Michael Turner passes away.

[shazam256]

<img src="http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/9535/miketurnertg6.jpg" width=450px">

Everyone it is my sad duty to inform you, if you don't already know, Michael Turner passed away this past Friday from his battle with cancer.:(

Michael Turner was one of the greatest artists in comics. He is on my Top 5 list of all-time favorite artists. He was a good man, was good to his fans, and seemed like a fine and cool person. I met him at Comic-Con once and got a picture with him, and an Aspen sketch! He always had a smile with his fans, and was always willing to answer their questions. Even though I did know he was battling cancer, it was still a shock that he passed away on Friday. I thought that he had got over the cancer again, but obviously not. He will be greatly missed as a giant in the world of comics!!!:)

R.I.P. Michael Turner.:sleep:

Thank you Michael for all your work and your touching pages that bought good characters to life with your excellent art.

My deep condolences go out to his family and friends.

Please everyone say a prayer for him.

If anyone is interested in sending his family a condolence letter, here is the address to send to (courtesy of comicscontinuum.com):

Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, Calif., 90230

Michael Turner tribute on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oup48RfrZCs

[KitsuShel]

Such a sad day. We saw him at last year's WWE and he was in a leg cast, but he was still so friendly and sweet.

I feel for his family. :(

[darius_dax1]

Can the mods merge the other threads into this one?

[SITHSPAWN]

I knew he had it clear back when he was still doing Fathom but I thought he was in remission. So this was a total shock to me. I met him once but it was only while going through a line for autographs. I wish I could have had more time to actually meet him. He'll be missed in the comic book community for sure. :(

[charlesx]

I am shocked! He was a staple at WWE. After the con, he'd go over to the Indy Pub (now the Field House) with Peter Steigerwald and his pals. We always bumped into him over there. What a trip. This blows me away - especially the fact that he was so young. Geez, what sad, sad news. I feel for him and for the family that he has left behind. RIP, Michael Turner.

[DareDevil_13]

This is sad news to hear. I was never a huge fan of his work, but he was a credit to the industry and his fans never said anything but great things about him.

He will be missed.

[GreenLantern73]

I knew he had it clear back when he was still doing Fathom but I thought he was in remission. So this was a total shock to me. I met him once but it was only while going through a line for autographs. I wish I could have had more time to actually meet him. He'll be missed in the comic book community for sure. :(




From an article I remember reading in Wizard, it was in remission for a while then came back. Here's a link to an article from 06/19/08. It's not the same one that I read (the waterskiing was omitted in the article that I read) but this should help those that want to read up on Michael Turner's life.


http://www.wizarduniverse.com/061908turnerbio.html

[Fett0001]

I'd always enjoyed his work. He'll be missed.

[dngergrrl]

:cry:It's kind of ironic. Friday night I walked in my first Relay for Life. I had a lot of family to walk for, but I also walked for some survivors. One of my survivors was Michael Turner. After talking to him last year at Wizard World Chicago I learned what a great man he truly was. I had always loved his art, and I finally had a chance to get to know the person. I will miss him very much.:cry:

[shazam256]

From an article I remember reading in Wizard, it was in remission for a while then came back. Here's a link to an article from 06/19/08. It's not the same one that I read (the waterskiing was omitted in the article that I read) but this should help those that want to read up on Michael Turner's life.


http://www.wizarduniverse.com/061908turnerbio.html

Thank you for the link, much appreciated!:)

[MacGyver2506]

He was one of my favorite artists. That's so sad!

[Superclone]

Another big loss to the art community of comics. Even though I didn't like all of his art, he seemed to listen to his fans and his critics equally. He was always polite and respectful in interviews, and seemed like a good bloke.

This has been a terrible couple of years in comics.

[robone65]

Mikes courage and contributions helped me get thru my moms cancer battle to me this was a superhero in his own right always upbeat fighting the good fight you will be missed

[Lasac]

I never got to tell him I really enjoyed his work when I got a comic book signed.
I kind of just froze up.
It weird to have seen someone and find out they are dead a year later.
I was waiting in line and he was drawing sketches for some people who brought a canvas.
And he was just working his pen and laughing.
Its a weird feeling, I didn't know him, but the fact that there won't be anymore art from his hands is saddening.


~Phil

[marosama1234]

So... what series did he do?

[Briel]

Michael Turner was the original artist for Witchblade. He then created, wrote, and drew Fathom. After his first bout with the cancer, he returned to form his own company Aspen. There he rebooted Fathom with another creative team while he started the first Soulfire mini. Recently he was doing lots of covers for Marvel and DC, because sadly, that makes a lot more money than running your own company.

While he is mostly known for his drawings of beautiful women, anyone who has read Witchblade or Fathom can also tell you this man was incredibly talented at vehicles, buildings, and animals as well. An incredible illustrator up there with the greats. He was actually a good writer as well.

I will miss him.

[MykleMetro]

He was an inspiration. He'll be sorely missed. I have freinds that buy comics strictly because he drew the covers but i was never into that whole superhero as a super swimmer look, I understood it but it wasn't the thing that led me to follow his career. I'm sure i'm not the only one who's life has been shaken by cancer and the fatal sadness that it causes.

Reading in Wizard Magazine that Michael continued drawing while lying in his hospital bed ... well to me, thats shows his great spirit and dedication to not just the industry but to his fans.

And for that I will be a fan... always

[JDKenada]

Wow. I don't know how I missed this for a few days. I can't believe it.

He'll be missed. Hope they gave him lots of pencils up there. :sleep:

[JTClickman]

VERY SAD DAY:cry:

[anonym0use]

:disappoin :sleep:

[XocgX]

It's his bravery and spirit that made me a fan of the man, not the artist. Terrible loss.

[TheFreak]

So sad to hear about. He's had such a long battle back and forth, that in ways I'm sure he's in a MUCH better place now and without the pain.

My mom is going to be real sad. She'll buy just about anything he's drawn. When I brought home an autographed copy of a comic for her a couple of years ago, she was so happy!

A love for the business and art that will be missed! Thanks Mike!

[Slade Wilson]

wow He will be missed, he was one of the modern masters!

[gekisou]

Its so sad that such a talent will never draw another cover for either DC or Marvel.
I was shocked when I heard the news and still can't believe he's gone. And at such a young age but with cancer, most of the time, the battle is NEVER over til the end.
My heart goes out to the family he left behind. Sigh...

[webhead76]

Wow, I wasn't expecting this at all, of course I didn't know he was battling cancer. My Grandpa had a battle with cancer a couple of years ago, I miss him and I know that Micheal Turner will be greatly missed in the comic book industry, who knows what other stories or ideas that he might have come up with. This is a sad day, and I know that Mike will be truly missed. I never met the man but I know the art work he did on the World's Finest and I was amazed at how he made my favorite character, Batman, look so badarse. RIP Mike, and my prayers go out to his family and friends.

[bullseye100]

Very sad news Indeed. I thought he was turning a corner and that he had was doing better. My hats off to a great artist and all around good guy...:cry:

[GreenLantern73]

Michael Turner was the original artist for Witchblade. He then created, wrote, and drew Fathom. After his first bout with the cancer, he returned to form his own company Aspen. There he rebooted Fathom with another creative team while he started the first Soulfire mini. Recently he was doing lots of covers for Marvel and DC, because sadly, that makes a lot more money than running your own company.

While he is mostly known for his drawings of beautiful women, anyone who has read Witchblade or Fathom can also tell you this man was incredibly talented at vehicles, buildings, and animals as well. An incredible illustrator up there with the greats. He was actually a good writer as well.

I will miss him.

He did covers for Identity Crisis & Civil War, IIRC.

