•05/06/2008 This year's Free Comic Book Day showcased an event in Phoenix, AZ that i was fortunate to be a participant. For the first time, all of the IMAGE "Founding Fathers" were gathered together in one place to hold a group signing. Fans began to line up at the Atomic Comics Mesa store as early as 5:00am. The turnout – as you can imagine – was amazing.

Although not a part of the Mesa event, I was given the pleasure of appearing at the Chnadler location – The "Crown Jewel" of owner Mike Malve's little comic empire. Other creators present were Ben Glendenning (SUPERWORLD PRESENTS), Tony Parker (WARHAMMER), Ryan Cody, and Skipper Martin.

The FCBD festivities of skecting to raise moeny for The hero initiative were scheduled to last from 12pm-5pm with an appearance of Spiderman from 6-9pm. However, Due to last minute sketch requests and great conversation with those in attendance, the signing, for me, came to a close around 7pm.

Afterwards, over a dozen creators all gathered at the Mesa Marriott to decompress and regroup for dinner and an after party. I met and socialized with Whilce portacio and his wife Joanne in the hospitality suite. A very sweet couple. Even got an unexpected bear hug from the man when the evening came to a close.

Dinner was held at S'BISTRO in Mesa, and what a dinner it was. Guests included: Todd McFarlane and his wife Wanda, Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri, Jim Valentino, Rob Leifield, Erik Larsen, Whilce Portacio, Mike Kunkel (Hero and the Bear), James Owen, Patrick Sherberger (Marvel Artist), Daniel Braford, the aforementioned group of Ben and his wife Julie, Ryan, Tony, and myself as well as a few Atomic Comics employees. The food was utterly amazing and "rich" beyond belief.

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(If you are wondering where I am at – someone had to
hold the camera. ;0) )

While being served dinner, I noticed a tattoo on the waitor's arm that looked familiar. He told me it was a character from Tony Daniel's The Tenth comic book. I asked him if he knew who was sitting in his restaraunt. All semblance of cool left the man when it dawned on him who he was waiting on. I felt exactly the same way. ;0)

The chef brought out plates for all of the guests to draw on and sign. Jim Lee produced his masterpiece on not a plate but a platter. I asked him later if he was "compensating" for something. This set off a verbal Judo match of playful Barbs throughout the rest of the evening.

(Next time you are in Mesa be sure to stop by S'BISTRO and check out their celebrity plate wall.)

Afterwards the setting shifted to the CAFE AZUL club at the Marriott. The conversation I had with Todd McFarlane on the comic industry as a whole, marketing trends, and the need to diversify your Brand was one of those "why isn't someone recording this?" conversations. I knew our paths would cross one day. I had no idea we would be sharing ideas on the future of comicdom.

Todd McFarlane & Jonnie Allan

My "Good Friend" Erik Larsen
(Inside Joke)

All in all, it was an incredible event that included happy children, money raised for charity, and a little "Geeking-out" on my part.

Next up on the convention circuit:

THE BIG ONE
SAN DIEGO COMICON
JULY 24 - 27 2008

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The first sketch of the day
– The Incredible Hulk

Racer X Sketch

Spidey makes an
Appearance!