Clerks II!!

I am soooo there. Here's some teaser fodder for those right along with me.

I have to admit, I'm a complete idiot when it comes to Kevin Smith art. To wit, have the Clerks and Chasing Amy screenplays, most if not all of the Clerks comics (including 2 copies of the 1st issue, one signed by the artist, Jim Mahfood, who happens to live in the Phoenix area, too), and- crowning possession of the lot- the Silent Bob action figure.

Still in the box.

I actually saw him at a San Diego Comic Con in '97 (long story- I managed to get a job for the event because it was my goal to meet James O'Barr, Crow creator). He walked by, and I was too startled to do anything...he even had on the character Silent Bob's long, black trench! He was that guy in my head, so better that it took me a minute to register than say something I'd have to forever live down.

Related follow-up note: After circling his booth about a billion times over 2 days, I finally got up the courage to bring my second edition Crow series up for Mr. O'Barr to sign. I had worked out in my head all these clever asides and pertinent questions like, "Why the Hell did you let them do Crow II?"- I was going to shine.

Several peeps were in line before me, and I watched him sign all the comics in his metallic paint pen, ALL of them in cursive script (just a sig). Then my turn.

I bashfully say 'Thanks' and fork over my comics. He gives me an unreadable look (surprise? what's a chick doing here that isn't a character model? IS she supposed to be some flat-chested version of Witchblade like people are asking her?), and then signs all 3. Slides them towards me, advising me to keep them separated for a while so the ink can dry.

And then I notice- he signed them all, James O'Barr and date- in print.

What could it mean? Was it a gesture of contempt? Or one of generousity- did its inherent uniqueness from the others make the comics more valuable?? {I still don't know}

So I choked. Couldn't say a word to him more than the "Thank-you" for the signing. Proceeded to talk to the other 2 guys working the Kitchen Sink booth- for a half hour. Spoke about The Crow series, other titles- they gave me lots of promo bits, shot glasses, decals, key chains...the whole time I can see JOB in the corner of my eye, watching periodically with the same flat, inscrutable look.

I've met actors, writers (sci-fi, poets), artists...never was I star-struck. Giddy at times, yes, but not frozen. Except when I was faced with the short, balding, slightly over-weight- yet brilliant- James O'Barr.

Point of the matter- perhaps it's a good thing I let K. Smith walk on by. Seems it really is weird thing to meet your idols. Especially when you're a nervous, speech-deprived, neurotic mental idiot in front of them.

Comments

[jr]

can't wait to see it

[bob]

After reading Bruce Campbell's If Chins Could Kill, I decided that the only thing I'd say to stars is "Thanks for all your hard work, I really enjoyed (X)"

I mean, what would I want some stranger to tell me? A thank you. No "I wanna have your child", no "in epsode 7 of the third season in the second act...", and definitely no "You suck because you sold out" - even though this is how I made my living.

YMMV,
-B

[Coeus]

Well great. Now I'm envious of short, balding, slightly over-weight guys.

Coeus

[Xero]

Now there is something we can all agree on. Kevin Smith is a god (not literally) among man. Honestly I don't idolize the guy, but being from Jersey I happen to get where he is coming from, and it's a dark and dreary, yet humorous place.

But I have to say that Clerks II better be the best movie every made (currently the title is held by Fight Club) or else I may lose all my respect for the independent film maker.