Well, I got back veeeery early this morning from my first ever Heroes Con. And I have to say, this was the best con experience I've ever had. It was such a friendly atmosphere and so laid back, and I had the opportunity to hook up with old friends and meet so many talented artists and fans. I will definitely be back next year.

In the midst of all of this excitement surrounding the con, there was also sadness and a sense of loss. I actually got pretty choked up about it during the seven-hour drive home, because I really, really wish Mike Wieringo was still here. There was much celebrating of Mike's life during this convention, and it was a wonderful thing to see and be a part of.

A couple weeks ago, I sent Todd Dezago a new drawing when I learned that he was looking to collect all of the tribute pieces various artists had drawn after Mike passed away. Since the sketch I did back in August was just that-- a quick sketch-- and quite sad, I decided to do something with the same characters but add a touch of fun and celebration to it. Todd really liked it and it was used in the tribute sketchbook that was sold at the con: "A Tribute to 'Ringo":



On Sunday I was asked to join the Hero Initiative panel signing of the What If? issue Mike had been working on when he passed. It was finished by a number of Mike's talented artists and friends, and I was honored to help out with color assists on the entire issue. I would've signed on Saturday too, but apparently the Hero Initiative folks didn't realize I was there at the con! But I had a great time and was glad to be a part of it.

I don't normally do this, but... here is a picture of me with the rest of the guys on the panel (you can insert your own caption as to what I am thinking/about to say to Val):



Other guys who signed but are not pictured above are Barry Kitson, Karl Kesel, Sanford Greene, Nathan Massengill and, well, the rest of Todd Dezago. Stuart Immonen signed on Saturday but was unable to attend Sunday's panel, so I guess you could say that I was a trade-off for him. Not exactly a fair trade, I know.

During the course of the con I spent too much money on G.I. Joe figures and Mike Wieringo-ish items, including one of Mike's beautiful sketches I bought from his brother Matt, a Tellos print, and Mike's Flash poster I've been looking all over for. I also donated towards "The Ringo," the scholarship fund Matt Wieringo set up in commemoration of Mike's life and work... And then donated again and got a sweet Robin sketch from Randy Green himself.

It was also cool to hook up with a few fellow deviantART members. Thanks to those of you who stopped by and said hello! My table was right next to , who is a heck of a guy, and Scott Weinstein, who has an awesome book called After School Agent that is well worth checking out.

and are incredibly inspiring and super nice people. Their comic, The Uniques, looks pretty awesome and is something I bought and need to finish reading.

But I have to give a massive shout out to for hooking me up with Brian Stelfreeze, who gave me an incredible portfolio review. Thank you! You were dead-on-- listening to Brian was like listening to an art master. Also have to thank Laura Martin, Michael Avon Oeming (fellow Blake's 7 fan!), Bryan J.L. Glass and Stuart Immonen for taking the time to give me really nice portfolio reviews. I've definitely learned a lot and will put it to good use for San Diego!

Also a big thank you to anyone who stopped by and said hello or bought prints or commissioned me for con sketches. This whole weekend was a learning experience, and I have a lot of ideas and plans for next year. If anyone stopped by the table and were interested in a print of one of my pieces and couldn't get one, please contact me. I'll get you hooked up.

Whew! Okay, I'm out of here. If I think of anything else to add that I've forgotten, I'll post it here.

Oh. Robert Kirkman, I stole some of your Battle Pope trades. Sorry. Blame Val.

--Leanne

Club Love: