Obituary
Articles
An Appreciation of Kevin O’Neill, 1953-2022
David Roach looks back at the work of Kevin O’Neill, one of the most unique artistic voices in British comics, whose influence will forever be felt, even as his style remains impossible to imitate.
Vincent Makoto Palani Kukua, November 5, 1976 – October 4, 2022
Andrew Farago looks back at the life of an artist and comics professional whose life–and deliberate kindness–affected all who worked with him.
Paul Coker Jr., 1929-2022
Andrew Farago presents a heartfelt tribute to Paul Coker Jr., a pro’s pro of comics and animation, with comments by MAD colleagues and prominent admirers alike, and dozens of images spanning his entire career.
Sempé Fidelis: Jean-Jacques Sempé, 1932-2022
The world mourns the loss of one of its most talented artists, Jean-Jacques Sempé.
Tom Veitch, 1941-2022
Tom Veitch, well known amongst comics readers for his underground comics with Greg Irons and popular runs on Star Wars comics has passed away due to complications related to COVID-19.
Sharon Smith Kane, February 18, 1932 – November 3, 2021
Remembering the creator of the early teen humor comic Buttons an’ Beaux – begun when the artist was a teenager herself, with many years of creative work ahead.
Takao Saitō, 1936-2021
Remembering a pioneer of Japanese comics, the creator of the mighty Golgo 13 and an icon of the gekiga era.
Jesse Alan Hamm, July 30, 1975 – May 12, 2021
Andrew Farago–and a huge number of West Coast friends and peers–looks back at the life and career of cartoonist Jesse Hamm, who passed away suddenly in May.
David Anthony Kraft, 1952-2021
We look back at the life and career of comics writer, fan, journalist, interviewer, historian & publisher, David Anthony Kraft.
John Paul Leon: 1972-2021
Ian MacEwan presents this obituary and tribute to John Paul Leon, an artist’s artist, admired for his work on series like Earth X and The Winter Men, who died this past weekend at the age of 49.
Gary Leib: 1955 – 2021
We look back at the life and career of the beloved cartoonist, musician & animator Gary Leib, who passed away late last week.
Frank Thorne: 1930-2021
A true original, Frank Thorne’s career was a testament to joy, pleasure and rapacious creativity–and a hell of a lot of craft. In this obituary, Matt Seneca touches upon some of the many high points, following Thorne’s passing earlier this week.
Si Spencer: 1961 – 2021
A look a the career of beloved British comics writer, Si Spencer, whose sudden passing has taken many by surprise in the UK comics community.
S. Clay Wilson, The Most Influential Artist of His Generation: 1941 – 2021
Patrick Rosenkranz memorializes the influential ZAP cartoonist, who passed away on February 7th, 2021.
Richard Corben: 1940-2020
In this obituary, David A. Roach eulogizes Richard Corben, best known for his Bat Out of Hell album cover and his Den comic for Heavy Metal magazine. Corben was also a pioneering filmmaker, an innovator in the use of color, and one of the first American artists to establish himself in European comics.
Ward Zwart, 1985-2020
The friends, collaborators, and colleagues of Ward Zwart reflect on the experience of working with him, reading with him and creating with him while mourning his recent passing.
Richard Lupoff: A Remembrance
Writer Richard Lupoff, one of the earliest catalysts of comics fandom, was among the first wave of fans to take comics seriously and who went on to write essays and critiques of comics, died Oct. 22 at the age of 85. In this remembrance, his friend Ted White talks about their shared history.
Quino: 1932 – 2020
Juan Manuel Domínguez looks back at the influential career of Argentinian cartoonist legend Quino, who passed away in September.
Bob Fujitani: 1921 – 2020
A look back at the long and prolific career of Bob Bob Fujitani, whose comics work included co-creation of Solar, many years on Flash Gordon, and a relationship with nearly every major Golden Age publisher.
Joe Sinnott: 1926-2020
The legendary inker, who helped define the look of many of Marvel’s most influential comics, has passed away.
Wayne Gibson: 1954 – 2020
Washington based cartoonist and collector Wayne Gibson is remembered by his friend and collaborator.
Denny O’Neil: 1939 – 2020
The influential writer and beloved editor passed away, leaving a super-hero industry forever changed behind him.
Remembering Richard Sala
Richard Sala’s editor and longtime friend, Fantagraphics Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds looks back at the experience of working with the artist, who passed away unexpectedly last month.
Morgan Vogel, 1986-2020
Morgan Vogel, a cartoonist known for her distinctively intelligent work, went missing on April 8th. She was found dead Sunday, May 24th, at age 34. Today, a group of her friends and artistic collaborators reminisce.
