Ceremonies.

Joe Kubert stood up as the curtains in the hall were drawn to shield the room from the glaring sunlight pouring in through the windows. The hall lights, along with a large lamp, illuminated the space. A woman in a red dress, possibly hired by the main organizers of the small event, adjusted the microphone on the small podium.

-We warmly welcome all the participants to the bi-annual gathering. This meeting has been taking place since 1949, aimed at socializing the creations of the finest local artists. Let's begin with the agenda: 1. Awards ceremony: I will establish the comic awards venue, 2. Official remarks by Joe Kubert, 3. Special meal, 4. Closing announcements, 5. Words from the creators, - the young woman in the red dress announced.

She stood behind a small podium and reached into a small wooden box with cuttings from a newspaper on one side. She rummaged her hands and produced a folded slip of paper, which she placed on the podium. She then bent down again and retrieved another little basket, and although it was hard to discern the basket, she pulled out a piece of yellow paper.

-The first award of the evening goes to the new character created for an existing series: Gambit, by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee. They've won a collaboration with the New York City kindergarten, and the winner will have to dress up as Batman, - the presenter announced.

Laughter erupted throughout the room. Even Jim Lee was seen hugging a colleague nearby, a sense of pride that struck Billy as unusual due to the nature of the award.

Jim Lee and Chris Claremont ascended the stage and collected a metal plaque with the signatures of the official creators of the grand comic gathering, of which now only five of the original eight were still alive.

-It's a pleasure to receive the award for Best Character. I can't help but remember that this award has been somewhat challenging to win. The Oscars know nothing of difficulty. I hope to secure another one soon, - Chris Claremont said, his robust figure and lively gestures igniting the audience. His speech was different and informal.

-My colleague is right. I hope the spotlight continues to shine on us as there are still many awards to be won. Chris, let's create another great series for the upcoming season, - Jim Lee said, laughing heartily, a sentiment that was echoed by the joy of the audience.

-We are, thanks to all of you for nominating us, - said Chris Claremont.

They both stepped down from the stage, radiating happiness.

-Individual Awards. What do they mean by that awards room? - Billy wondered.

-The awards are nominations based on each person's favorite comic articles in the room. The winner is the one with the most votes. If someone gets more than fifteen votes, they receive an award instead of an activity. So, Jim Lee won narrowly. Unfortunately, we didn't know you were coming until a month ago, and the voting is only done with the present forum members, which now includes you. I'm sorry, - Steve Gerber explained on the side.

-It seems like a very significant award, - Billy remarked.

-It is, for those who understand its significance. Having an award and winning it is an honor. Winning five awards allows you to inscribe your name on the plaque and be remembered as one of the great creators. Not only will you have the respect of the entire audience present, but it's also recognition. But only those who win by more than ten votes receive the award. So far, only three have achieved that, - Steve Gerber replied.

-Why did they start doing it? Is it because it's so challenging to win a perfect score? - Billy inquired.

-It's tough to win because you can only vote five times in five categories, and you can't repeat a person in your vote, - Steve Gerber explained.

-As for your first question, I'm not entirely sure, but it's a way to make connections. Everyone comes here, does business, and discusses industry grievances. Despite appearances, we're a guild with many disadvantages, sitting below the entire industry. Only 5% of all writers manage to survive. Nothing stays hidden here. We shed light on discontent with organizations or support each other, - Steve Gerber added.

-I see, - Billy nodded.

The next award winners were Neil Gaiman, for his comic "Sandman," which won for original work. People say it's magnificent for its unique way of shedding light on a god-like character, and what's impressive about Neil Gaiman is his pure storytelling style. His messy hair and impact, along with co-creator Sam Kieth and a few other special illustrators.

The next award went to a Marvel series, "The Infinity Gauntlet," by Jim Starlin and George Perez, which had been widely discussed in the past year. Its special aspect is space opera, though it didn't quite reach the 10-vote mark. Jim Starlin is a co-creator of characters like Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Nebula, and Shang-Chi.