[GRENDELX]

This was one of the really good guys in the industry always had time for his fans always willing to sign stuff. I met and had him do multiple signings for me and my Fan Girl and he was always super nice and enthusiastic even through the pain. I will seriously miss this guys presence at the various WW cons and can only extend my heart felt condolences to his family.

[kainus9]

I thought he was in the clear. I'm stunned. Too young, too soon. He will be missed.

[Johnring]

I was told over the weekend and I stared at signed poster from his work.
What I will remember always when He came to a LCBS for his Fathom world tour book.
He did the signing before he had to stop for Cancer treatments.
He will be missed.

[shazam256]

Mikes courage and contributions helped me get thru my moms cancer battle to me this was a superhero in his own right always upbeat fighting the good fight you will be missed

Michael Turner is a hero is his own right, I agree with you.:)

[Lofcutus]

I will also miss the talented Mr. Turner. Not just his wok, but his personality. He was a favorite of fans not just because of his body of work, but because of how approachable he was at conventions and signings. To me at least, he seemed to genuinely be appreciative of every fan that spoke to him and told him how much they enjoyed his and Aspen's work.

I was in the "Red Bar" at the Hyatt late Friday night, enjoying myself with friends at WWC, when Don Kramer broke the news to our group. It was a sobering minute to say the least. (I regret to say that it was only a moment and we did continue our imbibing)

Late Saturday, when I finally recovered from the night before, and made it down to the convention floor I saw a hand written sign posted to one of the columns at teh Aspen booth. The picture is right here for you to see, and it sums up everything that a lot of fans and a lot of pros were and are still thinking. (http://www.hcrealms.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/5946/size/big/cat/503)

http://www.hcrealms.com/gallery/data/503/WeLoveYouMike.JPG

[shazam256]

Thank you very much for sharing that Lofcutus, much appreciated, that was very touching!:cool:

[combatninja]

He was an awesome artist. He and his work will be missed.

[CarlosMucha]

Not one of my favorites but he have so many great works.

I remember specially the Identity Crisis covers and Supergirl of course.

He was so young, so sad about this news.

The next time that you olay clix take a Origin Supergirl fig thinking on this great guy.

He will be missed.

[shazam256]

Not one of my favorites but he have so many great works.

I remember specially the Identity Crisis covers and Supergirl of course.

He was so young, so sad about this news.

The next time that you play clix take a Origin Supergirl fig thinking on this great guy.

He will be missed.

Nice touch Carlos, thank you! I will definitely think of Michael Turner when I play my Veteran Supergirl (Origins) next time.:)

[SLVRSR4]

What I remember the most about Michael Turner happened last year at WWC. The man was in extreme pain. He was moving very slowly and he was outfitted in what I can only assume was a stabilizing cast(s). He was signing and sketching for fans for hours on end despite this, though. His line was stretched around the perimeter of the showroom floor for quite a ways. Jonna and I knew it would be like this based on our experience from the previous years' convention, so we were able to get in line early. We waited for about 2 hours before he showed up and then we were finally moving in line. The man was in extreme pain, was exhausted, and was battling cancer. Yet he MADE time for his fans and was doing this in 4 hour increments!!! Thankfully, in retrospect we had him sign our copies of Superman/Batman #25 (The Sam Loeb memorial issue, another Cancer victim). It has even more meaning for us now. Meanwhile, in an attempt to get more signatures on this all-star issue, we were waiting in line for Rob Liefeld (but don't hold that against us, we were doing it for Sam). The Jerk/Loser couldn't even be bothered to show up for his signing. AND IT WAS ONLY A HALF-HOUR PANEL!!! To sum up my rant, we lost a man who was not only bubbling over with talent, but also a man who was the epitome of kind, respectful, and loyal to those that were loyal to him. You will be missed.

[Mystic Fox 4]

Hey, all. Ro-gan here. I know, I know. I swore to myself and my friends on here that I would never post on this Site again until a certain someone left. I'm breaking my silence. Annie (My Girl, Soulmate, Lifemate, Love Of My Life, Etc) was checking on here and she saw this news about Michael Turner. She gave Me permission to use her account for this one post.

