Comments on: Fans Remember Mike http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/ Remembering a true comic art master Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:54:36 -0700 hourly 1 By: Ashermerkabah http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-38 Ashermerkabah Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:54:36 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-38 I've always been into comics, starting with Spiderman back when I was in the third grade in 91 or 92. I even amassed a rather large collection of comic cards. The fantasy always drew me right in (no pun intended). Instead of getting an allowance for chores like most children, my mother agreed to taking my little brother and I to the comic book store once a week to pick up one title, up to $5. My brother was always into Wolverine, and would pick up a back issue and I would pick up a Marvel title, usually Spiderman or X-Men. One day in 1995 on the wall where my local comic shop had all the "high dollar, premium back issues" I saw the #1 Witchblade. I must have sat there for 10 minutes staring at it, how beautiful this witchblade character was, so strong, so sensual, the style touched a chord in my very soul, love at first sight. It hit me like a ton of bricks. At that moment I got my mother, who was helping my brother find a certain Wolverine title. My parents didn't make much money back then and with that in mind I tried not to get my hopes up and went to ask her if I could have it anyways. It was $35...She reminded me the rules of our deal, which I new was coming. I was ready with my rebuttal, telling her I was willing to strike up another deal. I told her that if she got me that comic book she wouldn't have to buy me any new comic books for two months afterward. She hesitantly agreed, probably not sure if I meant it, but I implored that I would stick to my side of the deal. After getting home and carefully reading the comic something like 5 times I sat content, for at least a few hours. I couldn't stop thanking my mother that day for the comic and I worked extra hard at my chores for after then. I must admit I completely forgot about the other titles I was currently collecting and even went back the following weeks with my Marvel comics to eagerly trade in for ANYTHING Michael Turner had his hand in. I had been drawing since I was 7 or 8 years old and he was my new hero at that point. When I was using myspace, I friended Aspen Comics and wrote a long comment (much like this one) on the page and not 2 or 3 days later I got a personal message from none other than Michael Turner himself!! I never thought one could get star struck over the internet, but there I was, light headed and smiling like a powerball winner. I must have read that message 100 times. It wasn't a short "thanks for your comment" message either. He addressed me by name, and spoke very humbly, person to person, on the same level. He thanked me for his kind words and said that my comment made him feel so good that he thought he would pass it around the Aspen office (as I was thanking him and everyone that worked so hard to bring out such amazing titles). His message was a good paragraph long. Fast forward a year or so and there I was in Phoenix going to college, and with a perfect attendance record to boot! I was driving to school one day in early July, listening to the radio and the DJ mentioned about a comic book artist dying the friday before. When they said it was Michael Turner, I immediately called my mother back in CO and told her. She said she thought she heard but wasn't sure if that was "my guy", referring to the artist I was collecting comics from for so many years. I said yes and she knew I was broken up. I couldn't stop crying. I turned my car around and drove right back home. A bunch of my friends from class called my phone, they thought I was dead because I never missed class. I couldn't bear to go to class, I couldn't hold myself together long enough to focus on anything but the loss I felt. Over the years I had collected anything I could afford to get my hands on of his, even going into a bidding war on a Soulfire Limited Edition Pittsburgh OP, that I finally one, paying over $300 for. I knew I had to have it there was only 50 of them and it just so happened to be #10 of the 10 "Artist Proof" versions, so only 9 others existed out of the 50. After all this, being someone who's never actually really "met" Michael Turner, I can't even begin to imagine how his family and friends must feel with this. I want to wish those people as well as all his fans who feel the same way I do about this person that wasn't just a great artist, but also someone who was very humble, and treated his fans like extended family. I'll always remember Mike and how seeing that first Witchblade #1 hanging on the wall made me feel those 15 years ago, a feeling that has kept me enthralled through all his work, falling in love again and again....and remembering how he treated me with such kindness and uniqueness when I finally was able to contact him through the internet. He will truly be missed by all. Rest In Peace Mike, I hope you don't mind I call you that, I feel like we've come that far by now. Joshua Romo I’ve always been into comics, starting with Spiderman back when I was in the third grade in 91 or 92. I even amassed a rather large collection of comic cards. The fantasy always drew me right in (no pun intended). Instead of getting an allowance for chores like most children, my mother agreed to taking my little brother and I to the comic book store once a week to pick up one title, up to $5. My brother was always into Wolverine, and would pick up a back issue and I would pick up a Marvel title, usually Spiderman or X-Men. One day in 1995 on the wall where my local comic shop had all the “high dollar, premium back issues” I saw the #1 Witchblade. I must have sat there for 10 minutes staring at it, how beautiful this witchblade character was, so strong, so sensual, the style touched a chord in my very soul, love at first sight. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

At that moment I got my mother, who was helping my brother find a certain Wolverine title. My parents didn’t make much money back then and with that in mind I tried not to get my hopes up and went to ask her if I could have it anyways. It was $35…She reminded me the rules of our deal, which I new was coming. I was ready with my rebuttal, telling her I was willing to strike up another deal. I told her that if she got me that comic book she wouldn’t have to buy me any new comic books for two months afterward. She hesitantly agreed, probably not sure if I meant it, but I implored that I would stick to my side of the deal.

