June 5, 2010 Sardi’s NY, NY Sy Barry luncheon

In attendance : Sy and Simmy Barry, Luke McDonnell, Howard and Pam Gesbeck,

Ed and Joanne Kent, Ed Szymanski, Robert Loeffler, Pete Klaus, and Ed Rhoades

            Sy was presented the new anthology book from Hermes Press courtesy of Dan Herman.

Everyone admired the publication.  Sy made an individual pencil drawing for everyone in

attendance. Various gifts were exchanged, photos were taken, and Sy graciously autographed

numerous items.

(These photos are from Pete Klaus...more to come)

Thank you Sy, Simmy, Luke, and everyone

What once began as a motley aggregation of fans of a revered comic strip artist has

gently evolved over the years into a group of close knit friends sharing a communion

of camaraderie beyond expectations. We still love our favorite comics hero, 

The Phantom, but we’ve grown to love Sy and Simmy Barry even more.

The gifts exchanged were viewed with heartfelt appreciation. The posters, mugs,

bookmarks, signature cards, pins, artist’s proofs, alarm clocks, and the precious

Sy Barry original drawings are very special souvenirs…mementos of a joyous

occasion,  but what is treasured even more is the warmth, affection and generosity

they represent.

The Sy Barry Luncheon has transcended our collective interest in The Phantom.

Ultimately, the spirit of friendship experienced at our gathering is priceless as

evidenced in the smiles, hugs, shared stories and benevolence from each individual in attendance.

The meeting continued to a point where we could almost jeopardize our welcome at Sardi’s,

because no one wanted the afternoon to end.  By sheer coincidence, we posed for our traditional

“slam evil-skull ring” photo at our assigned table directly under the caricature of Billy Zane

(for those who came in late-the man who played the Phantom on the big screen).

The soft spoken, talented DC artist Luke McDonnell was served an impossibly high stack

of French fries with his meal receiving good natured teasing from Rob Loeffler for his

inability to consume it in its entirety…Ed Kent lamented the lack of savior faire shown in the

ads for the new SyFy version of The Phantom and his wife Joanne talked about their recent

move…Simmy shared details about her birthday party,  Howard Gesbeck brought his kindly

enthusiasm to the mix while his wife Pam helped document the occasion with her camera,

Pete unveiled the new souvenir cups made for the occasion

while Sy and I shared a few private laughs…life is good.