R.I.P Mike Wieringo

On 12 August 2007, comic book artist/writer Mike Wieringo, passed away in his apartment due to heart attack. He was 44.


It was a sad day for the industry as Mike was one of the best working artist out there, and more importantly one of the few nice guys around. His partnership with writer Mark Waid was remembered fondly by both DC and Marvel fans. The duo work on Fantastic Four from March 2002 to January 2004, was regarded as one of the best F4 run in history.



It was his and Waid run on DC's The Flash vol.2 though that propelled him into one of the country's top artist. He penciled all but two issues (80-92), and along the way, they created one of DC's memorable speedster, Impulse (Who later become the 4th Flash).




His work other than with the DC and Marvel includes his creator-own Tellos with friend Todd DeZago. The last sketch he drawed was fittingly Jarek, the main character of Tellos.

Tribute from his colleagues and friends poured. Mark Waid said of Wieringo: "I could never get it into his thick, humble head in what regard he was held by his fellow professionals. Mike was a member of a very small club of illustrators who were so revered by their peers that the brilliance of their work was never a matter of debate."

But Karl Kesel summed it best when he said : "Mike's art was about hope, not hopelessness. He drew heroes, not martyrs."


So long Mike, you'll be missed.


PS: All art are courtesy of mikewieringo.com