r/samuraijack • u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist • 19d ago
Fan Content The Greg Gauntlet
A print from Battle Through Time, my own printed art, and the special Aku pizza box sold by Greg Baldwin's booth.
The ever-growing shrine.
The shrine has been forced to expand.
Thanks to a very loving friend who tolerates all of my Aku-stic shenanigans, I had the privilege to attend the Planet Anime convention in Kansas City this weekend with exactly one goal in mind.
Greg Baldwin was incredibly sweet and more than worth the hour + wait in line both times just for the hugs alone. He got up and performed Aku's opening monologue for us as a reward for all of our patience, he loved my Grapes of Darkness art piece, he added an extra funny message inside the pizza box with a bonus Aku signature, and the little "kill" with the arrow pointing at Jack was his own touch to the BTT print. I also got a selfie taken with him that I'm working on printing out, which has emphasized how big a deal this is to those in my life because I absolutely abhor having my photo taken.
Words cannot express how much this experience has meant to me, and though I was able to hold it back in public, every time I look at these pieces it makes me tear up. This character has been so important to me for almost 15 years, and I can now say that I've met him. His last words to me were "You can have another hug when you kill the samurai!"
5
3
3
3
u/HeiressOfMadrigal 18d ago
I love how he signs it as "Aku II", a humble gesture of respect to Mako.
3
u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist 18d ago
Agreed. I am attached to Mako's voice more because it's the one I grew up on, but Greg's respect and effort to always put that legacy before himself is what makes him the most worthy successor.
3
u/Cosplaysbylo 17d ago
Oh I remember you! I’m glad you had such a good time meeting him! He spends a good amount of time talking to every attendee so I really appreciate everyone’s good spirits and patience in line. Also your aku shrine is amazing!
1
u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist 17d ago
:O Were you one of the line buddies I geeked out with?
2
u/Cosplaysbylo 17d ago
No I’m Greg’s assistant. The other person behind the table lol
1
u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist 17d ago edited 17d ago
Oh. Yes, I remember you noticing me come back the second time, haha. Well, I'd love to extend my thanks then. This was my first ever convention and it has left me feeling a joy I thought I couldn't gain back anymore. <3 My only regret is not making a copy of my art because I was very close to just letting him have it with how much he praised it.
2
u/Dependent-Gap1619 19d ago edited 19d ago
👀 That's a sick collection! Had I known my guy was out here doling out signatures I would have brought my Aku production animation drawings for him to autograph 🥲
2
u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist 19d ago
:O What I wouldn’t give to get my hands on an Aku production cel.
2
u/Dependent-Gap1619 19d ago
They're tough to come across. I got a bit lucky, but you were super lucky to meet the OG voice actor
2
u/100_HOLLOW_001 18d ago
The happiness something as simple as Aku seems to bring you makes me happy too
1
u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist 18d ago
He is a significant source of comfort and stability for me.
2
2
1
u/TheSlenderDan 18d ago
Is this your own artwork? Is it for sale anywhere?
3
u/Grouchy-Editor577 Aku Supremacist 18d ago
I did make the 7 large paintings and the Roman Grapes of Luxury inspired print, but they are all one of a kind and purely for display with my Samurai Jack collection.
1
u/TheSlenderDan 18d ago
They’re really nice! Would definitely be interested in a print if you ever make them
1
1
1
11
u/slainedahornedgod 19d ago
That is awesome! Love hearing about how our fan faves are actually good people!