When She told Me this news (a few seconds ago) I nearly broke out into tears. Yes, me. In near tears.

I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting and talking with Michael Turner a few times. When I say Michael was one of the greatest persons alive I mean that literally. He always had a nice word about everyone. He was always smiling even when his cancer was beating him down. He loved his fans so much that he would make ever courageous attempt to get to the Comic Conventions to see them; even when at his worst.

During WWE-Philly a few short weeks ago, I went to the Aspen Booth to see if he made it to the show. I talked to one of his personnel and they told Me that Michael couldn't come because he wasn't allowed to fly due to his illness. But, he did assure Me that Michael was doing very well health-wise. That's why, now hearing that he passed away, I am an emotional wreck.

During last year's WWE-Philly, a bunch of us from here (HCR) were at the Independence Brew Pub. When we arrived we had unknowingly taken the large table set up for Michael's Crew. Luckily, there were other empty tables right next to ours and he lay claim to those instead of making us move. We helped him put those tables together into one big one. I wound up joking around with Michael the whole night. The whole bloody night. That night is still imbedded in My memory. It always will be. I'm just disappointed now that memory from here on out will be a sad one instead of the happy one it used to be. :disappoin

The next day at the Con I spoke with Michael again and he even remembered Me.

One of Gacy's friends was playing in the Heroclix Tourney Invitational and really, really wanted to get his one comic book signed by Michael. I took it up to Michael to sign explaining why Gacy's friend couldn't make it personally. Michael, being the greatest guy, stopped signing a stack of books he was doing for various organizations and signed the book for Me. He even did a little doodle (re-mark) on the cover of GL for Gacy's bud. That is nothing but the true mark of a great, great man.

I had the pleasure at a couple more Cons after that to chat with Michael. He always had a smile on his face... even when it was obvious he was in pain from his illness. He would sit at his Aspen Booth and sign autographs for his fans all day long. He would even attend panels and answer as many questions asked of him. Michael loved his fans and never let his cancer stop him from getting to most of the Cons to meet all of them.

As I write this, a tear is in My eye. Michael, if you can read this, you are still alive in My heart. You are the best of the best. I'm going to truly miss you. The Convention circuit will not be the same without you. It will be empty. I love ya, man!

Luke

[Smaug317]

This is so sad. He was an excellent artist and an asset to the comic book community. He will be missed. :(

[shazam256]

Well said ROGAN and SLVRSR4!:) Thank you for the comments! That is Michael Turner, he is probably one of the best if not the best Artists in terms of being easy going and being able to talk to, and have your comics signed by him. Also sketching for you and answer questions with a smile. In the comics industry it is rare to: be a great artist and a great person who is very loyal and great to his fans. Michael Turner, you are truly greatness!!!:cool:

[GreenLantern73]

If you have the time to read a 25+ page thread that is a tribute to Michael on another message board, go to the Aspen Comics message board. Link is below.


http://www.aspencomics.com/community/forum_posts.asp?TID=11978&PN=1&TPN=26&FID=16&PR=3

[Hyperstar]

I loved his work on the covers for Civil War, lately the Thor cover, and I was enjoying Soul Fire plenty. I hadn't a chance to read Fathom but I'm sure it's fantastic. He was a talented man no doubt, and I'm feeling most sad at this terrible event.
Rest in peace, may you find your eternal home.

[shazam256]

If anyone would like to see, there is a tribute to him on You Tube, the person who put it together did a nice job!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oup48RfrZCs

[GL_Alex]

*Shrugs* I didnt like his artwork,but then again, no one deserves to die before their time. Who will die next in the industry? My money is on Stan Lee...boy,he is getting old.

[psycho69]

my condolences to his family. he was one of my favorite artists.

[psycho69]

you leave stan alone.