SDCC 2017 Off-Site: IDW presents VIP Dinner with comics icon Walter Simonson

This isn’t the first time IDW Publishing has offered this kind of once-in-a-lifetime experience: I recall in 2014 that fans were given the chance to eat fine, drink well and shoot the shit with WATCHMEN artist DAVE GIBBONS. Well, for 2017, they’re doing it again – and, this time, they’ve got themselves another comics icon on board.

Walter Simonson is, quite simply, one of the all-time greats, an acclaimed and prestigious artist with multiple awards and accolades under his belt, including an Inkpot, a Lifetime Achievement from the Harveys and an Eisner. These baubles have been afforded him for his incredible work for many of the major comics publishers over the years, including his runs on THOR for Marvel Comics, DETECTIVE COMICS for DC, and most recently, RAGNAROK for IDW. His influence throughout the decades has meant that his distinctive work remains a touchstone for many artists working today.

image credit: Marvel Database

And now, IDW want to feed him a meal in a swish restaurant in the Gaslamp area of Downtown San Diego, during Comic-Con. And you can be sat right beside him, as he/you spills gravy down his/your shirt and you/he won’t say anything because you’ll/he’ll be far too polite.

You’ll also be taking home, along with a lifetime of bragging rights, an incredible horde of goodies, including limited edition books of Walter’s (with the possibility of Walter himself, defacing them with his own Hancock) and a sketch from the man himself. I’d only hope that you get this done early in the evening than later, prior to the Rioja kicking in.

This kind of experience doesn’t come cheap, or easy – it’s $500 per person, it’s first-come first-served, and there’s only twenty five open seats at the table. But, if you’re the kind of hardcore comics fan that recognises just how special this event is, you’ll understand that a Monkey is well worth slapping down for an Evening With Walter Simonson. Move quick, now.

IDW Presents an Evening with a Comic Book Legend!

San Diego, CA (June 27, 2017) – “IDW Publishing is hosting a very special evening with Walter Simonson during Comic-Con. Limited to just 25 attendees, the event will take place in a private room at a swank restaurant in the San Diego Gaslamp district, a short walk from the convention center on Thursday, July 20th from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Each guest will receive the following:

• A COPY OF WALTER SIMONSON’S THOR THE RETURN OF BETA RAY BILL ARTIST’S EDITION VARIANT EDITION (limited to 125 copies)
• A SKETCH OF YOUR CHOICE BY SIMONSON (SEE ACCOMPANYING EXAMPLE)
• A COPY OF THE RAGNAROK BOOK TWO RETAILER INCENTIVE HARDCOVER, COMPLETE WITH BOUND IN SKETCH BY SIMONSON (limited to 100 copies)
• THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE BOTH BOOKS INSCRIBED TO YOU BY WALTER
• BOTH BOOKS EMBOSSED WITH A UNIQUE SEAL CREATED FOR THIS EVENT ONLY
• A WONDERFUL DINNER WITH WALTER SIMONSON
• MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

“Looking forward to having dinner with old friends,” said Simonson, “and making new ones at San Diego. Should be a fun night for all!”

Featuring fine dining in an intimate atmosphere, this very special evening is available on a first come first served basis. Space is extremely limited. Tickets are $500 per person and can be purchased here.

Don’t delay in reserving your spot for this one-of-a-kind event!”