Posted on 06/28/2008 2:40:57 PM PDT by Stonewall Jackson
We here at Comic Book Resources are very sad to report that artist Michael Turner has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 37. Aspen Comics’ Vince Hernandez told CBR News Saturday morning that Turner passed away Friday night at 10:42 Pacific Time at Santa Monica Hospital in Calfiornia. The news spread quickly at Wizard World Chicago, during what would have otherwise been a riotous night at the hotel bar, the mood suddenly turned somber with remembrances of Turner from friends and acquaintances. A minute of silence will be observed during Wizard World Chicago Saturday afternoon.
Turner is an artist best known for his work on books like “Witchblade,” where he got his start in comics, moving on to titles such as “Black Panther,” “Superman/Batman” and his very own creator owned series “Fathom” and “Soulfire” through his publishing company Aspen Comics. A prolific artist, he’s done work for both DC Comics and Marvel Comics, and has provided covers to some of the best-known comics published in the last ten years, including Brad Meltzer’s “Identity Crisis.”
In 2000, Turner was diagnosed with cancer -- chondrosarcoma in the right pelvis, which resulted in his losing his hip, 40% of his pelvis and three pounds of bone. What followed was 9 months of radiation. The cancer has gone into remission and returned multiple times since he was first diagnosed.
For anyone who’s met Turner, they’re likely to tell you what a genuinely nice guy he was and how his spirit for life was higher than anyone else they had ever met. Oddly, my path crossed with Turner’s numerous times. We both live in Los Angeles, and on at least five different occasions we would run into each other at clubs or special events around the city. He seemed like the kind of guy who was up for anything and had a great sense of adventure, especially as evidenced by his love and excellence at water-skiing and martial arts.
Last year during Comic-Con International in San Diego, I invited Michael Turner out to the CBR Yacht for an interview. He was happy to come out to the boat. His colleague and friend, Vince Hernandez, called me the Saturday afternoon the interview was scheduled to say they were running late, but were on their way. I went to the end of the dock to greet them and there, off in the distance, was Michael, Vince and a friend of theirs walking slowly towards our slip. They were walking slowly because Michael was on crutches, recovering from the latest round of surgeries and treatment. It was a hot day, but there was Michael, making his way to the boat with a smile on his face. His strength of will was truly inspirational.
The resulting interview was a wonderfully sweet one. I remember talking with him about his comics, his covers, his health and much more. After the interview he and his crew hung out on the boat for a while, enjoying the calm moment away from the convention with a soda and good conversation.
Sadly, that video interview never made it on to the site (not for anything to do with Michael or the content of the interview), but we’ll make sure that video is encoded this week and published in his memory and so that all of you can see what sort of man Turner was.
Turner’s fight with cancer was truly inspirational. He fought it with dignity and grace.
More details concerning Turner’s passing are forthcoming. Those wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner's family are encouraged to send them to:
Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, CA, 90230
Aspen Comics also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Turner’s name can do so to his requested charities, The American Cancer Society or The Make-A-Wish Foundation
CBR extends it’s heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Michael Turner. He’ll be sorely missed.
A sad ping.
Prayers for his family and loved ones.
My girlfriend called me from Wizard World Chicago last night as word first spread around the hotel. Nobody else had reported it yet, so it was still unconfirmed, though everyone was breaking into tears. I work for Top Cow, and know some Aspen artists, and they’re absolutely devastated. I’m glad that Mike and Marc Silvestri put their differences behind them, Marc said that Mike is one of the strongest people he knew. I know he was hit pretty hard by it.
A talented young man. A life too short. Prayers to his family
Here's Michael's cover for Uncanny X-Men #500, which should be out in late July.
Michael Turner, beloved comic book artist, passed away in Santa Monica, Calif. on June 27 at the age of 37 after years of battling chondrosarcoma, a form of cancer that affects bones and cartilage.
"A nicer guy never lived," said friend and frequent collaborator Jeph Loeb. "A better friend you could never want. And he loved my Sam."
"In this all access world, very little remains that one could consider truly rare," said Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada. "Mike Turner was one of those things. One of those rare individuals who come around once, maybe twice in a lifetime, a cut above the rest of us, special in every way, undeniably touched by god or whatever higher power you believe in.
"I had the good fortune of knowing and working with Mike and because of this, I consider myself incredibly privileged as it allowed me the opportunity to have been touched by his talent and grace. And for that, I will always be thankful.
"Mike, it was a rare pleasure, Godspeed!"
After getting his start on Witchblade for Top Cow, Turner not only launched his own publishing company, Aspen, but brought his dynamic art style to both Marvel and DC. His work has graced dozens of Marvel comics, most notably on covers to CIVIL WAR.
Everyone at Marvel Entertainment extends heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the friends and family of Michael Turner.
Jeph Loeb lost his son, Sam, to bone cancer a few years ago and Mike was one of the people who really helped him through the loss. Sam had written the story outline for Superman/Batman #26 but passed away before it could be published. Mike Turner and dozens of other artists and writers got together and finished his story for him. Mike Turner drew both covers for the issue.
Prayers up to his family. Thirtyseven....way too young! So sad.
Wow, 37 — TOO DAMN YOUNG. Prayers up.
Wow...I’ll pick up a copy of Witchblade in memory. Great series.
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