Finland and Prague

[Mayhem]

Actually the same thought crossed my mind... oh Thomas...!!! You in that icebox Thomas?!

[Thomas Froehling]

Actually the same thought crossed my mind... oh Thomas...!!! You in that icebox Thomas?!

???
Can't say I really understand the last bit of your post, but, yes, I can try to pick up one for you as well Mayhem; and, Steve, before you ask: I'll keep you in mind, too.

[go]

Thank you Thomas!

[Mayhem]

Cheers

Can't say I really understand the last bit of your post

This might hopefully relieve the confusion... one of my favourite cartoon series

[cynlee]

Thomas-- IF it's possible, could you get ME one as well? I'd love to pin it up in my classroom. IF you can, let me know how much to obtain (and ship) please.

[Stan Sakai]

I cannot promise anything, but I did ask for 5 of those posters. I think that should cover those who asked for them.

[go]

Dear Sensei Sakai,
Thank you in advance for your consideration of attempting to acquire this poster.
Thank you for all of the Usagi Yojimbo fun!
Best wishes to all!
go

[Steve Hubbell]

Thanks to both Thomas and Stan for thinking of all of us obsessive Usagi fans....

I was actually curious of the origins of the poster art, if it was new art actually drawn for the CRWECON 2009, or if it was created from a couple of pre-existing drawings "photoshopped" together by the convention organizers.....

[Stan Sakai]

I was actually curious of the origins of the poster art, if it was new art actually drawn for the CRWECON 2009, or if it was created from a couple of pre-existing drawings "photoshopped" together by the convention organizers.....

It was cobbled from existing art, as I had no knowledge of it. The image from the lower left looks like it is from the cover of Yokai, except flipped to make a mirror image. If I had known about it, I would not have approved it as the kimono is now folded right over left, something which is done only after death.

[cynlee]

Ooo! If you could, I'd be so grateful!

[Thomas Froehling]

So, to make things a bit easier for Sensei, I'll pick up as many copies of that much sought after poster as Sensei and myself are able to get our hands on and I'll send them to those who asked for them;

As for now, the list includes:

Go
Mayhem
Steve
Cynlee
and Fanfan (whom I included, just to make up for the sad fact that he couldn't be there himself)

Of cource, I can not promise to be able to get much more of these posters (I do not even know if they are there as giveaways or if they are "just" for promotional purpose), but I can promise to try to get as much as sensibly possible...

About shipping and handling: I think I'll sort that one out later (the main reason being that I don't have a clue about the actual size of these yet; could they be sent as a big letter, flat or rolled up?? I'd hate to fold them, anyway..), but my first idea is to send them individually for European fans and as a bundle to the American ones to be forwarded from the one receiving the bundle, since I figure it to be a lot cheaper...
But I'm open to any suggestions to keep postal costs reasonable. Yes, we are fans, but we are sane fans, aren't we?

[Fanfan]

and Fanfan (whom I included, just to make up for the sad fact that he couldn't be there himself)

Thanks,

I really would have enjoyed to meet Stan and you Thomas there...

well, perahps we will meet again next year

I cannot complaint with the formidable time i had in San Francisco this year

Enjoy your time in Prague, i really have to visit this area one of those days...

[Stan Sakai]

About shipping and handling: I think I'll sort that one out later (the main reason being that I don't have a clue about the actual size of these yet; could they be sent as a big letter, flat or rolled up?? I'd hate to fold them, anyway..), but my first idea is to send them individually for European fans and as a bundle to the American ones to be forwarded from the one receiving the bundle, since I figure it to be a lot cheaper...
But I'm open to any suggestions to keep postal costs reasonable. Yes, we are fans, but we are sane fans, aren't we?

The posters come in two sizes. I don't know if I can get both sizes. They are size A3 (equal to about 2 sheets of letter paper) and A2 (equal to 2 sheets of A3). Perhaps Thomas can send them to those Dojo members in Europe, and I will bring some back for the US members. I don't know if they come pre-folded or not, but I may have to fold mine to fit in my bag. I will bring a cardboard tube, though.

[Mayhem]

Well you'll have a tube shortly from me Thomas to send a poster back

[Thomas Froehling]

It's been a pleasant trip, now I only have to sort out the aftermath...

I started early in the morning (09:00 am, after bringing my little one to her kindergarden), equipped with a printed out map of Prague and the actual address of that theatre where Sensei would be holding his presentation, so nothing could get wrong.

At 02:00 pm (or 14:00) I parked my car in the centre of Prague; five hours of uneventful driving within the speed limit, two short breaks... almost boring, if not for the music I brought.

A little refreshment, changing of shirt and off I go walking around Prague to find the theatre...It's a shame I don't have the time to take a look at the city,it's very beautiful and I've been there only once, but I've got a mission to complete .

I find the place without any problems; they've got lots of books for sale (Steve will be satisfied ), and just when I'm finished buying, minutes after I came there, Sensei arrives. That's timing, isn't it?

Just a brief hello, Sensei is busy (interview and preparation), so I'm off for a little lunch, very good sushi with tea.

Full and fresh I enter the theatre to find it half full of people, about 50 to 60 already in there, mostly young ones, around twentysomething, I'd say, and surprisingly, there are a lot of women around.

The presentation starts with the theatre almost full, about a hundred people sit and listen while Sensei gives his presentation about how he works. Questions from the audiance are answered, there's a picture show of various pieces of art.

After that, Sensei and the Crew stuff are surprised about the number of people queueing for a signature: almost everybody has books to sign, some have brought their whole collection, some purchase pieces of his portfolio.

It could have been harsh, it could have been loud, even rowdy, but everyone is waiting patiently and politely, while Sensei is taking his time for everybody, signing and sketching for hours. The air gets a bit too warm and stifling to be comfortable, so Crew stuff decides quite reasonbly to move the signing table to another part of the theatre, closer to the front door, for better air. But that means a new queue, people who have been waiting long, who where almost there, are now at the end of that new line; surely a cause for an uproar, a riot, yes?

No, just a few good natured jokes about the forsight and efficency of the organizers, an apology and everybody lines up again, uncomplaining.

I had a few guys around me reading (obviously for the first time) the freshly released book 7, and it was interesting for me to see their reaction to stories which I know in and out. It's the same awe and joy I see in my daughter's face when we read Usagi together...

Finally it's my turn, just a few more words with Sensei, he's been signing for almost three hours, after his long transatlantic flight (which was not too pleasurable) and before going off to a book store (for another signing for sure) and, hopefully, a well deserved diner to make it a day for him.

Laden with goodies for European fans (not to forget two more HC for my collection) I say my good byes, wishing Sensei a more enjoyable time tomorrow.

Driving home was as uneventful, so I fall asleep around 02:00 am in my own bed.

P.S.:There'll be a few pictures coming when I've got the time.