"Comics writer Robert L. Washington III, best known as the co-creator of the DC Comics hero Static, passed away last week in New York at the age of 47. Financial trouble and lack of family could mean Washington ends up buried in an unmarked grave, but friends and fans are working to change that, and you can help.

Washington's career boomed in the early '90s with the co-creation of Static, the superhero team Shadow Cabinet and a host of other comics, but he fell on hard times in the final years of his life. He had trouble finding work, wound up homeless more than once, and often sought help paying bills.

When he died last week, friends realized that Washington had no money to fund a funeral, and convinced the New York Medical Examiner's Office to put his body on hold to allow them a chance to raise funds for a proper burial.

The fundraising effort is running through the Hero Initiative, a charity devoted to helping comics creators in need that frequently lent Washington a hand in recent years. To donate to Washington's funeral fund, just head over to [link], click their "Donate" button, and select "add special instructions to seller" when you make your donation. Type "Robert Washington" in the special instructions box to make sure the money goes to the funeral fund.

Along with the fundraising effort, Washington's final comic work is also making the rounds. It's a one-page story titled "One More Time" chronicling his financial troubles. Check out [link], and consider sending a few bucks to the Hero Initiative in Washington's name." ~[link]