After getting home and carefully reading the comic something like 5 times I sat content, for at least a few hours. I couldn’t stop thanking my mother that day for the comic and I worked extra hard at my chores for after then. I must admit I completely forgot about the other titles I was currently collecting and even went back the following weeks with my Marvel comics to eagerly trade in for ANYTHING Michael Turner had his hand in. I had been drawing since I was 7 or 8 years old and he was my new hero at that point.

When I was using myspace, I friended Aspen Comics and wrote a long comment (much like this one) on the page and not 2 or 3 days later I got a personal message from none other than Michael Turner himself!! I never thought one could get star struck over the internet, but there I was, light headed and smiling like a powerball winner. I must have read that message 100 times. It wasn’t a short “thanks for your comment” message either. He addressed me by name, and spoke very humbly, person to person, on the same level. He thanked me for his kind words and said that my comment made him feel so good that he thought he would pass it around the Aspen office (as I was thanking him and everyone that worked so hard to bring out such amazing titles). His message was a good paragraph long.

Fast forward a year or so and there I was in Phoenix going to college, and with a perfect attendance record to boot! I was driving to school one day in early July, listening to the radio and the DJ mentioned about a comic book artist dying the friday before. When they said it was Michael Turner, I immediately called my mother back in CO and told her. She said she thought she heard but wasn’t sure if that was “my guy”, referring to the artist I was collecting comics from for so many years. I said yes and she knew I was broken up. I couldn’t stop crying. I turned my car around and drove right back home. A bunch of my friends from class called my phone, they thought I was dead because I never missed class. I couldn’t bear to go to class, I couldn’t hold myself together long enough to focus on anything but the loss I felt.

Over the years I had collected anything I could afford to get my hands on of his, even going into a bidding war on a Soulfire Limited Edition Pittsburgh OP, that I finally one, paying over $300 for. I knew I had to have it there was only 50 of them and it just so happened to be #10 of the 10 “Artist Proof” versions, so only 9 others existed out of the 50.

After all this, being someone who’s never actually really “met” Michael Turner, I can’t even begin to imagine how his family and friends must feel with this. I want to wish those people as well as all his fans who feel the same way I do about this person that wasn’t just a great artist, but also someone who was very humble, and treated his fans like extended family. I’ll always remember Mike and how seeing that first Witchblade #1 hanging on the wall made me feel those 15 years ago, a feeling that has kept me enthralled through all his work, falling in love again and again….and remembering how he treated me with such kindness and uniqueness when I finally was able to contact him through the internet. He will truly be missed by all. Rest In Peace Mike, I hope you don’t mind I call you that, I feel like we’ve come that far by now.

Joshua Romo

]]> By: Brendan http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-36 Brendan Tue, 18 May 2010 13:13:49 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-36 The first comics I ever owned were probably Aliens, Predator, and some Lobo, wll of which were given to me by my late Uncle. And while I read, and enjoyed, them, they never really grabbed me and got me hooked - Mike did. I was fortunate enough to have access to a number of good comic shops, here in the UK, and also fortunate that the guy who ran one of them, Richard, was so good at determining what his customers would enjoy. He introduced me to Witchblade and The Darkness, and, later, Fathom. The artwork that Mike produced, day in day out, is nothing short of spectacular. I love readnig the comics, but I can just look at the drawings for hours, marvelling in the talent that was prematurely taken from us. Having come into comics quite late, I've missed a lot of his works, but thanks to the internet I'm slowly getting there. The great man may be gone, but his memories and his legacy remain, to be enjoyed by all. We miss you Mike, but know that you're in a better place and watching over the loved ones you left behind. Rest In Peace. The first comics I ever owned were probably Aliens, Predator, and some Lobo, wll of which were given to me by my late Uncle. And while I read, and enjoyed, them, they never really grabbed me and got me hooked – Mike did. I was fortunate enough to have access to a number of good comic shops, here in the UK, and also fortunate that the guy who ran one of them, Richard, was so good at determining what his customers would enjoy. He introduced me to Witchblade and The Darkness, and, later, Fathom. The artwork that Mike produced, day in day out, is nothing short of spectacular. I love readnig the comics, but I can just look at the drawings for hours, marvelling in the talent that was prematurely taken from us. Having come into comics quite late, I’ve missed a lot of his works, but thanks to the internet I’m slowly getting there. The great man may be gone, but his memories and his legacy remain, to be enjoyed by all. We miss you Mike, but know that you’re in a better place and watching over the loved ones you left behind. Rest In Peace.

