Hunger Action Heroes Revealed!

Published On: July 21st, 2022By Categories: Must Read3.9 min read

Every comic book fan dreams of having their heroes step off the page and into reality. For two talented young artists, this dream has become a reality. The winners of Feeding San Diego and the Comic-Con Museums‘s recent art contest, 14-year-old Aiden Prior and 17-year-old Sirenna Acencio, recently met their Hunger Action Heroes in person!

A Heroic Art Contest

Earlier this year, Feeding San Diego and the Comic-Con Museum launched the Hunger Action Hero Art Contest. We invited K-12 students throughout San Diego County to create their very own Hunger Action Heroes. They could have any powers or qualities, as long as their mission matched ours: to rescue food before it goes to waste and provide healthy meals to community members facing hunger.

We received almost 300 entries, with a range of fantastic abilities and designs. Our panel of judges narrowed it down to the top ten. Then, we offered the community the chance to vote for their favorite. They selected two incredible Hunger Action Heroes: Aiden’s Hunger Halter and Sirenna’s Demeter!

First place Hunger Halter

First Place Design: Hunger Halter

Initially, there was only supposed to be one winner. However, costume designer Allan Lavigne was so inspired by the submissions he offered to bring two to life. Lavigne is the studio head of The Bronze Armory Studios. Over his career, he has created costumes for legendary comic book films, including “Iron Man” and “Captain America.”

Second place Demeter

Second Place Design: Demeter

“We were so impressed by the talent and creativity of these students and the community that rallied around them,” said Rita Vandergaw, Executive Director of the Comic-Con Museum. “At the Comic-Con Museum, we want to harness the power of the popular arts and use it to help make an impact in our community, and this collaboration with Feeding San Diego does just that.” 

Our Hunger Action Heroes

This week, as part of San Diego Comic-Con, we unveiled our Hunger Action Heroes. Aiden and Sirenna saw their heroes for the first time during a special event at the Comic-Con Museum. During the event, they also shared the origin stories of their heroes.

Hunger Halter

Hunger Halter experienced hunger as a young boy and set out to prevent anyone else from experiencing the same thing. Born with his powers, when he didn’t have a full belly as a young kid, his superpowers lacked strength. One day, he walked by a community center handing out food. The nourishing food strengthened his powers. He woke up with two new superpowers, superspeed and senses, and started traveling the world to gather food.

A man in a superhero costume standing on a podium

His super speed allows him to visit farms, ranches, and factories worldwide to gather items for those in need and deliver food at a rapid pace. His super senses allow him to locate families and individuals in hunger. When he closes his eyes, he can see vivid visions of people, places, and locations where he’s needed. He gathers and distributes all types of food and drinks before it goes to waste. With his two superpowers combined, he is able to serve and bring full bellies to those around the world.

Demeter

Demeter is Julie Anders, whose day job is working as a news reporter. The character is based on Greek mythology–Demeter is the goddess of harvest and agriculture. Demeter can accelerate the growth of crops and rejuvenate them if they are diseased. In her day job, Julie reports on increasing famine and hunger, and she wanted to help.

A woman in a superhero costume standing on a podium

Demeter was appointed by the 7 Provisions, a council of heroes related to the wellbeing of humankind. They chose Julie Anders to be the successor of the Harvester. Harvester died several years prior to Anders becoming a hero herself, allowing famine and starvation to increase over time. The council appointed her and provided her with a motorcycle that travels at the speed of light, allowing her to travel around the globe to help those facing hunger.

Two teens stand with a man and a woman dressed as superheroes

Contest winners Aiden and Sirenna pose with their heroes at the Comic-Con Museum

The Future of Our Hunger Action Heroes

Once Comic-Con ends, the costumes will go on display at the Comic-Con Museum through the end of the year. You can purchase tickets here. Make sure to visit so you can see them in person! Also, keep your eye out for Hunger Halter and Demeter in future Feeding San Diego campaigns. The heroes will help us educate youth on the importance of hunger relief and food rescue in San Diego County.