R.I.P. Mike Wieringo
Influential comics artist (and co-creator of Bart "Impulse" Allen) Mike "Ringo" Wieringo has passed away at age 44.
Though not a comic movie story, this one definitely is worth posting.
Celebrated comics artist Mike "Ringo" Wieringo died of an apparent heart attack on Sunday.
Italian-born Michael Wieringo's professional comic book work began with Millennium Publications' Pat Savage and Doc Savage: Doom Dynasty in 1991. It continued with DC Comics' Justice League Quarterly (1993); The Flash (1993-1994), during which time he co-created, with Mark Waid, young speeder Bart Allen (a.k.a. Impulse); Robin and Marvel Comics' Rogue (1995).
Following a run on The Sensational Spider-Man with best friend Todd DeZago (1996-1998), the pair reteamed on their creator-owned fantasy series Tellos (1999-2000) for Image Comics.
Adventures of Superman followed (2001-2002), then Fantastic Four.
Wieringo and former studio-mate Jeff Parker began the miniseries Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four in April 2007.
"He was so humble and unsure of himself," wrote Matt Wieringo yesterday on his brother's website. "I think it would really surprise him to hear all the love being expressed here and elsewhere."
Frequent partner Mark Waid agreed. "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."
"The worlds he brought to life were breath-taking," commented collaborator Karl Kesel. "Mike's art was about hope, not hopelessness. He drew heroes, not martyrs."
Todd Dezago summed up his best friend and his work like this: "His comics, like him, were full of life, full of energy. I will miss him more than I can say."
Wieringo died at his home in North Carolina on Sunday, August 12th, 2007. He was 44.
Visit mikewieringo.com to leave your comments, and to read the postings of fans and friends from (literally) around the world.