MIKE WIERINGO PASSES AWAY

**MattBrady** · 08-13-2007, 10:58 AM

The comics industry lost a luminary this weekend – Mike Wieringo passed away Sunday of a sudden heart attack. Details are still sketchy as of this time, but according to close sources, the acclaimed artist had chest pains at some point during the day and called 911, but the responders did not make it in time.

Wieringo was 44 years old. He was a vegetarian, and “one of the healthiest ones of us in the bunch,” as his longtime friend and collaborator Todd Dezago described him.

Wieringo worked every day, updating his blog and website with a constant stream of sketches at http://www.mikewieringo.com/. His last sketch was posted on Friday.

Today’s sketch is a return to the world of TELLOS and the two main characters of that story and realm, KOJ and JAREK. I’ve been doing quite a few sketches of the characters from the book lately as regular visitors to this site know… and that’s for a reason. Todd and I have been hoping to have a BALTIMORE COMICON exclusive…. something… to offer this year for the show. We had been talking about having an original prose story written by Todd with spot illustrations by me– but time is growing so short and there would be so much design work to be done for the story before I could create the illos that I think that’s going to have to be shelved as an idea. My Marvel work makes that close to impossible at this point. So I’m thinking that an exclusive sketchbook that we would offer for sale at the show may be the way we have to go. With that in mind, I worked up today’s sketch of ‘the boys’. We’re also hoping to have copies of the TELLOS COLOSSAL HARDCOVER with us in Baltimore… but I’m beginning to wonder if that will even be a possibility. I’ve been checking the Diamond shipping lists, and I was assuming that the book would be shipping on the 15th since that’s the date offered for availability from AMAZON.COM… but it’s not on Diamond’s list. Perhaps the 22nd will be the date… I hope.

So… plans are still up in the air at this point.

In the mean time… I’ll keep sketching. For now, though– it’s back to work.

This is Entry 411.

Mike

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Greg O · 08-13-2007, 11:02 AM

Oh Jesus this is terrible. He was a brilliant artist and his Blog only hinted at the wonders still to come.

Tragic, tragic news.

My deepest sympathy to his friends and family, he'll be sorely missed.

Jason Seaver · 08-13-2007, 11:02 AM

Holy crap. There aren't words for how much this sucks.

I think I shall pick up some Tellos the next time I'm in the shop. As much as I loved his Marvel and DC stuff - and I wanted to see him doing a lot more of that - that's the thing which is his.

Rich L · 08-13-2007, 11:03 AM

Oh my god.

As a regular visitor to his blog, I'm shocked beyond belief.

Condolences to all of his family and friends. The man was a terrific talent and seemed to be a genuinely nice guy.

Somebody · 08-13-2007, 11:03 AM

Clem · 08-13-2007, 11:04 AM

Holy sh*t.

I honestly can't think of anything else to say except.....holy sh*t.....

The Monarch · 08-13-2007, 11:05 AM

This is some shockingly sad news. I've always been a big Ringo fan. Condolences to his family.

defjoe · 08-13-2007, 11:05 AM

Tragic!

Loved his work! True professional too.

Big loss in the industry.

Blackbeard · 08-13-2007, 11:05 AM

I am speechless...

Mike was a wonderful man and a brilliant artist. He always took time to answer my crazy e-mails and joke around with me. I can't believe he's gone.

My heart and prayers go out to Mike's family and friends.

Blackbeard · 08-13-2007, 11:05 AM

Sorry for the double post.

Spade · 08-13-2007, 11:06 AM

Rest in peace Ringo.

holtom2000 · 08-13-2007, 11:06 AM

that's some terrible Monday news

RDuarte · 08-13-2007, 11:07 AM

I read the headline and instantly said, "No ____ing Way." I am shocked by this news and the world (not just the comics world, but the whole world) has lost a wonderful human being and all around great guy.

tomwe · 08-13-2007, 11:07 AM

oh god i'm a bit stunned, this is such sad news. I loved his work, he was a true original with such creativity and talent. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

atanamar · 08-13-2007, 11:08 AM

One of my favorite artists. Condolences to his family and friends.
He will be sorely missed.

Hunter · 08-13-2007, 11:08 AM

This is just terrible, terrible news. Mike will be missed by the entire comics community. My condolences to his friends and family.

Mike

Korvac · 08-13-2007, 11:08 AM

This is devastating news. My thought and best wishes go out to Mike's family.

RussZam · 08-13-2007, 11:08 AM

What an incredible loss...My heart goes out to his friends, family and many many fans.

DreamKing · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

This is completely unexpected. I loved his run on Flash with Mark Waid. 'Ringo was an awesome artist. He will be missed.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Billy Tucci · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

Oh My God. One of the sweetest and most talented guys in the business. Of all people... This is just terrible and like everyone else, all my family's condolences to his...
So sorry, will miss you Mike.
Billy

Comic-Reader · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

Can't believe this happened to someone so young. His run on Flash with Mark Waid remains a high water mark for that series.

NICKD · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

Wow this sucks, hes was still young. I wish for the best with his family.

eltopo · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

wow that's really sad 44 years old what a shame

cyclopsfan · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

I don't even know what to say...

shadowchaser · 08-13-2007, 11:09 AM

OMG!!!

He was one of my idols, I don't know what to say...so sad