Friend Encounters: Sara Richard and Noah

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Never one to hog the spotlight, I always enjoy when others do interviews for me (or do my work for me). Many years ago, my young cousin Noah conducted a bunch of interviews at Wizard World. One of those was with Sara Richard, one of my favorite artists and just a cool person in general. That interview is at On the Beat With Sara Richard.

With very little notice, Noah did a great job with Sara. Of course, it takes both sides to have a good interview and Sara was her usual awesome self.

I first met Sara about 15 years ago and immediately loved her artwork. Already established as a talented artist, Sara's career really has blossomed. She has done work for trading card companies, comic book publishers and many more businesses. Her work continues to amaze me.

Noah handled interviews at other places, too. He did a few classic interviews at Resistance Pro Wrestling. For such a young guy, he handled it all very well. I haven't seen him in several years, but these experiences will always be among my favorites.

For more info on Sara, go to sararichard.com. For even more fun, follow her on social media. She is a blast.

Noah and Sara Richard in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Appreciating Sara Richard

Late last year, artist, illustrator Sara Richard once again granted me an interview. That interview is at Talking Travel with Sara Richard on Global Traveler.

I don't remember exactly when or where I first met Sara. It was probably either at Motor City Comic Con or one of the comic cons in Chicago and probably around 2010. Either way, Sara is one of the first artists I ever followed, covered and befriended. I probably have more interviews and pictures with Sara than any other creator I have covered. One reason is because she is just that good. Another is she is very engaging and nice.

Sra has been so gracious in giving me her time in interviews at conventions and via Zoom. She even indulged me and allowed my young cousin (aka my Johngy's Beat intern) to interview her. She could very easily have declined any or all of my requests, but she doesn't. 

She s so talented, too. She has contributed her artwork to several books, trading cards and more. She also has done commissions, like the Johngy's Beat variation shirt she designed.

I cannot speak highly enough of her work or just her as a person. She is simply the best.

Go to sararichard.com to learn a bit more and to see some of her brilliant work. You can also watch all of my interviews with her on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2017. 

Talking Travel with Sara Richard

Happy New Year. I will start the year with one of my favorite people, artists and interviews. 

I have been an admirer of artist Sara Richard for many years. From the moment I met her around 15 years ago, I was immediately fascinated by her illustrations. She is amazingly talented. Over the years, I also learned what a cool person she is. I am proud to call her a friend.

While all of that is great, it isn;t the reason I interviewed her on Talking Travel for Global Traveler. I have met Sara in several places, including Chicago, New York, Columbus, Detroit and maybe a couple others. That is a part of the reason for the interview, but her recent travels are really the main reason.

Sara's work pulled her to Shaghai, where she made two trips and spent several days. Her passions brought her to Gettysburg, where she looked for the supernatural, while absorbing the history. All together, it made for a fascinating and fun interview.

Of course, I was happy to expose her talent to the GT viewers. I am always happy to spread the word on talented folks and just as happy to deliver talented folks to my viewers. The perfect combo is when that talented person is a friend, like Sara.

Watch our interview at Talking Travel with Sara Richard. While you are there, please subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

Sara Richard at New York Comic Con

I think this is the last picture I took with artist extraordinaire Sara Richard. That has to change in 2025.

Sara was one of the first artists I ever interviewed and followed. She has written and illustrated books, worked on Topps cards, independent projects and much more.

She is immensely talented and just as cool. Sara and her mom often clean gravestones. That's just one of many interesting endeavors Sara has undertaken.

She used to come to Chicago for comic cons, but hasn't in a hile. She has been in Artist Alley at New York Comic Con though. That's where I last saw her. Maybe I will return to New York next year, if that's what it takes.

Go to SaraRichard.com for more info on Sara and her latest projects. Check NewYorkComicCon.com for updates and scheduling on NYCC.

Sara Richard and me in New York, NY-October 2021. 

Friend Encounters: Sorah Suhng and Sara Richard

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who meet celebrities.

Today's feature is very artistic. Excuse my bad joke, but it features two talented artists in Sara Richard and Sorah Suhng.

I have written many times about Sara. A longtime favorite of mine, she was one of the first artists I ever met and interviewed. Many times of both and 10+ years since, I am still bugging her. Her art is amazing and she truly is one of the coolest people I know. She is also gaining even more success and popularity. Now with several books (written and/or illustrated), she is busier than ever.

I met Sorah years ago and appreciate her work as well. The owner and creator of character Karnal Sin, Sorah has been carving her path in the world of comics since 2007. While her work reminds me a bit of Sara's, she has her own unique style. Both create fantastic art.

