I am a comic book geek.  I remember my brother Keith and I riding our bikes to Rock Bottom comics in Ohio to purchase the Todd McFarlane written/drawn Spider-Man comic book.

Keith had purchased the platinum limited edition cover version of the comic, and as we were leaving the store, it started to rain.  He tucked the comic book under his t-shirt, hoping to keep it safe and dry, and we pedaled through the rain to get home.

Turns out that the comic did NOT stay safe and dry.  The rain had warped it badly, and made it's value essentially zero.  Who would have thought back in 1990 that I'd get the opportunity to tell that story to Todd McFarlane himself.

For those who don't know, Todd McFarlane redefined Spider-Man in the late 80s/early 90s, he helped to create one of the most popular villains of all time in Venom, and he created the hugely successful character Spawn.  Todd has since branched out from comics into movies, video games, music videos, and (my favorite of late) toys.

McFarlane has designed the artwork for the new Halo 3 controllers, and the accompanying Master Chief figurine.  I got the opportunity to visit McFarlane Toys in Phoenix Arizona.

I wasn't sure what to expect of Todd.  Growing up during the Marvel/DC/Image era, coupled with sportscaster opinions on his purchasing several historic homerun baseballs, and a heaping mound of internet rumor had made me put my guard up slightly.

I was pleasantly surprised when I got to meet Mr. McFarlane and talk with him for a few hours.  He was one of the nicest, most professional guys I have had the pleasure of meeting.

He was honest, genuine, and funny, and I look forward to working with Todd and the rest of McFarlane Toys in the future should the opportunity arise.

Full photoset availble on the Gamerscore Flickr site.