Hey, gang-
Did a day trip over to the River City Comic Expo in Little Rock, AR yesterday.
Nicki and I were set up in Artists Alley. This was the first convention we’d set up at for a little while, and our first time to the RCCE. Fellow Memphis artist Kimberly Dunaway and her family were our table neighbors. Also ran into our friends and fellow Memphians Jason, Eric, Donnie, Micah, and Thai. Also ran into some Arkansas friends- Tommy, Henry, and Tre’. Lots of familiar faces.
Just down from us was legendary artist and master of the macabre Bernie Wrightson.
Have met Bernie a couple times before at Wonderfest and the San Diego Comic Con. He and his wife Liz are always great to chat with. He’s one of my all time favorite artists.
I got him to sign my Frankenstein hardback, some comics, and my SwampThing mask!
I had gotten the mask signed at the 2008 SDCC by co-creator Len Wein (R) and actor Dick Durock (L- who unfortunately passed away a year later), but didn’t get a chance to get back by Bernie’s booth to get him to sign it. When I head Bernie was going to be in Little Rock I had to make sure I took it with me. Now mission accomplished!
I also go to have something else finally signed- my copies of “The Crow“comics. Have had them for years and had hoped to meet creator James O’Barr for some time now. Another mission accomplished! Picked up a signed art print (Crow #3 cover art), a Crow pin, and got my Crow movie book signed, too.
I was also lucky enough to get an awesome Crow con sketch commission, too!
Had a good time talking to James about art and hearing (and seeing) what he’s been up to. While getting my books signed I asked him what medium he likes to work in, and I was surprised to hear he not only loves to work in oils, but loves to work big, too. He then got out his phone and showed me some photos of his most recent paintings. Very cool, and very non-Crow looking. Told him I’d love to see him do a fine art book. He said he didn’t know if folks would be interested in seeing his other art, but I know I would. Glad he showed me the oil painting shots.
Nicki got some great stuff, too- including this Captain America and Bucky page from artist Elizabeth “Bettie” Breitweiser. I got Nicki a Captain America print from Bettie’s husband Mitch Breitweiser, and got a Batman print of Bettie’s. She was a happy fangirl and got a lot of her comics signed by the Breitweisers.
I really enjoyed my first River City Comic Expo and am looking forward to going back August 16th for their next one.
Speaking of upcoming shows- Nicki and I will be at Midsouthcon later this month, the Alabama Phoenix Festival Memorial Day Weekend, and Con Kasterborous (Dr. Who con) the end of June. Hope to announce more show appearances soon.
Lin