ALBUQUERQUE COMIC CON 2014 (11-12 Jan 2014)
Albuquerque, New Mexico

One of my many Joker sketches by one of my favorite artists, George Perez, from my youth. At the 2014 ACC, George was sitting next to Steve Englehart, so in honor of Steve’s Detective Comics #475 story “The Laughing Fish!”, I asked George if I could get the Joker with a Laughing Fish in honor of Steve’s story. George loved the idea, and after he completed the sketch, George insisted that he go with me over to Steve’s table to get a picture together. I even had Steve sign it to recognize the laughing fish. Absolutely 2 awesome creators to meet! Obtained from George at the 2014 ACC. Thank you George snd Steve!

Sad day yesterday (20-May-2017). We lost a legendary comic artist. When I had an opportunity to meet Rich Buckler for the first time at the 2014 ACC, I knew I had to get a commission from him. So I contacted him prior to the show, and arranged 2 commissions. One was the penciled Joker which I have already posted in my Joker gallery, and the second was this one.

The concept for this commission was that, George Perez (one of my all-time favorite artists) was going to be in attendance at the 2014 ACC also. I knew that George was mentored by Rich when George first entered the business. So, I need a jam that would pull the artists together. Nothing says partnership more than Superman and Batman...The World's Finest. I explained to Rich in detail what I wanted, and how I wanted the characters posed. When I arrived to the show, Rich had his Batman competed. Throughout the show, when I was walking by, he would keep asking me to see it, and he kept touching it up. When I picked it from Rich, it was n Friday night. Friday night was vendor night, and most artists were not going to be in attendance until Saturday and Sunday. Rich got into the show Friday night, with just a couple of hours left. I told him who I was, so I could pick up my commissions. He had to run to the restroom, so he asked me if I would watch his table for a few minutes. Upon his return, I sat with him for about an hour, and we talked. He signed other items I had brought with me. He was just absolutely a nice guy!

Fast forward to next day, Saturday. I needed to get George Perez to do Superman, knowing that he usually only does the quick head sketches (which I will posting many many of in the upcoming months). When I reached my turn in line for George, I showed George what I wanted and explained to George why I wanted it. He was hesitant at first, but agreed for a reasonable fee above his normal fee. The reason George agreed to do it, was because Rich had outlined in pencil the Superman pose. George just had to fill in the blank, so to speak. I was in heaven after I obtained Superman from George!

Towards the end of the show on Saturday, I was at getting another sketch from George (actually the last sketch of the day since the show was closing), and who should be waking by...Rich Buckler. The 3 of us were chatting, and George completed my sketch. I asked if I could get a picture of the 2 of them posing the same way as Superman and Batman. Almost in unison, they both said "ABSOLUTELY!" George was in great spirits, and got into Superman serious mode for the picture. Of all the shows I have attended, none have ended on a more perfect note than this.

Sorry for the lengthy description, but I feel Rich Buckler deserves the recognition for making this sketch possible and turning a fan's show experience into one of his most memorable show moments! Thank you George and Rich! And Rich, forever may you Rest In Peace!

My only regret at this show, was not getting a picture with both of them :-(

• Photo 1: Rich completed Batman (Pre-Superman being added).
• Photo 2. George adding Superman!
• Photo 3: World's Finest!
• Photo 4: I took the photo to the 2014 DCC, where both artists were in attendance, and had them sign it.