BALTIMORE COMIC-CON PLANS WIERINGO TRIBUTE

**MattBrady** · 08-15-2007, 12:18 PM

Press Release

An open letter from Marc Nathan, and your friends at the Baltimore Comic-Con:

We at the Baltimore Comic-Con express our deepest sympathies to the friends, family, and fans of the late, great Michael Wieringo, who sadly left us too early this week. Mike was a true friend, and always a welcome and integral part of our "little, big" show here in Baltimore every September. We will all feel Ringo's absence next month, but his spirit will live on.

In the past few days, literally hundreds of e-mails and calls have come our way, asking what plans the Baltimore Comic-Con is making to honor Mike-- many professionals and publishers offering their own time and services to assure recognition for one of comics' greats. Let me say, we are currently discussing with Ringo's family and friends the best way to honor his memory, and intend to offer up something special at the 'Con. We also heartily support anyone who wants to do something at the show on their own, be they a fan, a friend, a publisher, retailer, or all of the above.

An announcement will be made next week, but rest assured, we are on it. We plan not to mourn Mike's passing September 8-9, but rather, to celebrate his life.

But, right now, let us take a few days, and remember a dear friend. We'll miss you, Ringo...

Grievous · 08-15-2007, 12:24 PM

very nice gesture.

Billy Tucci · 08-15-2007, 12:27 PM

I'm in for whatever you plan...
Billy

newfoundma · 08-15-2007, 12:29 PM

Nice. I think a collection of his sketches would be great, maybe with a forward or afterword by one of his friends like Waid or Dezago.

Hunter · 08-15-2007, 12:29 PM

Good to know. Thanks, guys, for doing this.

Mike

Spirit of 81 · 08-15-2007, 12:29 PM

I'm going to that con and I've been hoping for something like this.

Chesscub · 08-15-2007, 12:37 PM

Last year when I was at the Baltimore Comicon, I saw the Baltimore Comicon doing a large sketch for to help Lea Hernandez. Going around to all of the various professionals there to add a bit to the piece. It was amazing to watch the outpouring of support for a fellow member of the community.

Something like that would be wonderful to see again this year to honor another member of the community.

HomerCow · 08-15-2007, 12:39 PM

WONDERFUL!!!!!!

I was hoping they would do something. I hope they keep the place where he was going to sit open (probably near Todd Dezago) and put some kind of display honoring him there.

It would be nice if there was something at that spot that fans could go to so they could pay respects to Ringo.

khuxford · 08-15-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newfoundma

Nice. I think a collection of his sketches would be great, maybe with a forward or afterword by one of his friends like Waid or Dezago.

I'd think a collection of sketches with many of the people who've known him and appreciated the sketches saying how much they loved him and his work.

Arion · 08-15-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter

Good to know. Thanks, guys, for doing this.

Mike

Yeah, this is good news.

SteveC · 08-15-2007, 12:58 PM

If there's any type of charity auction in his name, make sure it is open to fans who don't attend the con as well. I can't make it, but would certainly love the opportunity to participate somehow.

MrJasonTodd · 08-15-2007, 01:03 PM

I am planning on going now. It feels like the right thing to do for me as a big fan of his work.

NightRiver · 08-15-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJasonTodd

I am planning on going now. It feels like the right thing to do for me as a big fan of his work.

Same here. but im torn on whethr to go to Heroes Con next year or this Baltimore next month. Im leaning toward Heroes Con next year though.

chrishaley · 08-15-2007, 01:13 PM

I'm all the more interested in attending now.

Is there any word on why neither DC nor Marvel have released anything on his passing yet?

newfoundma · 08-15-2007, 01:19 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if one or both companies come out with a full-page add in this week or next week's books honoring him. That would reach more readers than a press release.

BornToRun · 08-15-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrJasonTodd

I am planning on going now. It feels like the right thing to do for me as a big fan of his work.

Me too. I'm moving from Upstate New York to the DC Metro area about two weeks before the Con, so I probably won't actually have any money, but at least I can get in, meet some folks, kiss some hands and shake some babies, and be there to support 'Ringo.

Derek Ruiz · 08-15-2007, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishaley

I'm all the more interested in attending now.

Is there any word on why neither DC nor Marvel have released anything on his passing yet?

I'm more than sure they are looking into the best way to remember Mike.

vbartilucci · 08-15-2007, 01:46 PM

Still working on the collage, any additional participation appreciated

dharbin · 08-15-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightRiver

Same here. but im torn on whethr to go to Heroes Con next year or this Baltimore next month. Im leaning toward Heroes Con next year though.

There's no reason not to go to both. We'll be at Baltimore in force, both to join in any celebration of our friend Ringo's life, and to support a great show. See you there.

JRybandt · 08-15-2007, 02:04 PM

Dynamic Forces will be bringing a $500.00 check for the The Hero Initiative in Mike Wieringo's name with us to Baltimore as well as a few pieces we were fortunate enough to work with him on in memory of him and his work...

JohnPopa · 08-15-2007, 02:05 PM

Aw, man, now I really wish I could go to Baltimore this year. Kudos to all involved. I'm sure it will be great.

chrishaley · 08-15-2007, 02:10 PM

I also just wanted to say that I really appreciate Newsarama continuing to honor/remember Mike with the different thoughts from his friends and peers as well as updating us on things like this.

Varrus · 08-15-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBrady

We also heartily support anyone who wants to do something at the show on their own, be they a fan, a friend, a publisher, retailer, or all of the above.

Fans should think about paying tribute by cosplaying as one of his Tellos characters while at the Baltimore show. That'd be neat.

SpyGuy · 08-15-2007, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Ruiz

I'm more than sure they are looking into the best way to remember Mike.

I'd personally like to see DC collect the remaining issues of Wieringo's FLASH run from #80-up as a nice tribute.

Amber Riot · 08-15-2007, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HomerCow

WONDERFUL!!!!!!

I was hoping they would do something. I hope they keep the place where he was going to sit open (probably near Todd Dezago) and put some kind of display honoring him there.

It would be nice if there was something at that spot that fans could go to so they could pay respects to Ringo.

I agree its always strange when the booth is just filled with something else or empty. I think his friends and family would all love the opprotunity to see how many people's lives he touched with his art.