- The low-level award for Jim Starlin and George Perez is seven points, so... -- the presenter said, taking out a strongly painted blue box. She rustled the slips of paper and pulled out a light blue one. - - The winner of the first blue award at this gathering is one of the early draft copies of Spider-Man #50," she announced.

-Wow. That's simply amazing, - Billy heard Raimon say.

-Your friend knows his comics. That draft, for collectors, is pure gold. Due to the acclaim of that issue, it's one of the best-sellers and a favorite among many fans, collectors, and even people not involved in the industry know it's a great script, - Steve Gerber explained.

The next awards were called one after the other, and the award ceremony ended with the victory for Best Editing, awarded to "The Infinity Gauntlet," accompanied by a polite round of applause. This is why it's very challenging for people to win an award - the same comic can't be rated twice by the same person.

-Thank you all for your participation in the awards. Without further ado, we will now move on to the next guest, Mr. Joe Kubert, and his honorary speech, - the presenter announced.

Joe Kubert, with his dignified demeanor, made his way to the center of the room. He's known as "The Professor" and is one of the comic industry's key figures due to his dedication and diverse body of work. He's a recipient of the Alley Award, the National Cartoonists Society Award, the Eisner Award, and the Harvey Award.

-It's a pleasure to see all of you gathering at another bi-annual meeting. As many of you know, when we started this conference, we simply aimed to come together as friends and share the beauty of this industry that has enchanted us for so long. My early years taught me to be grateful for what I have. The stories we create are something that has defined us from our youth, childhood, or adulthood. All the work we've done has changed the lives of countless people, and our drawings continue to amaze audiences of all ages,- Joe Kubert addressed the audience.

>>>I was born in the southeast of Poland, and I never thought the world would change the way it has. It surprises me how what was once considered impossible is now becoming part of our daily lives. When I was eleven years old, I got my first paid job as a comic book artist. Five dollars per page in 1938 was a lot of money. This animated world not only put bread on my family's table at an early age but also opened doors to a life of possibilities that I could only fully understand much later. By the age of thirteen, I was officially working as an employee, and that set the course for my life from the beginning. -

>>>I always tell my students that the best way to understand an industry is by being passionate about it. It's that passion that leads to success, and that passion can be fueled by necessity, love, effort, study, and for me, the pure obsession of people. I can call everyone in this room obsessive, and all that's left is for you to enjoy the meal. We've chosen a gourmet variety that you'll love. Stan Lee couldn't resist asking Jack Kirby to choose the menu this year. Thanks to everyone, - Joe Kubert said.

Stepping down from the podium, the presenter brought in several white carts covered with white tablecloths. The meal was selected by one person in charge of the entire menu, and each menu included five chosen dishes. They served the appetizer, which consisted of minced meat with a sauce – trays filled with pieces of grilled meat with both sweet and spicy sauces.

-Try the spicy sauce, kid. If it's too much, you can use the sweet sauce. Jack often prepares this dish, and it's a real treat, - Stan Lee advised.

Raimon nodded and poured the spicy sauce over his meat. To his surprise, he made a gesture of appreciation. Stan Lee was right; the combination of each sauce was delightful and delicious, a perfect blend. The drinks were cherry juice, wine, and water, with no in-between options.

The second dish in the grand meal was roast beef with potato wedges, which was incredibly delicious for Billy. The following dishes were optional, and each person decided whether they wanted to try them. There was a serving of special Polish soup called zurek, white bread soaked in olive oil with a bit of sliced minced meat, and surprisingly, slices of pizza from their favorite local pizzeria, which had been a staple for cartoonists for years.

-Try the pizza; it's a bond we have for those of us who lack culinary skills and spend a lot of time in the office working. It's delicious, - Steve Gerber encouraged.

-I don't think I can eat anything, - Billy said, feeling full.

-Next time you come to New York, give me a call, and I'll take you to enjoy that delicious pizza myself, - Steve Gerber offered.

-That would be amazing, and I'll also take you to try some of the city's favorite dishes when you visit San Jose, - Billy replied.

-Well, it's a pleasure. I'll visit your comic shop when I'm in the area, - Steve Gerber said.

A satisfying meal for a gathering of art enthusiasts.

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