I love when my favorites take pictures with other celebrities. It shows they are human, too. they like taking pictures with their favorites, too.

Go to SaraRichardArt.com for more info on Sara. Also, check SorahSuhng.com to learn more about Sorah. 

Sara Richard and Sorah Suhng in New York, NY-October 2023.

Sara Richard at New York Comic Con

I have written many times about Sara Richard. One of the first artists I ever started to follow and interview, Sara has become a convention friend (whether she likes it or not lol).

I have interviewed Sara many times. A bunch of them can be found at Sara Richard's interviews on YouTube.

Sara has been especially busy lately. Whether illustrating, writing or both, she is amassing quite a library on Amazon. You can see her books on the Sara Richard Amazon page.

Along with books, Sara has also done work for Topps trading cards and many other projects. She is as versatile as she is talented. She is also super cool and very nice.

Did I mention when she has a spare minute, she likes to clean and restore gravestones? It's a form of art and a hobby. It is also historically significant.

I used to see Sara more often, but she hasn't come t Chicago for conventions in a while. The last two years, I trekked to New York Comic Con to see her and a few others. I'm not sure yet if she will be there this year, but unfortunately, I will not make the trip this time. A much as I would love to catch up with Sara and the others, I have a scheduling conflict and have to miss it.

I hope Sara returns to Chicago. She is one of the most talented and popular creators at any convention she attends.

Go to SaraRichard.com for more info on Sara and her latest projects. Check NewYorkComicCon.com for updates and scheduling on NYCC.

Sara Richard and me in New York, NY-October 2021.

Sara Richard at New York Comic Con 2021

New York Comic Con is quickly approaching. Running October 6-10, it is one of the biggest comic cons in the country. I will be back "On the Beat" meeting celebrities and creators.

Artist Sara Richard is a regular at NYCC. My interview with Sara from NYCC 2021 is at On the Beat With Sara Richard.

I first met Sara more than a decade ago and quickly fell in love with her art. Over the years, I have watched her gain more success and popularity. She has continue making fabulous art, as well as collaborating on several really cool books. It seems Sara always has something new coming out and more stuff in the works.

It's always an interesting interview with Sara because she has so much happening. Plus, she does really unique things, like grave stone cleaning. Sara's talents and passions go beyond her artwork.

I loved Sara's work so much, I asked her do do her version of the Johngy character. She was the first artist I asked and I loved her work so much, it inspired me to ask others. I now have a little Johngy art corner in my condo.

Go to SaraRichard.com for more info on Sara and her latest projects. Check NewYorkComicCon.com for updates and scheduling on NYCC.

Sara Richard and me in New York, NY-October 2021.

On the Beat With Sara Richard

I first met Sara Richard at a comic con more than a decade ago. I immediately loved her work and asked for an interview. Since then, I have seen her at many conventions and have done several interviews, becoming friends along the way.

Sara is incredibly talented. An artist, illustrator and writer, Sara creates art for solo projects as well as books, some of which include her writing. Her book total now is climbing rapidly and many are already on my shelf, with the others targeted upon their publishing.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Sara's activities are numerous and interesting. You'd see them, if you follow her on social media. Whether it is cleaning gravestones, studying mushrooms, participating in mudders, cheering for Becky Lynch or anything else, Sara does it with passion and we talk about all of it in our interview.

Sara has a lot of books available with more soon to be released. Sara discusses many in the interview. Check out her thoughts on the books, then go and get those books. You will love them, like I do.

I really appreciate Sara's time. I appreciate her creations. As I have written several times, her version of my Johngy character hangs in my condo and makes me smile every time I see it.

Our interview is at On the Beat With Sara Richard. After you watch the video, go to SaraRichard.com to learn more about her and to see her art and books.

On the Beat With Sara Richard at New York City Comic Con 2021

I just returned from a fantastic time at the New York City Comic Con. It was my first time at NYCC, but it won't be my last.

Artist Lady Sara Richard is one of the first creators I ever interviewed at a comic con. I have been bugging Sara for about a decade now. 

Of course, at NYCC, I had to get an update interview with Lady Sara. She has a lot going on as always. One of her recent projects is The Dead Hand Book: Stories From Gravesend Cemetery. Sara also did illustrations for Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook. Of course, those are just two of the many works she has done. She has a lot more in the works, too. Although I couldn't get scoops yet, I will report on her projects as she reveals them.

