.”
“[Horsley] used to go to hospitals and give them away to kids,” Hinson told Queen City News.
Hinson bought a box of Horsley’s comics a couple of years before the collector passed away eight years ago. They were in storage for years.
“One day we’re looking through the warehouse and there’s that box,” said Hinson. “I just decided you know John used to give them away, it would be a good thing for me to give them away.”
Horsley’s certificate of authenticity came with every grab bag that he distributed to children, explaining his origin story.
It starts “Objective: to share the joy of autographed favorite comic with other enthusiasts.” The certificate also explains the “tragedy” that was Horsley’s origin story.
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His parents sold his precious comics while he was in the Army. He wanted to give young people an “economical gateway to collecting convention signed comics.”
Rick Fortenberry, another co-owner of Rock Hill Comicon, says Horsley was a rarity in the comic world.
“He’d come to shows and give them to children. So, I’m sure he would be happy we’re doing this,” Fortenberry says.
“Kind of an interesting book,” he showed us. “That’s ‘The Last of the Mohicans.'”
We met Wes Saunders of Fort Mill, who heard about the freebies. But he wasn’t there to take one.
“I wanted to donate some so we can get more signed comics in the hands of people if that’s okay,” Saunders tells Fortenberry.
“Thanks buddy!” Fortenberry replied.
“Comics were really special to me as a kid, helped me through hard times, and I just want to pass that along to others,” said Saunders.
“I’m going to lay them right here,” Hinson said to an excited show-goer.
“I’m going to get my free comic!” he said, grabbing a Wonder Woman book.
The kind nature that Johnnie Horsely is remembered for was right there in the room with us.
“It’s amazing, it’ll make peoples’ day and stuff,” Hart said.
“A lot of people get autographs, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not doing it for the reasons [Horsley] did, which was giving to the hobby,” Fortenberry says.
That kind of selflessness made him a super human, Fortenberry and Hinson said.
Saunders was happy to contribute.
“Are you sure you want to get rid of that one?” Fortenberry asked Saunders.
“Yeah, it’s just for a good cause,” Saunders says.
“This is insane,” Theo Hart says.
“This is really a unique opportunity, super cool,” his dad Teddy Hart said.
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