christopher (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} christafa) wrote,@ 2008-06-28 11:15:00 |
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Michael Turner passes away
I just found out that comic book creator Michael Turner passed away last night. There is more info about it here: www.newsarama.com/comics/080628-Turner.h
I didn't really know him. I think I've only ever met him in passing at comic book conventions, but he was a good friend to my pal Marc. Through second hand accounts, I've followed Michael's career since before he was ever published.
Many years ago, my friend Marc had started taking kung-fu lessons at a martial arts studio in San Diego. One of the instructors was Michael Turner. The two quckly became friends, bonding over their interest in comics. I remember Marc telling me one day about his instructor, "Mr. Turner" he called him, (as students were supposed to refer to instructors) and how he'd brought some comic book samples in. He asked Marc's opinion as a fellow artist, and since Marc was already a published creator. Marc said the art samples were amazing. Michael said he was thinking of showing his art to TOP COW, and Marc told him that they would totally love his work.
Soon afterward, Michael Turner was picked up by TOP COW and almost overnight he became a comic book sensation. He was a fan favorite, regularly listed in Wizard's Top Ten artists. Eventually, Michael went on to form his own comics imprint, ASPEN, and what I recall most about the ASPEN booth is the horde of fans waiting for his autograph. That, and of course Michael's dynamic art looming larger than life over the convention halls.
Yet no matter how big a superstar he became. With his lines of fans, his booming comic book company and his major projects... he always had a moment for my friend Marc and his family. Eventually, the two would share another bond. Both struggling with their own battles against cancer. Despite their health issues, they continued to inspire each other. Marc, inspiring Michael as his health deteriorated yet struggled to persevere... and Michael inspiring Marc with his continued success despite the setbacks the disease forced him to endure.
When Marc was in the hospice, during his final days, we knew that Michael would want to know what was going on. Neither Marc's family or I had any contact info so we asked our friend Jeromy, a former IMAGE colorist if he know of a way to get in touch. Jeromy didn't have any contact info but said he'd see what he could do. Minutes later, we got a call back. I don't know how Jeromy did it. He just did his Jeromy magic, for which we are forever grateful. Marc's family was put in touch with Michael. He was very glad that we sought to get in touch with him and tell him about Marc. He expressed his condolences to the family and as I recall, it was very difficult for him to talk about it. He was utterly devestated.
Now, hearing that Michael has passed away, well... it's just so sad. I never really knew Michael Turner. But I've always had a very deep respect for him. For his continued friendship with Marc and the Brueland family and for his fantastic talents. I'll miss seeing him around at the conventions. He was truly one of the good guys and deserved every ounce of his success.
I just found out that comic book creator Michael Turner passed away last night. There is more info about it here: www.newsarama.com/comics/080628-Turner.h
I didn't really know him. I think I've only ever met him in passing at comic book conventions, but he was a good friend to my pal Marc. Through second hand accounts, I've followed Michael's career since before he was ever published.
Many years ago, my friend Marc had started taking kung-fu lessons at a martial arts studio in San Diego. One of the instructors was Michael Turner. The two quckly became friends, bonding over their interest in comics. I remember Marc telling me one day about his instructor, "Mr. Turner" he called him, (as students were supposed to refer to instructors) and how he'd brought some comic book samples in. He asked Marc's opinion as a fellow artist, and since Marc was already a published creator. Marc said the art samples were amazing. Michael said he was thinking of showing his art to TOP COW, and Marc told him that they would totally love his work.
Soon afterward, Michael Turner was picked up by TOP COW and almost overnight he became a comic book sensation. He was a fan favorite, regularly listed in Wizard's Top Ten artists. Eventually, Michael went on to form his own comics imprint, ASPEN, and what I recall most about the ASPEN booth is the horde of fans waiting for his autograph. That, and of course Michael's dynamic art looming larger than life over the convention halls.
Yet no matter how big a superstar he became. With his lines of fans, his booming comic book company and his major projects... he always had a moment for my friend Marc and his family. Eventually, the two would share another bond. Both struggling with their own battles against cancer. Despite their health issues, they continued to inspire each other. Marc, inspiring Michael as his health deteriorated yet struggled to persevere... and Michael inspiring Marc with his continued success despite the setbacks the disease forced him to endure.
When Marc was in the hospice, during his final days, we knew that Michael would want to know what was going on. Neither Marc's family or I had any contact info so we asked our friend Jeromy, a former IMAGE colorist if he know of a way to get in touch. Jeromy didn't have any contact info but said he'd see what he could do. Minutes later, we got a call back. I don't know how Jeromy did it. He just did his Jeromy magic, for which we are forever grateful. Marc's family was put in touch with Michael. He was very glad that we sought to get in touch with him and tell him about Marc. He expressed his condolences to the family and as I recall, it was very difficult for him to talk about it. He was utterly devestated.
Now, hearing that Michael has passed away, well... it's just so sad. I never really knew Michael Turner. But I've always had a very deep respect for him. For his continued friendship with Marc and the Brueland family and for his fantastic talents. I'll miss seeing him around at the conventions. He was truly one of the good guys and deserved every ounce of his success.