In our interview, we covered those two books and her work on cleaning grave stones, another fascinating part of Sara's life. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Sara Richard at New York City Comic Con 2021.

By the way, Sara earned the "Lady" title by owning small plots conservation land in Aberdeenshire and Glencoe, Scotland, places she says "inspires her art and where her mind wanders."

I am a big fan of Sara's work and I am proud to call her a friend. She is so talented and such a fun person. Follow her online to see all of her adventures. It's definitely entertaining.

Go to SaraRichard.com for more info on Sara and her art. Also, check NewYorkComicCon.com for news and updates. I am already looking forward to NYCC 2022.

Looking Forward to Sara Richard at NYCC

New York Comic Con runs October 7-10. I'll be covering my first NYCC and I cannot wait. It'll be a whole new experience, but I will see some familiar faces like my artist friend Sara Richard.

I met Sara many years ago at a comic con and was blown away by her creations. I have interviewed her many times, including the latest at On the Beat With Sara Richard. That interview focused on her artwork in Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook. We also talked about her cosplay as WWE's Becky Lynch, her grave-cleaning project with her mom and much more.

Since then, Sara has done even more great things. Her artwork seems to be appearing everywhere. I am so happy for her. As amazing as her artwork is, she is even more amazing. If I sound like a fanboy, I make no apologies. If you ever get to meet Sara, you'll understand.

Sara promised me an update interview at NYCC and I am looking forward to hearing and sharing all the news. By then, there will probably be even more happening in her world. There always is!

Go to SaraRichard.com for more info on Sara. Also, check NewYorkComicCon.com for news and updates on NYCC.

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2013.

On the Beat With Sara Richard

Monday evening, I had the pleasure of doing a Skype interview with Sara Richard, one of my absolute favorite artists. Sara recently announced she did the artwork for Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook, to be released in March 2021, but available for pre-order now.

I have interviewed Sara several times, starting in 2012 at C2E2. Over the years, I've gone back to Sara for updates and she always has something cool in the works. For one of our interviews, my teenage cousin handled the questions and Sara was great with him. 

I love Sara's artwork, but I also think she is just a very cool, very sweet person. She always seems to be doing interesting things, like cosplaying as the WWE's Becky Lynch and cleaning gravestones with her mom (both of which we discuss in the interview below).

A few years back, Sara was kind enough to do her take on The Johngy character, which now hangs on my "Wall of Johngy," which is partially visible behind me. I never give the artist any direction, because I want to see their creativity and Sara delivered big time.

My wall features Sara's art and my bookshelf features her books. I'm ordering it now, but in March, I will add Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook to my shelves. I am very excited about seeing Sara's artwork tied into Greek Mythology. Her style will beautifully match and complement the Greek heroes. I'm sure my many Greek friends will be ordering the book, too.

In the interview below, Sara talked about Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook, her creative process, Becky Lynch, grave sites, travel and more. It was a lot of fun. The cancellation of conventions has limited my interviews, but in this case, it allowed me to do a longer, more-in depth interview with Sara. Hopefully, I will see Sara in person in 2021, but if not, I will be asking for an update Skype interview.

I really appreciate Sara's time, consideration and friendship, as much as I appreciate her wonderful creations. I encourage everyone to check out her work.

For more info on Sara, go to SaraRichard.com, The Art of Sara Richard on Facebook, Sara Richard on Patreon and Sara Richard on Instragram.

Friend Encounters: Stan Lee and Sara Richard

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

There aren't many people who are more famous in comics and art than my friend Sara Richard, but I found a pic of her with perhaps the most famous. This is sort of like Babe Ruth meeting Ted Williams (I picked Williams for his skills and his Massachusetts ties, much like Sara).

Several years ago at Heroes Convention, both Lee and Sara were celebrity guests. At some point during the weekend, this historic event occurred. The best of the old school and all time meets one of the best of the modern era.

Lee hugged Sara, making her day. For an artist like Sara, meeting a comic legend has to be  amazing. Lee wasn't the first comics creator, but he certainly made tremendous breakthroughs in the comic field. He is thought of as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

I especially love this pic, because it obviously wasn't posed and it definitely shows the pure joy in Sara's face. I know how much this meant to Sara and how excited she was. I also know she deserves any recognition she gets.

Sara is a veteran of the comics and art scene, but she is still young. As he career develops, I have no doubt her legacy will grow. Plus, she is just super cool.

Go to SaraRichard.com for more info and art. Also, follow The Art of Sara Richard on Facebook for updates, art and other fun stuff.