]]> By: Spartan212 http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-34 Spartan212 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:22:01 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-34 Wow i have been out of the loop' I just found out today about Michael Turner's death. I am deeply saddened by the lose of such an amazing artist. As an artist and avid Marvel fan i have loved and been inspired by his work for years now. I just can't believe it. He will be missed greatly. Thanks Michael for creating the best work i've ever seen and for setting a bar i hope to one day reach with my own. Rest in peace. Wow i have been out of the loop’ I just found out today about Michael Turner’s death. I am deeply saddened by the lose of such an amazing artist. As an artist and avid Marvel fan i have loved and been inspired by his work for years now. I just can’t believe it. He will be missed greatly. Thanks Michael for creating the best work i’ve ever seen and for setting a bar i hope to one day reach with my own. Rest in peace.

]]> By: Vixey http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-33 Vixey Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:27:51 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-33 I have been a fan of comics for my whole childhood and still am as a teen. The first art I saw of Mike's was in the first volume of Teen Titans. It was perhaps the most amazing comic art and by far my favorite, but i had not discovered any others thus far. Just yesterday I realized it was too late. I began to model my style off of his these past years. I adore his art and love the creator of this site for easy viewing of his pieces. Thanks for making the world more beautiful and inspiring me to be a better artist. Vixey♥ I have been a fan of comics for my whole childhood and still am as a teen. The first art I saw of Mike’s was in the first volume of Teen Titans. It was perhaps the most amazing comic art and by far my favorite, but i had not discovered any others thus far. Just yesterday I realized it was too late. I began to model my style off of his these past years. I adore his art and love the creator of this site for easy viewing of his pieces.

Thanks for making the world more beautiful and inspiring me to be a better artist.

Vixey♥

]]> By: chiara http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-32 chiara Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:01:56 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-32 I knew that he had been diagnosed with cancer .. but I learned only recently that Michael died last year, the news still haunts me ... For drawings of Michael, it was love at first sight .. I remember the first time I saw the look of Witchblade in a poster, I was in disbelief .. it was so vivid, sensual, and decided that I could not help but ask Who was the author. Michael inspired me in the drawing, his comics are art .. You were great and you will be single .. rest in peace .. Chiara I knew that he had been diagnosed with cancer .. but I learned only recently that Michael died last year, the news still haunts me …
For drawings of Michael, it was love at first sight .. I remember the first time I saw the look of Witchblade in a poster, I was in disbelief .. it was so vivid, sensual, and decided that I could not help but ask Who was the author.
Michael inspired me in the drawing, his comics are art .. You were great and you will be single ..
rest in peace ..
Chiara

]]> By: aeva-23 http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-31 aeva-23 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:14:41 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-31 I live in england where there aren't much places you can find comics, so i would spend my school lunch times looking up comics. I was searching up charachters with water manipulation abilities and Aspen Matthews was at the top of the list, i remeber looking at Michael Turners art and thinking Oh My God, this guys unbelievably amazing. Only two weeks later, i visited the Top Cow site, and the first thing that came up was a slide-show which said Michael Turner Rest In Peace Forever. I thought they were talking about someone else so went to wikipedia, which was when i realised he had passed. I could'nt beleive it, i was utterly and completely gutted. My brother got me some Fathom comics that he could find and every day i sit and stare at them wondering how he was able to draw like that. He's truly an awesomely amazing artist. I live in england where there aren’t much places you can find comics, so i would spend my school lunch times looking up comics. I was searching up charachters with water manipulation abilities and Aspen Matthews was at the top of the list, i remeber looking at Michael Turners art and thinking Oh My God, this guys unbelievably amazing. Only two weeks later, i visited the Top Cow site, and the first thing that came up was a slide-show which said Michael Turner Rest In Peace Forever. I thought they were talking about someone else so went to wikipedia, which was when i realised he had passed. I could’nt beleive it, i was utterly and completely gutted. My brother got me some Fathom comics that he could find and every day i sit and stare at them wondering how he was able to draw like that. He’s truly an awesomely amazing artist.

