INSPIRATION: Ron Frenz at the 2022 WV Pop Con

This past weekend, I was able to once again meet someone that I've admired for a very long time: acclaimed, influential, iconic, and legendary comic book illustrator Ron Frenz. I've posted about meeting Ron twice before - once in 2012 and again in 2013 (bit of an inside joke featured in that particular blog) - but I had not had the chance to see him again since. 

I was thrilled to hear Ron would again be participating in the WV Pop Con after a 9 year absence. He happily signed my issue of The Mighty Thor #433 which featured Thor's new look (designed by Ron). 

Ron often takes commissions for character drawings at such events. Upon requesting a drawing of Spider-Man (I really enjoyed Ron and Tom DeFalco's run on Amazing Spider-Man) Ron invited me to have a seat while he worked. As he drew, we discussed Ron's artistic background, updates on his and other illustrators' new projects, beloved characters, the creative process and what it was like working as an illustrator on such well-loved books. 

​It's a true joy to meet Ron, and I highly encourage readers to stop by an event he's attending or listen to one of the many podcasts he's often invited to participate in. He's warm, welcoming, and hilarious, and the time flew by. 

Ron Frenz, 2022

Here's the Spider-Man Ron drew for me. It will be cherished along side the Thor drawing he made in 2013. It's incredible not only to watch him draw, but to own an original piece drawn by the artist of so many incredible issues of Amazing Spider-Man, among many, many others. If you're not able to find an event near you, Ron also does commissions through Catskill Comics.