Blok by Phil Hester

Back in the days when I used to have artists autograph trading cards that they had done art for, I had a couple cards that Phil had done for a series highlighting emerging new talent. I remember bringing them to several shows that he was scheduled to attend, but for one reason or another, I never had him sign them.

In 2001, Phil had hit the big time with his art on Green Arrow. He was a featured guest at the FallCon, and I asked him for a sketch. He flipped through the reference comics, and decided on Blok. It took him a very long while to get through the piece, and I remember getting antsy, as I had to check back on the progress while attending the art auction, which takes place towards the end of the con. When he was finally completed, I was very impressed. He said it wasn't really the Blok from the comics, but his version of Blok. Who was I to complain? It's a cool piece, and one of the ones that most people stop at when they're flipping though the book.

Oh, and those two cards still have yet to get autographs on them.