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| Original art to this year's BDS sketchbook by Henry Eudy |
There's only a handful of people I haven't had the opportunity to meet over the years thanks to Shelton. The one at the very top of my list actually made it down to this year's show, Walter Simonson. One of the biggest influences on me as a fan and an artist. I decided to get there early and stand in line to get my brother a Thor sketch (I'd gotten one as a wedding present from my buddy David Wray several years back). He's not a comics fan, but he LOVES Simonson's Thor run! As I got to the table I discovered a short line, I was 10th in line. Over the next few hours people lost interest and dropped out of line to pursue other interests, but not us! I was now 5th in line and had begun swapping stories with the other die-hards in line. A few more hours rolled by (hardly noticeable thanks to the great conversations we were having) and we'd gotten an ETA.
After 5 hours the Simonson's made it to the show floor. (they had driven down from VA that morning) You'd think that kind of delay would have garnered some ill will on our parts, but no one said a thing. After all, the Simonson's are as nice as they are talented. And besides, after all he's given to the comic community, he's earned some leeway! As a goodwill gesture he marked the first 9 of us on our thumbs (a REAL thumbnail sketch!) for sketches on Saturday. 5 hours in line, but my brother was getting his sketch…mission accomplished! Or so we thought! Turns out the next day they were late to the floor again. This time though it was only a few hours…piece of cake! He sketched and signed like his hair was on fire! I videoed him doing my brother's sketch (see pic) and it took under 5 minutes…and it's 11 x 14! Eight hours on line and I had my grail piece for the weekend!
- Jaime Hernandez Maggie sketch (actually got 2! - see pics)
- Andy Runton "Owly As" (check - see pic)
- Roger Langridge Elmo (check - see pic)
- a David Williams piece for $20!!!
(check - see Snake Eyes piece).
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| My first Maggie by Xaimeh! |
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| The PERFECT commission for my son! |
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| Langridge is simply brilliant! |
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| David Williams' Snake Eyes...11 x 17!!! |
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| Jaime Hernandez was one of my highlights of the show! |
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Saturday night brought the infamous Art Auction! I managed to escape unscathed even though I wish I would have won several pieces including a Laura Martin hand colored Walt Simonson Beta Ray Bill! There were some really fantastic pieces including paintings from good buddies Henry Eudy and J Chris Campbell! (proud of you guys!) In the hours after the auction I met and hung out with FLUKE co-founder Patrick Dean. We ended up talking about our kids along with Crogan's Adventure creator Chris Schweizer…great times!
Sunday morning came much too quick and from the looks of it, a good time was had by all just a few short hours ago. Things began to heat up as the crowd grew. I managed to sell a few pieces of original art and did a few sketches before my Inking Panel. This was my 2nd year moderating it, and I feel like we can do some really good things with it moving forward. The 2012 edition featured Jose Marzan, Jr., Tim Townsend, Karl Story and Dexter Vines…a serious gathering of talent! Those guys really made the panel a piece of cake. The transitions were natural and seamless, the audience were engaged and it appeared that the guests had a good time as well…mission accomplished! Back to the con floor to pick up the commissions I set up early in the weekend. I honestly couldn't be happier with my haul this year. I picked up a Simonson Thor for my brother; a Langridge Elmo and an "Owly As" for my son; two Maggie pieces from Jaime Hernandez, a Robbi Rodriguez Mary Jane and a David Williams Snake Eyes for me! I also landed the original art to this year's Big Dog's Studio sketchbook cover by Henry Eudy! Not to mention getting a TON of books signed and sketches from David Petersen, Geoff Darrow, Brad McGinty, Matthew Southworth, Patrick Dean, Doctor Fantastic, Josh Latta and Yale Stewart!
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| Mary Jane by Robbi Rodriguez |
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| Dinosaur sketch by Geof Darrow |
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| Brad McGinty's rabbit sketch for my son |
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| Fuzzy monster sketch by Patrick Dean |
The end was near and everyone knew it. It's get somber pretty fast towards the end. Everyone starts exchanging swag, handshakes and hugs. Wondering where the time went and wishing each other safe journeys homeward. I got a few silly pics as an action figure and a wannabe Godzilla attacking the city on our way out. There's no regrets until you start walking through the exit the last time. Then you start thinking about all the people you didn't get to see or the things you forgot to buy. But the highs far outweigh the lows, so I managed to muster up a grin of contentment as I made my way to the car for the last time. On to the after party!
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| Kid Batman by Yale Stewart |
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| Super Grover sketch by Doc Fantastic! |
Special Thanks go out to all the staff and volunteers who make Heroescon so great, especially Rico, Seth, Shelley, Heather, Karla and last but not least Shelton!
