Ridley Scott's ALIEN...with drool by Walt Simonson original convention sketch art from Heroes Con 2012

One of the biggest treats of this year's HEROES CON was the guest appearance of modern master, WALTER SIMONSON. My wife was a REAL sport as we waited from 10:45am to 4:00pm in line until Lousie and Walter arrived. There was quite a line but there were ONLY 9 of us that had stood the whole day hopefully waiting for a sketch. Although he couldn't get to us Friday, he quickly drew a number on our thumbs (my wife and I were #1 & 2 as we were first in line) to receive our sketches the following day.

Growing up, Beta Ray Bill may have made me finally take notice of THOR but for me, Simonson's ALIEN was what caught my attention early on. I had to have one of Walt's monsters for my collection.

Everyone knows Walt doesn't sell his originals so getting such a great piece is a rare treat! One of the kindest gentlemen in comics today.

And let me tell you - Louise is such a kind and gentle soul, at 65, she is still quite a looker.

I still remember the echoing calls from the original Alien trailor scared the mess out of me as a nine year old trying to sleep in the next room to my parents. Later, since the film was rated R, I would see bits and pieces of the film over at friends of the neighborhood who actually had showtime. The toy itself is one of the real reasons I dearly adore the film. I can see why they immediatley pulled it from the shelves.