The first time I met Mike Wieringo was about ten years ago at Dragon Con. I remember he was doing Spider-Man sketches all day and it looked like he needed a change of pace, so I asked him to feel free and sketch whatever he wanted.
I couldn't figure out who he was drawing at first, but I knew I liked it. I was still confused who this mystery character was, even after he wrote "Wing" on it though. When I asked Mike about him, he said it was an idea for an original character he'd like to do someday.
Now back then, I got really excited because I thought I was getting in on the ground floor to the next big thing and told him I'd keep an eye out for Wing when it hits the stands.
This was also one of the first sketches I ever got from an artist and was easily my favorite for years after that too.
Since then, I've probably met him a handful of times after that and sometimes I'd ask about Wing and he'd always say someday, but unfortunately, that day will never come now.
Rest In Peace