Stan Lee and Sara Richard in Charlotte, NC-June 2012.

Checking In With Sara Richard

It's been a little while since I gave an update on Sara Richard, one of my favorite artists. As always, she has been very busy.

The Royal Book of Oz is the fifteenth book in the Oz series. It is the first book in the Oz series written by Ruth Plumly Thompson. Clover Press created a new edition with updated artwork by Sara Richard and an afterword by Eisner Winner, Eric Shanower.

The book is produced in its original size and is a beautiful piece to add to any book collection. Sara's fantastic art is certainly a highlight.

Sara also revealed her GI Joe cover. Sara was "So excited to have drawn my girl, Baroness." It is a credit to the GI Joe franchise to have Sara now be a part of it.

I have met and interviewed Sara several times. I have a few pieces of her wonderful artwork hanging in my place, including her take on the Johngy character. Sara is massively talented and one of the coolest people I know.

Check out SaraRichard.com for more info. For more freuent updates and other cool stuff, you can follow Sara at The Art of Sara Richard on Facebook. 

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2015.

Sara Richard and the Royal Book of Oz

As I usually do, I wrote an online piece for Global Traveler magazine reviewing my favorite books I read last year. That piece can be found at Great Reads 2019.
One of the books I listed was The Royal Book of Oz. Originally printed in 1921, The Royal Book of Oz is the fifteenth book in the Oz series and the first written by Ruth Plumly Thompson. It was originally thought to be written by Oz creator L. Frank Baum. Years later, it was discovered to be the work of Thompson.

The newest edition features updated, all-new illustrations by Eisner Award-nominated artist Sara Richard. The Royal Book of Oz is 272 pages of entertainment following the Scarecrow’s search for his family tree, highlighted by beautiful and whimsical illustrations by Sara.

I have featured Sara here many times over the years. I am a huge fan of her work and am proud to call her a friend. Sara is extremely talented and if you follow her on social media, you will see she is also one of the coolest people.

I have ordered The Royal Book of Oz and I look forward to diving into it. I can't wait to see what cook illustrations Sara has created.

You can get this book by going to the Kickstarter page for The Royal Book of Oz. You can also get more info on the book and Sara at SaraRichard.com.

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #452 Sara Richard x 2

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. With Halloween tomorrow, I present a special Halloween edition of Celebrity Jersey Cards.

I have been a big fan of artist Sara Richard for many years. Sara's resume is impressive, having done many covers, variants, trading cards and much more. She also illustrated Kitty & Dino and The Ghost, The Owl. I am the proud owner of a few of her pieces, including her take on "The Johngy" character.
A couple months ago, I saw a piece Sara created featuring WWE wrestler Becky Lynch. It was spectacular. I always thought wrestling lends itself well to artists, because of the colors and larger-than-life characters. I like the contrast of Sara's simple, flowing technique with the harsh edges of wrestlers.

Sara's connection to wrestling didn't stop there though. She cosplayed as 4x WWE women's champ Becky Lynch. While Sara doesn't need my help in creating things, I jumped at the chance to make a couple special WWE Topps cards for her.
Although smallish, Sara has the intangibles to be a great wrestler, but I don't see her leaving art behind. She is just too good.
Go to SaraRichard.com and follow her at @SaraRichard on twitter. Check out her work on her site and social media. She really is awesome.

Sara Richard at Motor City Comic Con 2017

Motor City Comic Con is coming to Novi, MI May 17-19. While I look forward to three days of fun, I am looking back at some of my favorite times over my many years at MCCC.

Artist Sara Richard is one of my favorite people I have met at any convention. Immensely talented, funny and fascinating, Sara is simply the best.

Her creations are so light and flowing. I literally get lost in them every time I see them at cons or online. I have written many times about Sara's version of the Johngy character which hangs in my home and also her book (with Franco) The Ghost, The Owl.

I recently discovered another piece she did. How I missed it previously is a mystery to me. Aquaman is always the first thing I seek at any artist's booth. Sara even did the old school Aquaman! Once again Sara has raised my level of appreciation for her.

If I sound like a fanboy, I make no apologies. There is a reason why is is one of the most popular creator guests at any convention and why she has worked with some of the biggest companies. She has such passion for her work and for life in general. If you get a chance to talk to her, ask her about dinosaurs, tombstone-cleaning, snapping turtles and drawing owls. Just don't mention centipedes, as she claims to be terrified of them.

Sara has already been announced as an artist guest at this year's MCCC and I look forward to seeing her and catching up with her. I have interviewed Sara several times and she always has something new to say. Of course, I will be getting an update interview, talking about her book and other new projects.

