Mike Wieringo was not a friend of mine.

He was however a constant ìfriendly acquaintanceî at so many conventions we had done together. He always had time for small talk at his booth and or mine and made a point to greet you at a restaurant. I remember quite fondly one time at the Baltimore Comic Con, (I believe it was 2003) where me, Mike and Cully Hammer all walked from our hotel to the show one sunny morning. I recall telling (well, actually gushing is more apropos) Mike what an amazing talent he was and that I was in complete awe of him. Though I reeled off several books I had picked up specifically because he was on it, and even pointed out favorite covers and panels, he honestly thought I was out of my mind. He was just that kind of man, so incredulously humble and sincerely self-deprecating amid so much admiration and praise from so many professional peers.

Like many, I am shocked and terribly saddened by Mike’s passing. If his death has hurt me so much, I cannot imagine what his friends and family must be feeling.

Again, Mike Wieringo was not a friend of mine…

But by the Grace of God, I really, really wish he was.

Billy Tucci

Worked all day yesterday on the last issue. Because it was the last issue, it had a ripple effect that had me going back to the earlier ones to recheck and replace all sorts of odds and ends — making it all fit just right. We had to go to my sister-in-law Christine’s very nice birthday party at 6pm and I didn’t return until 10. Deb stayed and I put the boys to sleep. Worked some more, played Call of Duty mulitplayer and went to sleep about 12am. Couldn’t sleep so I got up and worked until 4am, where I finished it. It’s now 10am. I got up about an hour ago (well, didn’t sleep much at all as Matthew had one of those nights) and did some much needed polishing and just sent it off to Deb for polishing. It has moved me completely and believe it’s the best thing I’ve ever written. I’m really tired, but have been working for the past month like I used to. With the cons, personal time, writing and commissions, I feel I’ve made a good account of myself. I will send the final issue off to John after I get it back from Deb. Got some more commissions to do today then must finish Delive’s sketchbooks and do one of Scott’s. So sorry for this guys. Oh TJ please send me an email. I think we forgot to get the details down for your piece.