Matter-Eater Lad by Jim Lee

It all started several months prior. The MCBA sent out an email noting that Jim Lee would be doing an in-store appearance at The Source Comics and Games in Falcon Heights, MN. Jim Lee is probably one of the most recognizable names in the comic business, being one of the founders of Image Comics and working on mega-huge projects like X-men and All-Star Batman. I knew that he also had an art book coming out in the near future with a Legion story included, so that only built on the excitement.

About three weeks prior to the appearance, the MCBA sent out another email. The Source was giving out a limited amount of VIP tickets, and the number on the ticket would be the order you are in line. I drove to The Source over my lunch break (quite a feat, as it’s about 25 minutes away) and got myself a ticket. It was #565 – not great, but it looked like a long wait ahead of me.

I then found out he was only signing from 1:00 to 4:00, and would only sign two things per person. I was a little disappointed, as I figured that there would be no way to get a sketch from him. Regardless, I prepped my sketch materials and brought them with anyway. I even found out on the Internet that his favorite Legionnaire (heck, maybe even favorite character) was Matter-Eater Lad. I figured I could use that knowledge to help me get a sketch. Before I left that morning, I mentally prepared to do most anything I needed, whether it was hang out until the end, pay him, whatever…

I got to The Source at about 12:30 and found it well packed with fanboys and fangirls. I ran into Alec Langer, a friend of mine, who asked me if I had a ticket. I told him my number, and he offered me one from his dad -- #112. I accepted it with much pleasure.

While waiting in line with Alec, his uncle Greg (also a friend of mine) came up to us with the craziest look on his face. Greg was working up front by Jim, prepping each person before they got to him. He told us that it was crazy because Jim was sketching for EVERYONE! While Greg may have been stressing about that fact just then, I personally could have squealed like a little schoolgirl. I hope I didn’t.

After much more waiting, I finally got to meet him. I got a copy of X-men #1 signed by him, then asked for the Matter-Eater Lad sketch. He wasn’t too sure, because he was just doing head sketches, and it would look just like any other brunette guy, like Superman, etc. I told him that would be fine. He went to town on it, deciding to add a little bit of the costume anyway. Jim was very friendly and we talked for a bit.

I got a call from Greg the next day. Jim stuck around there until 6:30 and got through the whole line. Simply amazing.