]]> By: jpalazzolo4 http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-30 jpalazzolo4 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:08:24 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-30 Just recently I did a college project where you had to pick any artist of your interest and put his/her information on all six sides of a small square box. It was a pretty cool project. I picked Michael as my artist. We actually have a little in common. I took martial arts and play video games when I get the chance. I'm an inspiring comic book artist as well and I'm trying to get a character that I created up and running just like Mike did before he had any known characters. When I found out about his death on June 27 (the same day as my birthday) I was in awe. I thought he had been doing better with his cancer from the last article I read about him. I never got to meet him. I wish I could have, but when I look at his artwork, it inspires me to keep doing mine. He is and always will be one of my favorite comic book artists. Just recently I did a college project where you had to pick any artist of your interest and put his/her information on all six sides of a small square box. It was a pretty cool project. I picked Michael as my artist. We actually have a little in common. I took martial arts and play video games when I get the chance. I’m an inspiring comic book artist as well and I’m trying to get a character that I created up and running just like Mike did before he had any known characters. When I found out about his death on June 27 (the same day as my birthday) I was in awe. I thought he had been doing better with his cancer from the last article I read about him. I never got to meet him. I wish I could have, but when I look at his artwork, it inspires me to keep doing mine. He is and always will be one of my favorite comic book artists.

]]> By: Captain Cure http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-29 Captain Cure Sat, 08 Aug 2009 07:43:06 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-29 When I started to draw, for money, like that happens, anyways I was commissioned for a few ladies to grace the cover of a calender, it was Michael's art that helped me to build a refine their look. I had to check out more, and I found that both of us were fighting sarcoma, mine osteosarcome, and I instantly felt a kinship to him. I knew kinda what was involved in this fight. We both loved our professions, and life. I have sinced then started a series of comics called Captain Cure that tell a story of fighting this ruthless disease, and Michael had a lot to do with it, he inspired me to move forward and use whatever gifts afforded to me to fight, I miss him. When I started to draw, for money, like that happens, anyways I was commissioned for a few ladies to grace the cover of a calender, it was Michael’s art that helped me to build a refine their look. I had to check out more, and I found that both of us were fighting sarcoma, mine osteosarcome, and I instantly felt a kinship to him. I knew kinda what was involved in this fight. We both loved our professions, and life. I have sinced then started a series of comics called Captain Cure that tell a story of fighting this ruthless disease, and Michael had a lot to do with it, he inspired me to move forward and use whatever gifts afforded to me to fight, I miss him.

]]> By: fujimiya http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-28 fujimiya Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:32:23 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-28 Mike's arts have big influences in my career as a photographer, especially in portraiture & model fields. I remember back when I was in my early years in university, I took photography major. But I don't know what kind of field will I take. Coz in photography, there're lots of fields, such as journalism, products, interior, fashion, portraiture, etc. But after I saw some of his excellent arts in witchblade (that's the main reason why I collect comics!! & I always bought all of his comics and still trying to collect every issues that he drew), it made me realize that through his arts, I can do like he does, creating masterpiece arts. And everytime I'm doing a fashion/model photography, I always have mike's arts as references, like the poses he drew, or the mood he created...So, in the end, I just wanna say that I really gonna miss him & his arts, farewell.... for some portfolios that I shots, based on several mike's arts, u can visit my blog at www.fujimiyagokunaga.blogspot.com Mike’s arts have big influences in my career as a photographer, especially in portraiture & model fields. I remember back when I was in my early years in university, I took photography major. But I don’t know what kind of field will I take. Coz in photography, there’re lots of fields, such as journalism, products, interior, fashion, portraiture, etc. But after I saw some of his excellent arts in witchblade (that’s the main reason why I collect comics!! & I always bought all of his comics and still trying to collect every issues that he drew), it made me realize that through his arts, I can do like he does, creating masterpiece arts. And everytime I’m doing a fashion/model photography, I always have mike’s arts as references, like the poses he drew, or the mood he created…So, in the end, I just wanna say that I really gonna miss him & his arts, farewell….

for some portfolios that I shots, based on several mike’s arts, u can visit my blog at http://www.fujimiyagokunaga.blogspot.com

]]> By: Lady K http://michaelturnershrine.com/2008/07/16/fans-remember-mike/comment-page-1/#comment-27 Lady K Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:50:53 +0000 http://michaelturnershrine.com/?p=24#comment-27 I have always been a comic fan, but until I first saw Michael Turner's art, I never before had a favorite artist. He will always be my fave and I thank him for that gift. I love everything and anything he did and would have done. For me, Mike will forever be the greatest. I have always been a comic fan, but until I first saw Michael Turner’s art, I never before had a favorite artist. He will always be my fave and I thank him for that gift. I love everything and anything he did and would have done. For me, Mike will forever be the greatest.

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