Nov.1st 2008, My buddy Mick Gray and I ran into S. Clay Wilson at the APE convention in San Francisco. It was about 4pm and he already had a pretty good buzz going. I couldn't afford the 1 (AMAZING) full color original he had but he signed the latest copy of the Comics Journal for me. It features a full color cover by him with an interview inside by his table-mate and friend Bob Levin, who also signed the book.
Outside the rain came pouring down and the roof started leaking all over their table he scrambled to pack up his stuff. He asked us to give him a ride. When I playfully asked, "Are we gunna go back to your place and look at some art?" he gave me a look of horror and said "NO! We're not going back to MY place" We all had a chuckle. I would have loved to have given him a ride, stop for a drink and drop him off wherever. Since we had just arrived there, we declined.
Later that night he was found lying face down and unconscious between two parked cars. He was taken to the Hospital and diagnosed with a "severe brain injury" Reports said "[It was originally believed that he was mugged but, since he still had all his money it may be that he fell many times. He has a fractured orbital bone in his eye and he fractured his neck.
UPDATE He is currently in rehab (As of 1-16-09) and improving. He needs help to pay medical and living expenses. Donations can be made directly to him at P.O. Box 14854, San Francisco, CA 94114 Feel free to contact me if you would like more info.
UPDATE 7-14-09 Wilson is improving and feels good enough to draw. Through his saintly wife Lorraine he drew this Checkered Demon for my band'd up-coming album https://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=536181
UPDATE 10-28-16 8 years later Wilson still needs help. Donate to his medical fund here: http://www.sclaywilsontrust.com/2010/07/16/wilson-and-me/#more-1
Get well soon you old fuck. I owe you a ride
UPDATE 2-8-21 Wilson passed away today.
