2 Responses to “Comic Store Owners Remember Mike”

1. comic-central // Sep 7, 2008 at 3:25 pm

   Back about 13 years ago in a small store I owned in the suburbs of Indianapolis I took a shot on a book called Witchblade. To my surprise it was an over night success story. I firmly believe that this comic by Michael Turner brought the ‘bad girl’ era of comics into the spotlight and cemented its popularity among fans to this day. Witchblade as well as many other ‘bad girl’ comics are still some of Comic Central’s best selling titles.

   I also believe that Michael Turner helped create and drive the variant cover era of comics. As much as some like to say they hate variant covers, others buy nothing but them. To each his own I say. If it was not for Mike contributing to the Darkness #7 Harem of Girls variant and certain other dealers I was aligned with at the time, I for sure would never have met Thomas and Jacqueline Jay (original owners of Comic Central). Which I might add are huge Michael Turner fans. If I would not have met them all those years ago at my 1st San Diego Con then I would never have been given the opportunity to purchase Comic Central from them a number of years later. If it wasn’t for Mike creating the Witchblade / Tomb Raider Bikini variant cover for my good friend and colleague Chris Conklin then I would never have had the opportunity to get to know him and consider him and his family such close friends. If it was not for Mike it is very likely that Chirs may never have met his wonderful wife Kate, who was marketing director for Top Cow during Mike’s entire tenure and helped preview Fathom in Orlando at the MegaCon in 1998 and later that year in Chicago with the #1 Wizard World variant. Honestly if it wasn’t for Michael Turner, Chris and Kate Conklin, or Thomas and Jacqueline Jay then I doubt I would have ever reached any form of success in this industry.

   Another thing I will always remember Mike for, his ability to attract females into the comic book industry as fans. Maybe it was his charm, good looks, and good will towards others. Possibly the fact he would never leave his post during a signing, no matter how many people were still in line. I have seen as many female customers buy Fathom, Witchblade, and Soulfire as males. That is something to be said in an industry predominantly male, with comics geared towards males. There are so many people in the world of comics that owe nearly everything to Mike. I think most acknowledge that. Mike passing is a major blow to the world of comics.

   Comic Central will continue to support all of Aspen Comics new projects and hope the fans will continue to support them as well. Michael Turner, thank you for everything, you will be greatly missed by myself and my fellow colleagues.

   Tyson Schneider
   President, Owner, Manager
   Comic Central
   http://www.comic-central.com

2. aspen // Dec 26, 2008 at 4:32 pm

   As a female, I have to say that I love Mike’a art. which is so femine yet strong I hope to one day be a comic book artist and it’s all from the very first comic I bought, Witchblade # 25…that started my passion for the stories and pictures. Mike to me was the very best and always will be my favorite artist. RIP!