FDNY unveils superhero identities for New York Comic Con

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Tuesday, October 6, 2015, 2:00 AM

FDNY will display and auction off special Marvel superhero helmets at New York Comic Con this weekend.

It isn’t much of a secret that the city’s firefighters are real-life superheroes.

But as part of its 150th anniversary, FDNY will display and auction off special Marvel superhero helmets at this weekend’s New York Comic Con.

“We are very used to celebrating heroes at New York Comic Con, but they're the fictional kind,” said Lance Fensterman, Global Senior Vice President of ReedPOP, the producers of New York Comic Con and New York Super Week.

“The fact is, the city's bravest do reside in New York City — and they aren't fictional superheroes — they are the real deal and they're the FDNY.”

Ten special Marvel helmets will go up for auction this weekend, including Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, The Hulk and Black Widow.

“Helmets are essential tools for the brave work our firefighters, paramedics and EMTs have performed for 150 years. They are not only used for the safety of our members, they are also enduring symbols of the FDNY,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro.

“Now, thanks to our partners at Marvel and New York Comic Con, these helmets have been reimagined with artwork of iconic superheroes, raising funds for the FDNY Foundation to help the department protect all New Yorkers.”

Created just for New York Comic Con, the superhero helmets were designed by the industry’s top comic book artists, including Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer, Damion Scott, Kaare Andrews and Walt Simonson.

Quesada was also behind “Heroes,” a 2011 comic paying tribute to the victims and heroes of Sept. 11.

All proceeds from the auction will go the the FDNY Foundation.

The helmets will be revealed during the “This Week in Marvel” live podcast, co-hosted by Marvel.com Editorial Director Ryan “Agent M” Penagos and Editor Ben Morse, at Discovery Times Square on Tuesday, then will go on display in Artist Alley at the Javits Center from Thursday to Sunday.

The auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

All proceeds from the sales will go to the FDNY Foundation, which provides awareness and outreach for the public, training and support for the department’s different squads and technology and equipment for stations.

Most of the helmets will be auctioned off on Saturday. The rest will be available for auction on eBay through ReedPOP Supply Co.

“Comic Con and Marvel are helping us to bring awareness to fire and life safety education and the funds raised by these helmets will help support the critical, life-saving mission of the FDNY,” said FDNY Foundation Executive Director Jean O'Shea.

kfeldman@nydailynews.com