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