NEAL ADAMS: The Most Intimidating Nice Guy You’d Ever Meet
A special FRANCO FRIDAYS/NEAL ADAMS CHRONICLES (early) birthday tribute to the late comics legend… By FRANCO Neal Adams scolded me for not charging for my autograph. At the time, imposter syndrome was high. I had been doing conventions, but honestly had not had many interactions with high-profile comic creators. But the more of them I did, the more I would have interactions with them. Most were good but awkward. I wouldn’t know what to say or do and get nervous most of the time. This was the state of mind I was dealing with when Mr. Adams happened to be walking by my table, took a look, saw me sign a book for a fan and then told me I should charge for doing that. I must have given him that look that translated to “What? Me? Charge for that thing I made? It’s probably not worth the paper it’s printed on.” I told him I couldn’t see myself doing that. They were already buying the book, so I couldn’t charge for my autograph. He lectured me on why I should be doing exactly that. (For the record I still don’t.) It’s a weird thing for me and very subjective to the individual creator. Everyone needs to do what they feel is right for them. My next thoughts after this interaction however, were, “Did I even belong here in this world of comics? And why is Mr. Adams scolding me?” But I get it. And when you delve into the history of comics, you might understand it as well. Neal Adams — who was born 84 years ago this Sunday, on June 15, 1941 — was that guy. He was the crusader of comics and looking for what you should be getting as a creator. This was the guy who fought for creator rights, artists to get what they should be paid, to get their artwork back after the publisher printed them… the list goes on. The intimidation factor was high. I thanked him and he went on his way. Years later we opened our comics store. We made a list of people we know we would love to have sign at the store and it included names we knew we would NEVER be able to get. Why not? It’s just a list. And if you can’t be ambitious...
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