Max Riffner
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My First Signing
Like Free Comic Book Day, I ended up drawing many sketches of one character, since when one person saw what I did for someone else, they wanted the same thing. FCBD was all about Spider-Man; this signing was all about Superman. This was the best of the bunch.
Oh my, I was a nervous boy last week. I would have been nervous anyway for my very first in-store signing, but the fact that it had been scheduled with Ethan Van Sciver, current hot artist for DC, and legendary artist Norm Breyfogle, well, I was going to be happy if I could string together 2 word sentences. Plus writer Chuck Satterlee was going to be there, who has two comics out now getting good praise.
It went great. I didn’t get to talk to Ethan much, since he had flights bookend the signing, but he seemed nice. Norm helped me get over my childhood idolization really quickly by treating me like a professional. We talked at dinner some, and he’s just had such an amazing career. It’s had ups and downs like everyone’s career, but he’s always come out on top. Chuck was the best and biggest surprise though; this is a funny man. We had a good time sitting next to each other. A great salesman and a responsive creator, he had a dedicated couple drive from Sioux City (100 miles) just to see him because they are big fans of his comic Of Bitter Souls. How cool is that? Oh, and they had read Golden Boy online so they bought a copy right there. They didn’t even know I was supposed to be there.
As a thank you from the store, Krypton had David Banks create hardbound volumes of our work. This was an incredible gift. I have picked it up and marveled at it many times since the signing. I didn’t even know you could do that with comics. Browse through Dave’s site and see some his other work. I have several runs that I would like to see created into something I could put on my bookshelf rather than languish in my long box.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, and thanks to the creators and Krypton Comics for an awesome first in-store!
Patrick –
It was great to meet you and your brother! I’m happy you liked the Nova sketch – I was pretty beat by that time, so that is good to hear. Thanks for taking a chance on Golden Boy. My inspiration at the time was that I didn’t want to end up one of those people who didn’t do what they wanted in their life. So, the character’s story follows my own as we both set out to do something we enjoy before it is too late. I used to hear older people gripe about what they could have done all the time, never realizing that they probably still could. It’s never too late, you know?
I’ll see you around the store, and thanks again!
Man, that hardcover edition of GOLDENBOY soooo rocks! I love that guys work!
Patrick WaitOct 21, 03:23 AM
Max-
I can relate with the inspiration. If somebody had told me four years ago that I would be skinnier and healthier than I have been most of my life I would have scoffed at them. But look at me now.
It’s funny, my brother showed up and I kept telling him he needed to go back and talk to you. There are times, and for whatever reason, he can get really shy but once you get to know him he is very likeable. He is also great to have around in movie theaters because he doesn’t put up with shit from anyone. We went to see “A Time to Kill” and their were these two college aged couples sitting right behind us. Well one of the guys was kicking my brothers chair and it was irritating him. Think about the Hulk TV show with Bill Bixby with him leading up to the change. The frustration of feeling that kicking as you are trying to enjoy the movie. Greg turns around and says “Are you going to do that through the whole movie?”. The guy’s response “Maybe.” Big mistake, I’m thinking DEFON 5. I could see his eyes change to green. He gets up walks to the end of the aisle, goes to the aisle behind the two couples. There is a man sitting there, he says “Pardon me.” The man moves. My brother walks up behind the guy that was kicking his chair, grabs his chair on both sides and starts shaking it. At the same time, he says “Would you like me to do this for the rest of the movie?” We are in full Hulk mode. The guys eyes were like a Bugs Bunny cartoon – popping out of his head. The guy says “No.”. Greg asks him again if he is going to kick his chair. “No.” again. He stops shaking the chair, he goes up to the man he passed and asks again if he could get buy. The man’s feet fly into the air and into the seat next to him. He returns back to his seat. I have the biggest smile on my face. He gives me this look and I return to watching the movie and I observe him changing back into my mild mannered brother. Oh, after the movie, the two couples quickly vacated the premises.
Keep writing Max, can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
ciao!
Patrick
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Oct 18, 03:53 AM
Hey Max,
I read Golden Boy last night and enjoyed it a lot. I like reading many different things but when it comes to comics I usually stick with the superhero genre, not because there isn’t a lot of really good stuff out there, but because of finances. I have yet to read Of Bitter Souls, so I will have to check that out. Someday I hope to make it to the big comic convention in San Diego.
So what inspired you to write Golden Boy? Take care and hopefully I’ll see you around. And, thanks for the Nova sketch.
Patrick Wait