Michael Turner Passes Away

[Antonello Blueberry]

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080628-Turner.html

rom Aspen Comics' Vince Hernandez

Hello all,

Unfortunately it's with great sadness that I must inform everyone that Michael Turner tragically passed away last night, June 27th at approximately 10:42 pm in Santa Monica, Ca. Turner had been dealing with recent health complications arisen in the past few weeks. More details concerning Turner's passing, and services, will be given shortly.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences to Michael Turner's family is encouraged to send to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.
C/O Michael Turner
5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111
Culver City, CA, 90230

Aspen also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation to please send to Michael Turner's requested charities:

The American Cancer Society

Or

The Make-A-Wish Foundation


Turner was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma (a bone-based cancer that attacks the cartilage) in March of 2000, which ultimately cost him his right hip, a portion of his pelvis and several pounds of bone. Turner was very open about his cancer, making convention appearances throughout the entire time, and never giving in to the illness.

Mike got his major break in comics at Top Cow, where he made his name as the artist on Witchblade with a look that was reminiscent of studio founder Marc Silvestri, but was all his own. His work was highly in demand throughout his career, and he was a frequent cover artist for a diverse number of series over the years. Turner’s style influenced many artists in the new millennium, probably more than Turner himself ever realized.

Turner’s creator-owned Fathom debuted in 1998, and in 2002, he left Top Cow to found his own Aspen MLT, Inc. where he saw Fathom resurface, along with other projects such as Soulfire and Ekos. Turner had done a significant portion of work at DC early in the decade, providing covers for Identity Crisis and Flash, as well as for the “Godfall” arc in the Superman titles (which he co-wrote), and the interior art for “Supergirl from Krypton” in Superman/Batman, where he and writer Jeph Loeb re-introduced Supergirl into the modern DC Universe. More recently, he had been providing variant covers for Marvel titles, such as next month’s Uncanny X-Men #500. At his most recent convention appearances, both Turner, and later Aspen representatives spoke of how the artist was eager to complete his obligations to other companies, so he could finally get back to work on his own projects at Aspen.

Despite his illness, Turner was one of the most upbeat people at conventions and in the industry. He always radiated a sense of humility and gratitude to his fans, and always had time for a quick chat or a smile. In an industry that can and has beat the happiness out of many creators, Mike was resistant to it, and was ever happy to work and talk to his fans, and even talk to the press. From the first moment you met him, you were his friend, and he treated you like he'd known you all his life.

Since his initial diagnosis in 2000, Turner had several ups and downs, but, surely thanks in part to his positive attitude, he was seen as the guy who was going to beat it, and be drawing for years to come - he just had to kick this thing first. Mike was 37.

 

[shadowforce420]

I was just coming here to post this. I liked his work but never knew that he had cancer so it's a shock to me.

 

[livrule]

Very sad news.

RIP.

 

[Lobo]

I was a fan of his work, and this is very sad

 

[Whiskey Tango]

He was one of my favorites. I've bought many a comic with his name on it that I never would have looked twice at otherwise. Godspeed, Mike.

 

[Havok83]

this is a horrible loss to the business. He was truly one of the best artists out there today

 

[Doc Destruction]

Man, we're losing too many talents.

RIP, Turner.

 

[Mister J]

Damn. I had no clue Turner had been diagnosed with cancer. The man's work was so pervasive in the industry, that I knew who he was before I knew his name. 37 is far too young. Horrible news.

RIP Michael.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

RIP Mr. Turner.

I'm a big fan of his art. This has been such a bad year for the comics industry

 

[the_ultimate_evil]

damn RIP

 

[terry78]

Man, way too many people dying this year. I liked his art, it still had that 1990's Image Comics feel.

 

[IRON_Lad]

Damn first Mike Wieringo and now Michael Turner

 

[The_Mystery]

When I was first pursuing a deal for my independant comic book, I met Michael Turner at a WizardWorld Philly convention. He was sitting signing a large stack of comics when I politely asked if he would like to have one of my promo copies. He kindly took the book and, even though he had so many books to sign, read my book, cover to cover, right in front of me. He smiled, gave me a couple of words of advice and I thanked him for his kindness.

That right there made me a fan of his no matter what.

RIP Mike, the industry lost a tremendous talent.

 

[Morg]

Oh damn! I love his artwork

RIP Mr Turner

 

[hippie_hunter]

I was mixed on his artwork. Sometimes it was pretty damn good and sometimes it was downright horrible. But still nonetheless this is really sad news

 

[BubbaGump]

I wasn't a fan of his artwork but he drew a pretty mean Batman.

Still, he was way too young.

 

[Batman]

Like many, I wasn't always a big fan of his art. But this is still, to this day, one of my favorite pieces and one of which I've posted many times...

RIP

 

[04nbod]

Shocking news. Is it ironic that the supergirl he helped bring back to life is currently desparately searching for the cure to cancer? I'm not good with irony.

RIP michael

 

[Mutagen]

This news brings me down, I didn't even know he was sick. My condolences to his family, he sounded like a wonderful individual.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

He really did. In light of his death, people have been telling stories of meeting him during flights, at conventions and such, and all those stories show a guy who had a warm, open heart, and truly loved his fans.

 

[Johnny Drama]

RIP Michael Turner...
One of the best in the biz...
truly a tragic loss

 

[Sony23]

Both my brother and I were lucky enough to meet him when he came down here to Australia a couple years ago. I'm very shocked and saddened by the news. He was a very approachable and friendly guy. He will be missed...

BTW why isn't this on the front page of the website?

 

[squeekness]

^^ Godd question since his work should be very recognizable to those of us who read regularly. I knew he had fought the cancer before but I didn't realize he was sick with it again. Big time bummer man.

 

[Johnny Drama]

It pisses me off that Michael Turner passes away and The Hype! Doesn't even post the info but if one extra on The Dark Knight set farts in the studio it's front page news...
What's up with The Hype latley??

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Turner's covers for Identity Crisis remain some of my favorite images in comics. And I just love this cover he did for JLA;

I absolutely adore how he lined them up in sort of a totem pole, with Superman being the foundation. Great artist.