slightly off topic, but, that sucks you had such a hard time getting a piece from him, after what I gather is a pre-paid venture.. sorry for the noob question but is that always common practice for sketches, even ones that take 12+ months? I'm a tattoo artist and I make my living on what you could consider "commission pieces" but I get paid afterwards!!! lol maybe these comic guys get a little pampered??
Anyways, my response comes becuase i knew Rags when I was but a wee lad of 12-13 and he used to give me drawing tips and sign a ton of books for me. Really a nice gesture at that age and i've always thought of him as a stand up dude.
