Solomon Grundy

When It was announced that Tim Sale was opening his commission list for Terrificon, I knew I had to get on it. Even though the convention was local to me, I had no plans attending. I was scheduled to work that weekend so I was hoping that I could get on the list and just have the sketch mailed to me. After reaching out to his rep, Jason - I realized they were prioritizing sketch spots for fans actually attending the show. After pleading with my colleagues about the importance of this show (and showing them my CAF), I finally convinced someone to switch shifts with me. It was all set… I set up a Friday sketch with Jason and Tim. Fast forward a month, and I was off to my first Terrificon. I went with my buddy Chris, who scrambled to get to the artists he wanted sketches from as soon as the doors opened. I wasn’t too bothered, knowing I had a sketch already lined up. I strolled over to the Essential Sequential booth (was more of a purple aisle) and paid for the commission. I was told I would get a text sometime during the day to come and pick it up. I verified my name, phone number, and what I wanted to commission (giving Tim his own choice of anyone in the Gotham universe). After wandering the floor all day and anxiously checking my phone and watch, I decided to go back over to the ES booth a half hour before the convention closed. To my dismay, Tim had been so swamped that he couldn’t complete the sketch and was asked by one of the employees to come back tomorrow. I found Jason graciously chatting with some fans, introduced myself and he immediately realized the miscommunication. I was only at the con for one day, and that I purposely took off work just for this sketch. He apologized, assured me that it would get done this weekend, and that he would ship it to me. Don’t get me wrong…I had a great time at the con, sharing awesome moments with my friend as he met some of his favorite artists, get amazing sketches and make life long experiences, but I couldn’t help but feel sour for leaving empty handed (it was a long hour drive home lol). When I got home, I messaged Jason again. He apologized and said he would make it right. Fast forward to Sunday…I get a message. My sketch was done. I asked for it to remain a mystery but had a feeling it was between two characters. When I opened the package today…I was stunned. Solomon Grundy By Tim Sale…personalized to me. With this amount of detail…I wouldn’t even call this a sketch. I’d like to think he worked a little extra on this one. Not only that, but Jason also included two signed prints to sweeten the loot. Terrificon was good, the sketch…even better, but the best part was my experience with Jason from Essential Sequential making things right despite my initial disappointment. Can’t wait to commission another one!