#01 - Brian Bolland - Joker

So I had never obtained a sketch from an artist before -- ever! But when I found myself in Brian Bolland's line, talking with one of the nicest artists I've had the pleasure of meeting, it was a no brainer. More than paying a lot for a standard convention sketch, I wanted a small memento of the great experience meeting Brian, an artist I greatly admire. Naturally, I went with the Joker, as the Killing Joke was one of my favorite Batman books ever, and his Batman and Joker renditions are historic in the world of comics.

I pulled out a buck slip from my bag -- the only sketchable material I had with me that was my own (don't own a sketchbook -- like I said, this was my first time!).

After this pleasant experience, I decided to turn the whole thing into an ongoing series.

Thanks to Brian for being so congenial, cutting me a deal on the sketch, and getting me started on a new way to keep cons fun for me!

Brian penciled then inked this piece. It was really a pleasure to watch his deliberate and detailed nature, even on so simple a piece. What a professional!