This came up in a thread in the Spring, but with no names.  At the time, I didn't want to name the artist, because I figured I'm one guy with a bad experience, but that doesn't mean it happens to everyone.  I didn't want to start doing the "Bad Golden Story." 

In the Fall, I went to a con with the opportunity to meet Michael Golden.  I was excited, as the Micronauts, featuring his art, was the title that got me completely hooked on comics.  He was very nice, and signed my hardbound Micronauts books and a couple of pages of Micronauts original art for me.  I was relieved, as I always worry when meeting someone who's work I admired, especially as a child, because I'm afraid they'll turn out to be an ass.  And he wasn't. 

I commissioned two drawings (of Micronaut characters, of course) at $100 a pop.  He told me he was pretty much booked to the con, but added my name and said to try back later (he took no money yet).  When I returned to his table later in the con, he hadn't gotten to them.  He apologized and everything was fine, if disappointing because I really wanted those sketches.  Renee suggested that, if I was willing to wait, he could work on the drawings at home and send them to me.  So all the arrangements were made.

After a couple of months, I started sending Renee some polite emails, just to "touch base."  I guess at one point, his home/studio had flooded, causing him to delay some drawing.  Fine, no problem.  But from then on, after every email I sent I was told the art was on his drawing board or done, and that I would see it soon.  After six months, I made arrangements to just pick it up at another convention. Which I did.

None of this bothered me *too* much.  I'm pretty patient, and I was never ignored, as my emails were always answered quickly.  But I confess that I was a little disappointed with what the $200 and 6-7 months wait got me.  But to be fair, most of my disappointment stemmed from an unrealistic expectation.  In my head, I was seeing these characters as he had drawn them 30 years ago, and his art style has obviously changed.  Even in my disappointment, I knew that I shouldn't have expected what I was expecting.

Well, everything was done.  I finally had my drawings.  And I had managed to remain fairly positive about the whole thing.  But now, seeing what's going on in this thread, I find myself very disappointed that I gave income to someone who seems to hold his fans in such low regard. 

I think it's time to save up so I can ask Jim Warden about a JB Micronauts commission.  I *know* that one would be cool!

Martin Arlt......................................

I guess I'm lucky I got my Golden Micronauts sketch done at a con where he finished it before the end of the day. $100 for a pencil of Acroyear. More than I ever paid for a sketch, but I thought it was okay.

Doesn't the Bible warn us of association with a Golden Ass?

JB, your gesture is not only classy, but a lesson in how things in business are done, or should be, at any rate... Well done.

Mike wrote: ...If it weren't for the misspelling, it wouldn't be so bad (unless there were some particular guidelines that Gerry had given him that were not adhered to)...

Does the commissioner really need to state implicitly that the artist not incorporate a dig or a reprimand aimed at the commissioner in the piece that is being purchased?