Anticipated news for fans of the late Michael Turner broke from Aspen early this morning. Since Turner’s tragic passing this past June, there have been rumblings of an industry-wide tribute book being put together in his honor. We just learned from Aspen themselves that the rumblings have solidified into a final, purchasable piece.
The press release included thoughts from several of the creators on the project:
Frank Mastromauro: “Those first couple of months after Mike’s passing were pretty unbearable for us, but thankfully we had a lot of great friends and colleagues around the industry to lean on and lend a hand, or shoulder. So many people were asking what we’d be doing for Mike, and this tribute book came to life. I can’t express how grateful we are to everyone who took time out to participate in this issue. It’s the most meaningful book we’ve ever done as a company, and the amount of support we received for this tribute book was truly overwhelming.”
Jeph Loeb: “When Aspen (Frank, Peter, Vince) asked about doing this tribute book you could put a razor blade between “Do you want — ” and my “Hell, yes!” Mike was a friend — the best kind — but he also was a supreme talent. Being able to be a small part in this tribute is privilege and an honor. He’s missed, but this is a chance to see how others saw him. We have to keep telling stories about Mike — it’s how he lives on!”
Francis Manapul: “Mike and the Aspen crew are like family to me and contributing to the book was the very least I could do. I think it’s great that Mike’s characters will continue, and with some great artists contributing, hopefully it will help spread the word about Mike’s fantastic creations. I really have mixed feelings about this in that I wished we didn’t have to do this at all and that Mike was still here, but through his creations his legacy will continue.”
Brad Meltzer: “This book isn’t about mourning Michael Turner; or even remembering him. It’s about sharing him. With you.”
Tim Townsend: “Michael Turner was a son, a friend, a brother, a teacher, an inspiration, and a force of nature. The hole Mike’s passing has left in our lives can only be eclipsed by the wonderful memories he left in his wake. Mike celebrated life every single day. We gather here together to continue the celebration.”
David Wohl: “Michael Turner was one of the most respected and admired creators in the comics industry…as well as a good friend. And now, myself and a host of phenomenal writers and artists have the opportunity to join with his many fans across the world to celebrate the man and his art in this special tribute book from Michael’s own Aspen Comics.”
The book will be a guaranteed collectors item – with over 80 pages of original artwork, remembrance and more. Titled “A Tribute to Michael Turner,” the book has become one of the largest collaborations between industry professionals ever. Highlights of the book include, a first time compilation cover by Michael Turner and Alex Ross, an introduction by Michel Turner’s mother Grace Crick, special tributes from the Aspen Comics staff, over 40 all-new original pieces of art from the industry’s top creators and artists, words of remembrance and unique tributes from the industry’s top writers, editors, and friends of Turner, and a special section featuring fan art produced in honor of Michael Turner’s life and creations.
All who have collaborated on the book are listed below:
Agnes Garbowska
Ale Garza
Alex Garner
Alex Konat
Alex Ross
Alex Sinclair
Andy Smith
Beth Sotelo
Billy Tan
Brad Meltzer
Billy Tucci
Brandon Peterson
Buzz
CB Cebulski
Chris Moreno
Christina Strain
Dan Didio
David Finch
Dan Fraga
David Wohl
Dene Mason
Don Ho
Eddie Berganza
Eddie Nunez
Eduardo Francisco
Eric Basaldua
Francisco Herrera
Francis Manapul
Frank Mastromauro
Gary Frank
Geoff Johns
Grace Crick
Greg Pak
Humberto Ramos
Jason Eden
Jason Rubin
Jeph Loeb
J. Scott Campbell
Jim Lee
Jim McLauchlin
Joe Benitez
Joe Madureira
Joe Quesada
Joel Gomez
John Starr
Josh Reed
JD Smith
JJ Kirby
J.T. Krul
Leonardo Olea
Lori Hanson
Marc Andreyko
Marc Silvestri
Marcus To
Mark Roslan
Megan Fox
Micah Gunnell
Michael Birkhofer
Michael Gaydos
Oliver Nome
Paul Jenkins
Peter Steigerwald
Randy Green
Richard Isanove
Richard Starkings
Rob Liefeld
Sam Campos
Sana Takeda
Simone Bianchi
Simone Peruzzi
Stephen Platt
Siya Oum
Talent Caldwell
Tim Townsend
Vince Hernandez
The final product is guaranteed to be in stores Wednesday, November 5. We recommend you call your local comic shop today and reserve this inspirational piece of industry history.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I will. He was an incredible person and I miss him not only as a comic professional, but having met him a few times, I miss him as a person I had the pleasure of knowing.
October 30th, 2008 at 10:43 am
That’s really, really awesome.
October 30th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I will for sure be getting this. No question.