You can get more info on Sara and her beautiful work at SaraRichard.com. Be sure to go to MotorCityComicCon.com for all of the info and scheduling.

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2017.

Sara Richard at C2E2 2017

C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) is coming March 22-24 and I will be "On the Beat" as always. Leading up to then, I am sharing some of my favorite creative folks from previous years.

Sara Richard is one of my favorite artists and one of the very first I started to really follow. Right from the start, I was drawn into her beautiful creations. I even commissioned Sara to draw her version of the "Johngy" character, which proudly hangs in my home.

At the risk of sounding like a fanboy (although I probably am), Sara is just cool. I follow her adventures on social media and have seen her clean graves stones, sing karaoke, ghost hunt and other fun stuff. Her passion for life matches her passion for her art.

Last year, Sara's art was featured in "The Ghost, The Owl," a book written by Franco. A ghost girl, an owl, a swamp and other spooky elements come together for a fun story with incredible illustrations by Sara. On the surface, it is a quick read aimed at kids, but it is so much more. I have gotten lost in the free-flowing drawings and spent a lot of time engrossed in the book.

"The Ghost, The Owl" is available on Amazon and I am sure Sara has them at her appearances. Also, go to SaraRichardArt.com for more info about Sara. Hopefully, Sara will be at C2E2, but you can check the guest list at C2E2.com.

Sara Richard and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

Sara Richard at C2E2 2017

I met artist Sara Richard many years ago at a comic con and I have been bugging her ever since.  I have interviewed her several times over the years, including On the Beat With Sara Richard at C2E2 2012, one of the first interviews.

Sara is extremely talented.  She has created so many beautiful works.  She illustrated “Kitty and Dino,” a kid's book, which was nominated for a 2013 Eisner Award (Best Publication for Young Readers).  Some of her other work includes cover art for Jem and the Holograms, illustrations for a Justice League tarot card set, variant covers for Deadpool, Rick and Morty and Bob's Burgers and so much more.

One more creation was her rendition of The Johngy.  I did not give her any directions, because I wanted her vision and I got an awesome piece, which now hangs proudly in my place.  I just love it.

Aside from being a gifted artist, Sara is simply a cool person.  Her adventures are fun to follow, her attitude is refreshing and I am just a big fan!  She is always one of the most popular artists at any comic con, but she always has a few minutes to catch up with me.

Check out SaraRichard.com for galleries, her store, info and more.  You can also follow Sara on twitter for updates and other fun stuff.

Sara Richard and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

Sara Richard (and a Johngy) at C2E2 2016

On Monday, I mentioned that artist Sara Richard did her take on the "Johngy" character.  Here it is.

Sara is an incredibly talented artist.  At the risk of sounding like a high schooler, she is just super cool, too.  I love following her adventures at Sara Richard on twitter.  I also love seeing her new artwork or finding gems in her previous body of work.

One piece I really love is her version of Johngy!  "Johngy" is hanging out with Groot, Guardian of the Galaxy.  The wonderfully gifted Sara drew me.  This is just awesome.

I really appreciate Sara doing this for me.  I also appreciate her time over the years and her friendship.

Catch her on the comic con scene if you can.  Either way, head to SaraRichard.com for all of the relevant info on Sara!

Sara Richard and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Sara Richard at Motor City Comic Con 2015

If artist Sara Richard is at a comic con I am attending, I will always find her.  Hopefully that doesn't scare her into avoiding the midwest.  Our first interview with Sara was in 2012 and can be found at On the Beat with Sara Richard.

Sara provided illustrations for Kitty & Dino a children's book.  How appropriate, since she loves dinosaurs.  She has done work for My Little Pony, Gem and tons of other stuff.  

People always ask me what my favorite piece is from each artist.  With Sara, that is especially difficult, but I would have to say Rapunzel.  It is just fun, cute, whimsical and more.

I do wonder what Sara would do with some harder-edge subjects like wrestlers.  Her work is flowing and light.  I'd love to see her take on them, but I am sure she would capture their spirit.  I'd also like to see her take on the Johngy logo.

Aside from her beautiful creations, Sara just seems like a person you'd like in your group of friends.  She always seems to be doing fun and adventurous stuff.  She also lends her talents to various charitable causes.

For more info on wer, go to SaraRichard.com.  You'll see a lot of her wonderful creations, as well as getting updates and some of her humor thrown in. too.

Sara Richard and me in Novi, MI-May 2015.