A fan’s eye view of the London signing
on October 17th, 2011 at 10:00 amAs we mentioned last week, our own Angel of Darkness, Gabriella, met with American McGee at the Forbidden Planet Megastore last weekend (October 8th, 2011) for a rare book signing. This is her story, in her words.
It was 11:30am, October 8th 2011. After spending the greater part of three hours travelling to London, I finally arrived at Forbidden Planet. I met the manager, Ruth, and she offered me a cup of coffee and a sit-down, which was definitely appreciated. After talking for a while, I was told that American would be there within the next twenty minutes. Nerves set in. I had loved American McGee’s Alice for ten years, and I was finally getting the opportunity to meet the creator. I couldn’t believe it. It felt almost unreal.
Time seemed to speed up and, before I knew it, I was told that American had arrived. The first thing I noticed about him was just how tall he was, and then I noticed the large smile he had on his face as I introduced myself. He shook my hand, and I immediately felt my nerves disappear. We discussed Alice, how well the book was doing, and new projects. It all felt completely natural, like I was talking to a friend rather than my idol.
After a while, we moved to where the signing took place, and I watched in admiration as he signed at least 100 pre-ordered copies of the book without break. He answered any questions thrown his way whilst doing so, and he answered them all politely and with genuine enthusiasm.
At just before 12, the doors opened and the signing began. It’s hard to say how many people there were, but it felt like a constant stream of fans for the entire hour. However many there were, they were all extremely dedicated and excited as I was to meet American. Some brought Alice: Madness Returns and American McGee’s Alice, others the book, and some people brought older games that American had worked on. A handful of people brought with them some Alice figurines. One man had at least ten different figurines, including a black White Rabbit (even American didn’t know they existed!).
Throughout the signing, the tone remained excited and enthusiastic. American always acted genuinely interested and answered everyone’s questions, and he even posed for several photos. Even when the allotted time ran over, he stayed until everyone’s items had been signed.
Once everything was done, American agreed to do a couple of interviews for various websites, and then he asked if I wanted to have lunch with him, but unfortunately I had to decline due to travelling back. We said our goodbyes, and I left Forbidden Planet and London with a sense of amazement and accomplishment. During my journey home, I honestly felt like I could do anything. Thank you, American McGee, for a wonderful day!
And thank you for sharing such a lovely story, Gab! We’ll let you know when the stars align again for another public appearance. Enjoy a few more shots of the signing:
Gab and American
It was awesome to finally meet someone I’ve idolised for so long and who’s been such a huge source of inspiration on my creative life! Such a friendly chap too!
I’d completely agree with Gab’s “sense of amazement and accomplishment”.
Come back soon, American!
(And I’m on the site too! Even if an iffy photo
)
I can’t tell if he was flattered by my “drink me” bottle necklace. >.>
Either way, was great to meet the maker of a game that really did change my teenage years.
He certainly is tall, huh? o.O
I was the man with the 10+ figures and it was great meeting American after all these years. He was an absolute delight to talk to. Hey Gab, did you post any of your other photos as you took one of me and I’d love to tag it.