Miami WizardCon —
Two weeks ago, I took a train down to Miami to see some of my comics heroes. When Steve Gerber died a couple of years ago, I was horrified that I'd never met him. He was THE most important comics writer in my young life, and he was gone. I'd managed to meet Jack Kirby, Dan DeCarlo, Dave Cockrum and a few others before they left us, but that was all coincidence. When Gerber died, I realized I'll really need to go out of my way if I want to thank these guys for their work!
When I saw Jim Starlin and Michael Golden on the guest list in Miami, I had to go. It wasn't all that far. A little expense, a little trouble. Worth it!
For me, Jim Starlin is very important. Captain Marvel #31 was THE first comic book that made am impression on me. Even today, I consider it one of the single best comic books ever made. Hands-down THE template for "cosmic sagas." And yet, somehow, I forgot to bring my copy to Miami! I had to search the dealer tables. With today's bottomed-out comics market, it wasn't too hard to find, nor too expensive. And so, I got my autograph!
The week before, I'd gone to a small show here in Tampa to get Frank Brunner's autograph and I bought a sketch from him, too. I feel like I have to buy something from these guys. I see so many fans bringing in stacks of comics to get free autographs, which I think is rude. Anyway, Jim had some original drawings there, and I watched one of the fans in line ahead of me thumb through them and pick a couple. Then he pulled a roll of $100 bills out of his pocket AND PEELED OFF SIX OF THEM! My heart sank. I couldn't afford anything like that.
I settled for a copy of Jim's $50 coffee table book. Which IS a coffee table. (And I lugged it home, Jim!)
It was the same story with Michael Golden. His original art was astonishing! But way out of my dollar range. I got his book, too.
I'd met Bill Sienkiewicz years ago, and watched him draw a commission for me. Learning experience! Met him here again and bought his sketchbooks. Also attended a discussion with him and David Mack, which was very enjoyable.
I spoke with David Mack afterwards and thanked him for some of the things he'd said. Like how artists aren't adversaries. He was THE nicest guy. I mean ridiculously nice! I hated to tell him I'd never read any of his work. (Its true!) His response was to give me a pile of free books. Nice guy!
I was VERY pleasantly surprised to get to meet Scott Thompson! Kids in the Hall has always been one of my favorite shows. He's created a graphic novel called Danny Husk: The Hollow Planet. It's... weird. (His San Diego video is weird, too...)
Other stars at the con: Ernie Hudson looked awesome! Burt Ward did NOT. Nicholas Brendon didn't bother to shave, but Clare Kramer looked amazing. Denise Crosby had met me in the mid-90s, and she REMEMBERED!
Artists I noticed: Scott Blair, Echo Chernik, Danielle Soloud, Valentina Crespo
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Thanks for posting the Brunner sketch! Scott Thompson's comic is news to me. I heard the Kids reuinited for a new series about a year ago but haven't seen it.
ReplyDeleteMike, the reunion series was called "Death Comes to Town" and it's worth seeing. Scott Thompson told us he was undergoing chemotherapy at the time, so that gaunt, hairless look was NOT makeup. He recovered.
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