R.I.P. Mike Wieringo

[DAK]

http://www.drawingboard.org/search.php?search_author=Michael+Wieringo&showresults=posts

Such warm and wonderful comments from a genuine guy.

To say I was shocked is an understatment. Found out over on the DRAWN site last night before I ventured off to bed. Sad sad sad.

Wish I'd had the chance to meet him.

Someday. Somewhere else.

[Reilly Brown]

Oh man. I couldn't believe it when I read about this. Heck, I still can't believe it.
Mike was always extremely supportive of me, and always had something nice to say when I posted something here, and many times gave me advice on drawing and contract questions as I've gotten my career started over the past year and half. I'd met him briefly at a few conventions, and was really looking forward to spending some time with him at the upcoming Baltimore Convention. We went to the same college and even had some of the same professors, plus I've been drawing some Fantastic Four characters lately and wanted to see what he thought, since he's drawn some of my favorite FF stories of all time, both a few years ago with Mark Waid, and then again recently with Jeff Parker. I was hoping we could have a really good conversation together, but I guess I won't get that chance now.

I'll miss ya Mike.

[Blue Pillow]

I too am really sad to lose Mike... like everyone has said, he was an ideal example of an artist, a professional, and a board member. Super kind, always complimenting and encouraging other artists for their efforts. And he was an inspiration as an artist who truly loved the craft and medium of comics. One who relished the opportunity to connect with fans and forum members--not merely to share with us his own formidable skill, but to support and enjoy the work of aspiring contemporaries.
I never met him personally, but I felt a camraderie through this board...
I miss him, and hope his family and loved ones can take some comfort from the support of Mike's many friends, fans, and fellow artists...

[Sobreiro]

I still can't believe it.

[kofijamal]

I'm still in shock. I look forward every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to Mike's blog. I've gone out my way to get books he draws. He was simply that good. The art was full of energy, life, action. You simply don't get that nowadays. I'd wish that his art would be used as the production art for a videogame or animated show/movie.

Ive been talking junk about drawing more, losing weight and getting in shape. It kinda hit me now. No time like the present, use this time wisely and do what you love. Mike was just that cool dude. And seriously, I've said it so many times in the last couple of days, THIS is what a professional was. Great work, no shortcuts, respect the fans, just amazing.

God bless Mike. I've already cried enough. I've never met him, but I teared up when I read the news. I'm not going to break out my Ringo drawn books for awhile. I need some time and this isn't something you expect.

Thanks Ringo. You are an amazing artist and solid gentleman. Forget the flash in the pan artists who get all the news and such. I'll always respect your work.

Peace. Keep drawing.

[graylok]

When I first found DB, aside from being blown away at the talent here, the thing that cemented me as a regular lurker was Mike's presence.

His art, of course, inspirational.. but the way he treated others was even more inspiring.

[ichormosquito]

His Wikipedia article could really use a picture of him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Wieringo

If anyone has one, it would need to abide by Wikipedia's image use policy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_use_policy

[cartoonshane]

Very sad news. Mike brought a lot of class to the board and left the world a more beautiful place through his work.
S.

[huge ackman]

Goodbye, mister Wieringo.
you were, and are, my hero.

[Gabriel Valles]

I always found it impressive, considering how busy he was, that he would take the time to help and encourage the young artists on the board.

I'll miss his cartoony comicbook style. His stuff was just plain fun.

A classy example of an artist and a person.

[blackv8]

I'm 44. I did some comics back in the eighties before getting disillusioned about things like not getting paid.

I'm 44. I had kinda thought that I was probably too old for the industry in the condition it's in (and the condition I'm in).

I'm 44. I figured that 44 year old guys don't have pages on MySpace. They didn't blog if they had real jobs. They didn't do several top quality sketches a week to share on their websites. And you know what? I still can't think of a SECOND 44 year old guy who does all of that.

As much as Mike Wieringo knew, I don't think he ever understood just how exceptional and inspirational he was. God, I am going to miss him terribly. He literally was my entree into MySpace, ComicSpace, blogging, and this terrific site.

I'm 44! It's time I got off my fat ass and started putting together the comic book that's been rattling around in my head for the last 20 years. Assuming I live to publish it, I know who I'll be dedicating it to.

RIP, Mike.

[DanBois]

Well, I found out this terrible news last night in my art class & I just didn't want to believe it.
We will all miss him. Rest in peace Mike & thanks for the wonderful art and being such a nice fellow board member.

[robo6]

WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CameronStewart]

I feel guilty that I never picked up Tellos. It's a book that he apparently had a lot of love for and as someone who is a strong believer in comics creators doing their own material, I'm not sure why I didn't buy it.

There's a hardcover collection coming out at the end of this month, I believe, and I'm definitely going to get it.

[corkbutt]

What a loss.

Posted some great artwork and I never saw him post a single mean spirited word. Definitely helped raise this Board's bar a few notches.