Phil Jimenez - Phoenix

This was easily the sketch I was most appreciative for at Wizard World Philly 2009. I was at the show Saturday and Sunday and although I saw Phil was at the show, I didn't expect to be able to get even a small doodle from him. He's a popular fellow! Sure enough when I got there on Saturday afternoon, Phil's line was as long as I can see. However, the line was long because Phil was doing free headsketches (I later found out through my friend that Phil's logic was everyone had to pay to get in, so he might as well sketch for whoever wants one!)! I was floored! I tried twice more on Saturday, trying to get a sketch. No dice.

I ran to Phil's table first thing Sunday morning and I was something like 20th in line. Not sure if I was going to make it but I was gonna try. I was in line for several hours and I was like 3 people away. Phil stopped sketching and told the rest of the line, us 3, plus about 6 people behind me, that he probably wouldn't get to us. At that point, the last guy in line tried to argue for a sketch. He gave up, asked for signatures from Phil, and then tried again to get a sketch! So at this point, 10 more minutes were gone, leaving only 4 of us. Phil kept glancing at his watch as he had a plan to catch. I was fortunate enough to get to Phil's table and he said he would be happy to draw for us, as we waited several hours!!

Phil was sketching Spider-Man for like every other person, so, being a huge fan of his New X-Men run, I asked for a Phoenix. He chuckled and said he loves drawing the X-Men, which I later found out he was named the new artist on Astonishing X-Men. In no time at all, he had drawn this gorgeous Phoenix, complete with some flames. During the entire time, Phil talked with my girlfriend and I, speaking about everything from books to teaching. Phil is truly a class act and I cannot thank him enough for his time and desire to give back to the fans. Thanks Phil!!