Before the scheduled signing, my friend asked the writer if there was anything he needed. His response: "Yeah. Hand sanitizer and a big cardboard box, for all the shit they're going to give me."
Yeah, I think that's a good call. Stuff is a burden. If he wanted it, he'd get it. But I think there is something to be said for your wanting to make sure his life is better. I'm going to start reading it now after finding you so moved by it. And if Sean Phillips ever asks me why, I'll tell him it was you.
Criminal is sincerely one of the best comics out there. Brubaker gets alot of the credit (as he should, it's masterfully written) but Phillips draws these characters who are at once common and average looking people but also completely memorable and distinct. One of those things that not over or underdone, but right on the money. I liked his work so much I went and picked up "Marvel Zombies" which is pretty far out of my usual comic tastes.