I heard today of the untimely passing of artist extraordinaire Mike Weiringo, and it just hit me on so many levels. Not only was Mike a terrific artist, but he was a decent guy, and in the prime of life. And just like that he's gone. Life is full of surprises. I was reminded by Mike Carlin today that Mark Gruenwald passed on at the same age (44) and the same day (August 12th) eleven years ago. It sounds trite to say, but it is a reminder that every day of life is precious.
I know that Ringo's work will live on, in collected editions, just as Mark's work does, which is some consolation.
This Captain Marvel piece was pencilled by Ringo and inked by me, for DC's 1994 presentation catalog, when Mike was briefly attached to draw the monthly Power of Shazam comic. Sadly, he withdrew from that project. I would've enjoyed working with him on that. He had grown so much as an artist since then, peaking with his work on his project Tellos, and his recent runs on Fantastic Four and Spider-Man. What a terrific storyteller he was , with clear, easy to follow stuff. His pencils elevated every script he worked on, and he will be missed.
3 comments:
Great stuff, Jerry. I'd have liked to see you two work together too.
Mike's passing is a tragedy for comics.
Best,
mike
There was an elegance and vitality in all of 'Ringo's work. And a natural bridging between realism and cartooniness that I find so appealing. I liked his work a lot. I only knew him through email communication, but he was an amusing guy, and a tremendous talent. I'm so sorry that there will be no new drawings to be delighted by.
---RonnS
Ya it was very sad when we lost both these talented men way too young. It seems we've been losing way too many at a young age in the last few years. As you know I too lost two good friends at a very young age both to cancer suddenly.
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