Elf by Charles Vess

Charles Vess is a really nice guy. I was responsible for inviting him to the 2011 Baltimore Comic-Con and, after demuring in 2010 because of a commitment to go to a show in Europe, he made the decision that, even with another show in Europe a feew weeks later, he would make the trek up to Baltimore for the first time. Unfortunately, all of his supplies and books that he had planned to sell at the show got lost in shipping by UPS which put a damper on his weekend. Nevertheless, he had a spotlight panel session and a reasonably steady stream of fans at his table, and we were pleased as punch to have him. I asked him to draw a Marvel character in my book but he may have either not heard or was too frustrated to pay attention with the snafus -- either way, I was just happy to get a sketch from him at all, as I find his line-work absolutely beautiful and unique. I'll call this one Nocturne as it looks like that character fom Exiles! (Charles said after the show that he did have a great time and expects to come back some time!)